Accurate rotary cutting on cutting mats.. can you help me?
08-25-2010, 05:35 PM
#51
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kentucky live in WV
Posts: 8,482
I can so relate to all "life's happenings" and "forever to finish a quilt." I thought I was the only one.
Originally Posted by kapatt
I just wanted to add that when you sew on your quilt, you should first do a test-strip to make sure that your settings on your sewing machine, your cutting and your pressing are accurate. To do that, you should cut two or three pieces of strips equal width, sew them together and then press them. See if the test strips come out at the right width. If they don't, then make the adjustments you need to make so that they are accurate.
Example...take three 2" strips and sew them side-by-side. After ironing they should measure out to 5 1/2 inches wide.
Because of all of life's happenings, it can take me forever to finish a quilt. I make periodic test-strips throughout my quilt making process just because the settings can be messed with or changed without me realizing it.
Example...take three 2" strips and sew them side-by-side. After ironing they should measure out to 5 1/2 inches wide.
Because of all of life's happenings, it can take me forever to finish a quilt. I make periodic test-strips throughout my quilt making process just because the settings can be messed with or changed without me realizing it.
08-25-2010, 05:45 PM
#53
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Palmdale, California
Posts: 657
This has been a problem for me as well. I am always struggling with it so the owner of the fabric shop I go to told me just to be consistent with where you are placing the ruler, whether you follow the ruler lines or the mat lines. I still have problems.
08-25-2010, 06:12 PM
#54
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Springfield,Or.
Posts: 491
I found for me the trick was measuring twice, then cutting. I think I got this trick from my late husband. He did finished carpentry.
Also check your seam allowance often. One of my favorite machines is from the 70s and the pressure foot works loose.
Happy sewing
GloBug :)
Also check your seam allowance often. One of my favorite machines is from the 70s and the pressure foot works loose.
Happy sewing
GloBug :)
08-25-2010, 08:21 PM
#55
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Some where in way out West Texas
Posts: 3,041
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!
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!
I know exactly what you mean, I hope I can explain it to you the way I do it.
I don't use my mat for cutting, I use my ruler. I was getting mine a little off when I would line the ruler up and cut. I finally figured out what I was doing wrong or at least it seems like it was wrong for me. when I watched a friend cut fabric. She used her ruler and lined the edge of the fabric up with the right side of the ruler line and then cut.If that makes sense to you I was always placing the line of the ruler on the edge of the fabric so that the line was exactly on the edge, but now I place it to the edge and then cut on the outside or right of the line just the width of the lines has made a difference in my measurements. I find my measurements are more accurate than before. I hope this makes sense. I don't know how to post pic. yet or I would post a pic. and show you what I mean. Gerbie
08-25-2010, 08:30 PM
#56
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dracut, MA
Posts: 135
I also use the back side of the mat and rulers from the same manufacturer (except for specialty rulers). This stops me from using the lines on the mat and is much less distracting when the mat is just a solid color! The first time I heard of doing this was when I took a workshop with Kaye England - and my cutting has improved a lot.
08-25-2010, 08:53 PM
#57
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 997
Originally Posted by JustBonnie2
I only use the mat and have never had a problem. I think because I use the mat ALL the time, it comes back to that consistency thing. I don't know how you would cut a 15" square or an 18" square without using the lines on the mat. I don't have a ruler that big! I think one thing everybody said is right - - BE CONSISTENT!
08-26-2010, 01:59 AM
#59
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Queensland Australia
Posts: 1,388
If you HAVE to use your mat make your measurement on the outside of the line. On the ruler do the same OUTSIDE that will give you a more accurate measurement. I myself would never use the mat as the lines are not always straight.
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