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Accurate rotary cutting on cutting mats.. can you help me?

Accurate rotary cutting on cutting mats.. can you help me?

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Old 08-25-2010, 03:24 AM
  #31  
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I use both, the lines on the cutting mat to line up 2 sides of the fabric, then I use my ruler, to cut..it works fine and I have not had any problems with things being straight, and i am new to all of this, so if ti works for me..it should work for anyone just about.
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Old 08-25-2010, 05:43 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by kathy
EVERYONE will tell you, "do not use the lines on your mat for measuring" they are good for keeping your fabric straight but use the same ruler to do your measuring.
RIGHT! What she said! Mat measurements are not precise, so don't depend on them for piece measurements. Use a good quality ruler.
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Old 08-25-2010, 06:12 AM
  #33  
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Don't recommend EVER using the MAT lines/grids to make cuts ... ALWAYS use your ruler to measure AND to cut by.
Rulers give you more accuracy and I've seen mats that are not even correct in dim.
Always use the SAME RULER or set of rulers when cutting too ... changing around can make a difference ! :)
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Old 08-25-2010, 06:15 AM
  #34  
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See this thread:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-59056-1.htm

There is a TON of help on there.
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Old 08-25-2010, 06:40 AM
  #35  
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Thank you all so much for your help.

I'm going to try using my ruler only to measure with, and just have the mat for my table protection.

The mat I'm sure was my problem after reading some of your post. I used it to measure and my ruler to line up and cut.

I debated about asking this question because I knew what I was trying to ask but couldn't explain it very well on here. Thank goodness you all understood.
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Old 08-25-2010, 06:55 AM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by sewhappy30
My question... When cutting on my mat, the line's are thicker than my rotary blade of course, so after I have everything lined up do I put my ruler on the line or on one of the sides of the line to get the accurate measurement I need.

I find myself doing different each time, that's why my measurements are off I'm sure.

I know this is probably not clear what I'm trying to ask, but if someone understands and knows which way is accurate please tell me.



For example: If I need to cut it 15", which way would be the most accurate to get that? On the 15" line or on the side of the line, and if on the side, which side right or left?

This is something I've struggled with for a long time. If I knew the right way to do it, it would make my sewing life so much easier. Help!

This is the same question I've wanted to ask. Thanks for all the answers.
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Old 08-25-2010, 07:44 AM
  #37  
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I do not use the lines on my mat for measuring. Rulers for that. I use the lines for keeping the fabric straight on the mat.
Also, I learned in a quilting class, that you should use the same brand of rulers for a project and not intermix. I don't know how true that is.
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Old 08-25-2010, 07:56 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by kathy
EVERYONE will tell you, "do not use the lines on your mat for measuring" they are good for keeping your fabric straight but use the same ruler to do your measuring.
I cringe when I see people do this....straighten your fabric and then (right handed?) line your ruler up on the inches you need with the line of the fuler ON THE FABRIC...not butted up to it but on the fabric. works everytime
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Old 08-25-2010, 08:22 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Sadiemae
Are you saying that you line your fabric up with the lines on the mat? I don't use the lines on my mat, I always use the lines on my rulers.
Ditto here. I've been told so many times by workshop/class teachers NOT to, that I have been traumatized!

8-)
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Old 08-25-2010, 08:27 AM
  #40  
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which line you choose to line up with; inside of line, outside of line really does not matter as much as consistancy! if you choose to line up with the outside edge of the line then everytime you cut you should do it that way. the reason you are having problems is because you are not being consistant. once you decide how you are going to always do it then you need to measure the actual cut piece and determine if doing it that way means you use a scant 1/4" or a regular 1/4" consistancy is the key :)
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