bearisgray

I hate when that happens - :oops:

donnajean

I line my ruler up with the markings on the mat (look at top & bottom) before cutting. I think that puts the rotary cutter in the center of the cutting line. I put the squared up edge under the ruler & measure with the ruler

Linda B

I really like to use a Gingher ruler and a Gingher or Fiskars mat. The lines are thinner and I think it is easier to get accuracy. If you can't do that, try lining up your fabric at the line, place your ruler where you want to cut. Then before cutting, get a small ruler (I use the one with the slidey thing in it) and check the measurement from the edge of the fabric to the edge of the placed ruler. If that jives with what you are after, then make sure when you cut that you hold the rotary cutter in a straight up and down position relative to the edge of the ruler.

Another trick -- after you have your ruler placed is to see if the quarter inch and eighth inch marks on your ruler match up at the top of the mat and at the bottom of the mat. These lines are usually thinner on the ruler and on the mat and can help in accurate placement.

Again, as others have said, whatever method you use, be consistant.

Linda B

Oh, another thing -- check your ruler with another ruler. I actually have one that has a little more than 1/16th extra width in the first quarter inch. It drives me crazy!

arpdesigns28

Well, it depends on the proportions that one would need or want to achieve to make something 5 1/2", although it is a little easier to just keep the finished piece after seam allowances at 5". For example, the quilt I am working on right now, drawn out proportionally on CAD, required a 1-1/2" strip at a certain point, with another 1/2" to add after that border as well. It solely depends on the quilter and the intentions they have.

renee765

To be honest, I really wish my piecing was accurate enough that a thicker line on a cutting mat made a difference! I try to be very accurate, but 1/16th of an inch either way is rounding up or down to me.

Maybe my inconsistencies are consistent?

bearisgray

Cut three strips
Sew them together
Press them
Measure them and see what you get
Make adjustments if necessary

cwessel47

I never use the lines on the mat, except to get the fabric basically square to begin with. I cut a straight edge, then use my rulers. If the piece you are cutting is wider than the ruler you are working with - use two rulers. My 12 1/2" square comes in really handy for this. I line up the cut edge to the little spaces in the ruler markings ( at the inch marks). Works for me! Consistency......

fmd36

See...this is just why I haven't been successful. No matter how much (I thought) I was doing it right/the same way, my squares were never consistant. I am certified math handicapped. Perhaps I really should take lessons instead of "winging it"

fatqtrjunkie

I can cut ok, it's my sewing that gets screwy. I made yellow brick road blocks and I used the "shape cutter". It's a large square thing with 1/2" slots for cutting, it worked amazingly well. There is a smaller one with 1/4" slots too. I just stacked a couple layers of fabric, trimed and away I went. Depending on the width of the strip you can cut several before moving the ruler. Give it a try on old scraps.