Originally Posted by Gramie bj
I don't use the numbers on my mat. I measure with my ruler. Lay fabric on mat straight cut on my left lay ruler on fabric line up horizontal line on ruler with bottom and top folds of fabric. Slide to my right until I have say 2 inches under ruler cut with right hand raise ruler. have 2 inch strip. Does this make sence to you?
I agree with Gramie bj. I just finished a beginning quilt class and the instructor taught us to set the straight edge on the right, then turn the mat and fabric together (this way you don't lose your straight edge by moving the fabric itself) so that you work from left to right (and the selvage end is at the bottom of your mat.) She also told us to use the blank side of the cutting mat, NOT to use the lines on the marked side. Using only the ruler is the most accurate way to cut.