How to cut a 9 inch strip?? Just use the mat for a guide?
 

My next quilts are going to be bed covers for my kiddos twin sized beds. The pattern they each chose needs 9.5 inch squares. (I'm thrilled it's a super easy looking pattern- LOL). But my ruler is 6' x 24". I was going to buy a new ruler, but the largest I seem to see is 8.5 inches wide, unless they're squares...

My sister has a 12 inch square ruler and I asked to borrow it. Would that work or should I just use the cutting mat as a guide? My mat is from Fiskars, the grey one...

Thanks for the help. Hope this doesn't seem like a silly question!!

You can use the 6x24 and the 12 in square. Measure the 9" with the 12 in square and place the long ruler next to it and remove the 12". Be sure to square up the fabric with the long ruler before you start cutting the 9 in strips and check it after each 9" cut. Hope this makes sense to you.

I use my mat measurements for large strips. You will then need to use it for any other strips to remain consistent. Have you laid your ruler on the mat lines to see if they line up? My rulers and mat matches; thus I have had no problem cutting using the mat lines.

I use my mat measurements too. It always works fie for me.

I say borrow the ruler. That way you know that the blocks you cut are going to be perfectly square. Saves time too when you have the right equipment for the right job. Good luck!

I would use the two ruler method. That's how I was taught at the LQS.

I would use the 6 X 24 for the cutting edge and use a smaller one next to it and run it up and down the fabric to make sure the 6 X 24 was lined up properly.

If you wanted to, you could just use the 12 1/2 inch ruler and scoot it a couple of times. For me it would take positioning it 3 times because I would want to have plenty of cut edge to line up for a straight cut.

I, too, would double check the measurements of your ruler vs your mat. If they match up, just use the cutting lines on your mat. If they don't match, then it would be best to continue to use the cutting lines on your mat for the additional cuts. It sounds like it's a fairly simple pattern so you shouldn't have too many odd-ball (eighth inch) measurements to work with and the mat should be fine. As long as you are consistent in your measuring implements throughout a project it really doesn't matter which way you go. IMO.

Here's another method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwSjN1MB3wI

I put two rulers next to one another when I have to cut wider strips than I have rulers.

Cheers, K

Or if you want to buy something you can get the June Tailer strip cutter ruler. I love it.

http://www.junetailor.com/shapecutvideo.htm

If you don't have or want to have 2 of the 6"x24" rulers, this is the best way to go.

I have four 6x24" rulers. I use painters blue tape to hold two rulers together when I need one large than my 8-1/2 x 24" ruler, works everytime.

Thank you ALL for your help!! I'm going to do some experimenting/ checking with what I have... I am not opposed to buying a new mat and mine is starting to show some wear and is slivering on one side.

This board is amazing and I so appreciate the help!! :)

I would recommend June Tailor's Shape Cut Ruler. It makes cutting strips a breeze.

If I have to make a cut that is larger than my largest ruler, I use two rulers next to each other.

I use the square ruler all the time. Actually, I bought a set when it was on sale at Joann's.

Omgosh!! I wasn't able to watch the videos earlier as I was at work st lunchtime. Those rulers look amazing! I prefer strip quilting for its ease and speed. I put the rulers on my amazon wish list.

I recommend the two ruler method - you know your fabric will be on grain.

Sounds possible. Interesting idea. Have never thought of doing this.
I have the Creative Grids 20 1/2 " sq ruler-I think I'd give it a try.
Or I'd use the lines on the mat.

I know everyone says DO NOT use the mat to measure but I have checked the measurements on my mat and they match the Olfa ruler I use. I even measured all of the lines to see if they were all the same. I'm holding an umbrella over my head as I type this because I know there are quilters who are going to rain on me for this admission (smile).

I used this method before I bought the June Tailor Shape Up ruler. Borrow the 12" ruler, fold your fabric twice, make the first 9" cut the turn the strip and make the second cut.

Thank you!!

I feel so silly, but never though to fold my fabric twice until I watched a you tube video yesterday...

Thanks for the suggestion- your quilt in your avatar is gorgeous so you certainly know what you're doing!!

No rain here, just sunshine!! I am NOT the quilting police!

Most of the quilts I make, the measurements need to be consistant so which ever way I start measuring, I continue throughout the quilt.

