Which do you use for cutting
 

The lines on the ruler or the lines on your cutting board? What's prompting this question is that I managed to chew through a fiskars cutting mat in 10 months. i use ruler markings to cut and I' m extremely happy with my accuracy. I hate to change my technique but it's getting expensive on cutting mats. Which do you use and why? Also if any of you have cut old mats what have you used to cut them? Large double-sided cut into six mats (twelve) really that fit on my cut/iron station could save me money.

I use the ruler lines but watch Donna Jordan and she uses the cutting mat lines. I'm sure we will have a big diversity of opinions on mat and ruler brands and techniques.

I gave my old cutting mat to my husband to use in his workshop.

I use both.

I do too. The lines match so I have no problems

I use the ruler lines. I buy a smaller mat to cut on. Cheaper to replace.

I use both, depending on the size of the piece I'm cutting. I checked to make sure the lines of the mat and the ruler are exactly the same. I know this drives the quilting police crazy, so please don't tell them.

I use both also. But be consistent...if you start your project using the ruler, stick with the ruler and the same for the lines on the mat. None of my rulers match the lines on the mat after about 18" and none of my different rulers match each other. Weird...

I also use both, I'm only on my 2nd large cutting mat for the last 25 years so I don't think that is too bad.

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.

I rely on both, but trust my ruler more. I have had the same Olfa mats for years, and have never cut thru them, or had to replace them.

My quilt store uses ruler lines & tilts the yardage a bit when cutting for customers. It preserves their mat.

Someone (not sure who, it was a quilting teacher) said to use the mat to line up fabric so it is straight, but to use the ruler to cut and alway leave the line on the ruler on the fabric.

I think as others have said, as long as you are consistent, and your piecing is accurate and your blocks the size they are supposed to be, it should all be fine