I use the ruler and place the fabric at any angle. That way I don't cut repeated gouges in my mats.

I use both.

I did the same thing. My husband loves it when working on his firearms. Keeps any scratches from forming as it might with setting the firearm directly on the workbench.

I use both a ruler and the cutting mat to line up my cuts or to draw a line with tailors chalk (I love this stuff).

I use both depending on the length of the cuts. I do make sure the brand of the mat and the rulers are the same so that the lengths are calibrated the same.

I only use the lines on the cutting mat when cutting strips. Even then, I only use the horizontal ones to make sure that my selvages are aligned and I can true up the non-selvage edges. It is surprising to me how much it can be off.

Strange that you seem to be going to through so many mats. You must be a prolific quilter! I have a mat that is so old it doesn't have a grid on it. It's just green. But I suppose that makes sense if you are using the lines on the mat, you are cutting in the same place all the time and making the groove deeper and deeper.

Good luck!

I use both- but, why are you going through your cutting mat? I don’t understand why either way would increase wear & tear on your mat. You shouldn’t ever have to press down hard with your cutter- if you need to you need a new blade. My cutting mat - used daily - Lots- has lasted 10 years and counting- some of the lines are worn away. I truly don’t understand why using the mat lines or the ruler lines has any effect on your mat- what am I missing?

I won't tell! Especially since I do the same.

I have a large cutting mat on a table (big enough for garment cutting) and I make sure I cut on different areas of it so that I'm not always cutting in the same place on the mat. I also replace my rotary cutter blades often so the I don't have to press that hard when I cut. Both of these things prolong the life of my mat.

I've also have my mats for years and never cut thru one.

told my husband about this suggestion and he made his thoughtful face.

I will use them both but only one for a given project so I stay accurate.