I think I need one of these too! She makes it look so easy...

I definitely would measure my mat and if it is true - use it.

My sister told me about going to her local Lowes store and having them cut her the size squares, rectangles etc. from the plexiglass they have in the store. Very inexpensive to do. However, you must stress how important it is that they be perfectly square. One drawback is they don't have the lines for measuring. Whatever size you need, just be sure you add the seam allowance. Hope this helps.

I love my strip cut ruler!

Once you get your measurement with your smaller ruler, you can butt a longer construction level up against it to use as your straight edge, or a yard stick...or any other clean straight edge just so you have the longer length for the cut. DH gave me an AWESOME heavy duty straight edge- it's either 48" or 60" long...not sure where he got it...but it's perfect for longer cuts. Also snagged his metal construction square, which also comes in very handy.
The straight edge is heavy enough that it doesn't require a lot of pressure to hold it steady to make the long cut.

WOW! Is that SLICK!

I would keep in mind that the woman in this video is "Left" handed or truly ambidextrous. I being VERY right handed find that the 2 ruler approach gives me true cuts everytime.

with 9" squares if you are off a thread or two it won't matter.
Just make sure you measure the lines on the mat and always line up on the same side of the line on the mat

I'm confused about whether you want a 9" unfinished block, which gives you an 8.5" sewn/pieced block, or a 9.5 inch unfinished block that gives you a 9" sewn/pieced block.

I only bring this up because I've measured twice with the wrong measurement (used the finished size of the block to cut, not the unsewn size) and therefore cut wrong...a painful, expensive mistake!

The advice you've been given by others is good. Now you just have to figure out which method will work for you.

One hint - if you're cutting folded fabric, press the folds with your iron. Can't remember where I learned that trick, but it seems to minimize 'elbows' made when cutting through the fold.

Good luck on your quilt!

I bought a 24" square ruller for just that reason. I sometimes have to cut blocks/strips over 6 1/2" and this ruler allows me to do that easily with out having to put 2 rulers together. I got it at Joann's with %off coupon so price was not too bad. Well worth the money Also I have a 12" square ruller that I think I bought as a set(always at joann's with % off coupon). I do not use my mat lines for accurate cutting.

I use multiple rulers. I have gotten into trouble in the past using the mat measurements so I'll never do that again.

Go to your local glass company and ask them to cut you a plexiglass square the size you want. Tell them it has to be exact because of what you are going to do with it.

Or, use the 12 inch square you probably already have. Fiddle with it long enough and you'll see that it has nine inch lines all the way around and you can lay it on your fabric to get any size you want that doesn't exceed the size of the ruler. froggyintexas

I often cut larger strips of fabric using my 12.5" square ruler. I would cut the 9.5" strips, then subcut into 9.5" squares. I also use my 12.5" square when cutting multiple strips, like 3.5", I would cut at 10.5", 7" and 3.5". I had seen a quilt teacher on TV cut this way - after straightening the end, I would subcut the strips and never move the ruler, makes for more accurate cuts this way. I know this may be confusing, but use the method that works best for you. I will say that I seldom use the cutting mat to cut squares or strips, but that's just me.

I never use the mat as a guide. I learned early on that the fabric can move and my cuts might not be accurate. With the ruler holding the fabric, it will be more accurate. It is not hard to use two rulers.

There are many ways to cut strips, just find the one that works best with the tools you have. I generally don't use the mat as my guide, although I have checked the grid and it is accurate. I was taught that the reason we shouldn't use the mat in this way is because by cutting on the lines, we would tend to cut in the same places all the time, and this leads to premature wear on the mat, causing grooves or slivering of the mat surface.

I have the June Tailor shape cut ruler and like it a lot. Just be absolutely sure you are in the right slot before making your cut. Learned that the hard way. :(

Here is a video from Marci Baker, the first several minutes of which shows how she cuts strips. Her mat has no lines on one side and she prefers to use that for less "visual noise". Her method of establishing a straight edge is one I had not seen before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ6oBkgGyvo

I tried to edit my title, but it wouldn't let me. I need 9.5 inch squares, not 9 inch squares so the finished square will be 9 inches.

I picked up my sisters 12 inch square yesterday and am going to try the double folded (after ironing) method.