cutting/leveling edges of material
 

Do you quilters use the lines on your cutting board to level/straighten the edges of the material or how do you do it? Someone told me not to use the lines on the cutting board, just use the lines on the ruler to make sure material is cut straight. But, how do I know for sure my ruler is straight, even having a ruler just a little off,will make my cut uneven. What's the best way to cut?

Thanks for your advice
Sharon

I rip my fabric to get the true straight line. Fabric on a bolt is rarely cut straight. I clean it up using my ruler. I rarely rely on the board. They warp much easier than a good ruler.

When the piece is too long for my ruler, I use the mat.
My 24" long ruler is 8 1/2" wide. At the fold of the fabric I line up one of the across lines on the ruler. There's a good book on this "Power Cutting".

I use the mat and ruler. I learned that way and I guess you can't teach an old Dog new tricks.:D

I use my mat and ruler, as long as the lines match there should be no problem

I use the mat lines for straightening only after I have properly checked for true the fold in my material. I then use my rulers for cutting.

I use 2 rulers, like this.

Jan in VA

I have always used both. Great idea Jan!!!!!!

I too am a ripper. I know from almost two years working for a shop that did custom dressmaking and alterations that grain is the secret to good sewing of any kind.

For accuracy, I don't know how you can really use a ruler without using the lines on your mat to line it up all the way across.

I use both mat and ruler for measuring. Sort of depends on what I'm cutting and how it needs to be approached. It's funny how much of this stuff you do without even thinking about it until someone asks a question. There was a thread a couple of days ago about ripping vs. cutting in fabric shops and I was surprised how many people said they preferred to have a fabric purchase cut. I always prefer to have it torn; saves me having to waste fabric establishing a straight edge.

I use Leah Day's way of getting my fabric straight. If you go to Youtube she has a video on how to do it. But basically, you have to hold the selvedges together, but make sure the fold is straight. Move your fabric side-to-side until the fold is even. Then gently lay it down (at this point I press the crease very carefully) then fold in half again, doing the same thing. I always iron the crease because I find I don't get an excess of fabric at the fold. Then I arrange it on the board so that it's even along the bottom and the side, using the lines on the board. I just use 1 ruler to and make sure the fold is even across a mark on the ruler. This works for me.