I was reading another post just now and they mentioned rulers and mats being inaccurate sometimes.
I always measure with my cutting mat. It is the way I learned years ago. I only use my rulers to cut a straight line. I've never noticed any trouble.
Am I in the minority?

I do not use the lines on my cutting mat for measuring.
I use rulers.
Whatever is easier for you I think would be fine.
As a matter of fact, when my mat gets too old, I turn it over on the solid side and use it for a while longer.

i measure with the ruler. i tested my ruler and it is accurate.

I don't use the lines for anything other than lining up my fabric LOL
I tried using them for cutting, and then they didn't measure the same when I switched to my rulers...
But! If it works for you? Go for it :D:D:D

i've used both, if i have to make large cuts i use the lines on the mat for example if i want to cut a yard of fabric, i use the lines on the mat on the ruler is merely a straight edge for the rotary cutter.

I use my rulers to do my measurements when cutting strips and square pieces.

I use only rulers for measuring. I turned my mat over and use the back because I found the lines too confusing when added to the lines on the ruler.

I will use my mat to measure off yards from a bolt. Otherwise, if I'm making something, if I'm measuring wrong on ALL things, then they'll all be wrong together, KWIM? :D

Most of the time I use the rulers but I have been known to use the cutting mat lines. I should probably check and make sure they're in agreement with each other!

I use my ruler most of the time. That being said though if I measure for my borders with the mat then I use the same mat to measure where to cut my border fabric.

I never use the lines on my mat.......I always measure with my rulers.
Do whatever you find works the best for you.

I use my mat with my ruler always. Don't know what I would do without them. Kind of like a security blanket;)

I was taught both ways and have since found that mats & rulers are better now than they used to be, so I use them both..no problems here...

The old cloth tapes stretch. Plastic tapes don't stretch.
Some rotary rulers have thick lines. Some have thin.
Whatever measuring tool I use, I use it throughout a project. Consistently makes for accuracy.

I do both & I learned with the cutting mat lines first, but practice cutting more with the ruler in the past years.

Cutting mat lines get deep crevices, I cut with the backside of the mat.

I use my mat and ruler together I have never had any problem and have had my mat for 16 years now, the lines are starting to fade and I will have to give in and purchase another one, but only if I can find one just like mine. I don't like those olfa mats they don't stand up to the cutting and wear out quickly.

I was taught that mat lines may not be accurate, unlike a ruler's lines, so I only measure with my ruler. The exception is supposed to be the Martelli mat (which I have), but I still use my ruler.

I only use the lines on my mats for a straight edge.

Always measure with my trusty ruler.

I always measure with my ruler. I use the lines on the mat to line fabric straight but for measuring purposes, I was taught to use the ruler. Just what I got used too...

I use the rulers as thats the way I was taught. Also when the mats get old you can fill the tub with cold water and soak them overnight and they rejuvenate themselves. The self healing ones, that is.

Wow interesting question. I have always used my mat. I can't even comprehend how I would use my ruler except for the straight. I think for me it is like being right handed ~ can't use my left hand at all except for holding a baby. That is because I need my right hand free to do everything else :)

Yes use the mat only for lining up the fabric, use the ruler for cutting.

rulers aren't always the same either. just use the same tool throughout the project.

I only use the lines on my rulers. Read in some book when I started using the cutting mats and rotary cutter, not to use the lines on the mats. I started out NOT using them and still don't.

I use the lines on my mat. So far this hasn't caused me any problems.

I only use the cutting mat lines for approximate measuring. I don't pay any attention to the cutting mat lines when cutting fabric. I usually turn my mat over to the blank side so the lines won't be in my way when using the ruler.

I use my rulers and if it's a long length, I use a 120" tape measure. I only use the mat for lining up.

I use both, but only because they're the same brand and the lines match up. But I use the mat lines for inches, I can't get the hang of half and quarter inches on the mat for some reason, but I then line up my ruler lines with the mat lines. The only time I need to be careful is when I need to make 1/8 inch cuts because that ruler is a different brand and doesn't match up right. Lucky for me, I hardly ever make 1/8 inch cuts!

But personally, I think it's consistency that's the best. If you use the same method throughout the project, you won't have a problem

I use both - whatever is easier for the project. Never had a problem.

My mat has lines that are very accurate. No problem so far!

I use both and haven't had any problems.

I use my rulers. I'll use the mat lines for lining up, but then use the measurements on the ruler for cutting. With the exception of some specialty triangle rulers, I only use the Omnigrid rulers.

I use the mat cutting lines for keeping my lines straight and also have used them for the cutting lines while using my metal ruler to keep the cutting straight. I haven't had any problem but we are talking just big squares or sashings. And maybe I cut everything using the cutting mat lines so that keeps it consistent??? Not sure but that's how I've done mine.

I use my mat all the time, but I did measure the mat for accuracy first! I'd be lost without my mat!!!!! Edie

To each their own. Personally, I like using the ruler. I make sure I use only that ruler for the whole project.

I believe you can use any rule or mat to measure, so long as you remain consistent. By that I mean that you use the same measuring instrument throughout the project and don't interchange between the mat and the rule or use any other rules in the process as there will be small inconsistencies in all of them and each minute "wrong" measurement will be multiplied by the number of units you are making and therefore will become a big mistake later.

I use my ruler for measuring and cutting. I took classes from different instructors some said to use the mat and other instructors say to use the ruler but whether you use your mat or ruler be consistent throughout.

I only use rulers , take your rules and try to line them up on your mat , some of mine line up even some are way off , so it is rulers for me .

Ditto. I do the same.