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When I began quilting, I was told NOT to use the lines on the mat because they can become distorted over time as the mat is moved from place to place. The ruler will remain accurate. So, I don't use the mat for cutting.
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I never use the markings on the mat, and always use the plain side of the mat first.
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I use the ruler when I am cutting fabric, I find it easier doing it this way. Everything therefore is cut to the same scale.
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I use them all the time. I line up the salvage of my fabric on the straight line and then use the lines top and bottom to make sure that my ruler is straight. So much easier than dead reckoning.
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I use both. Probably not the most precise, but it works for me. When I have something to cut that is over the width of my ruler (yes, I know that there are techniques for butting up rulers, etc, but....), I use the lines on the mat or the June Tailor ruler.
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I dp both, mostly rulers
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Cutting lines are fine on mats but I generally use the other side and use a ruler. If I am making a strip quilt of some sort I might use those lines but really haven't done much with that side.
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The grid on my mat is not square with the edge, making it more difficult to use. So, not very often.
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My mat and ruler match in inch size, so I use both because after cutting several strips, fabric left to be cut, ends up slanted.I`ve seen it happen so many times with others in our quilting group. Whatever works is fine. Obviously it shows in all the beautiful quilts that are posted.
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I don't use the mat because I was taught not to. Sounds like it is controversial. I read your post. I am in Texas for the winter but my home is in Camdenton, Mo.
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I guess I always use the mat lines for cutting square fabric, and use the ruler lines to measure the thickness of the fabric, unless my ruler is too thin, then again will use the mat lines. I think I would use the ruler lines more for angled lines
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I do just like you described cause thats what I thought you were suppose to use it for lol
I'm new to this and have had no classes yet but would love to find some to take !! Just teaching myself as I go and the help from here is ALWAYS great !!! |
I always use the line on the mat. My rulers match up perfectly with them. I use the lines on the mat to square up my fabric before cutting.
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I ALWAYS use the cutting mat to keep the consistency and the mat I have is pretty right on the measurement.
Originally Posted by nursie76
Ok...so I just watched the first 2 segments of the new Quilty show on QNN TV. It features Mary Ann Fons daughter, Mary. Quick little show for newbies. In the second episode she teaches a friend how to use a rotary cutter, teaching her to line up the ruler with the grid lines on the cutting mat.
SO...now I am wondering if I have been doing it wrong (or harder, or less precise) all along? I was taught to use my ruler for this. However, she was cutting 2" squares by placing the bottom straightened edge of the fabric on the left/right (horizontal) line of the mat and then lining up the ruler with the correct north/south (vertical) line on the mat and then using the ruler as the straight edge, cutting. Do any of you do it this way? Is it more or less precise? Inquiring minds want to know.... |
I was taught to use the ruler because it is more accurate and consistant. I will use my mat to questimate my yardage. Every time that you move your material you take a chance. Also How much of an expert is the daughter Mary
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Use the ruler always.Mary
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I use the lines on my mat all the time. One, it double checks my math. I can make a mistake counting 3 inches on the ruler, but I know if I started on 0 on my mat, the ruler should always be lining up with a multiple of 3. It has saved me many a time before making a mistake (measure twice, cut once!)
The 2nd reason has been mentioned before- squaring up a piece before making the cut for my project. I can see that the grain is running lengthwise on my mat, and it helps me to trim up the edge to square it up so my folded fabric isn't wonky after the cut when I unfold it. |
I use the blank side of the mat. When I began quilting, I used the lines of the mat and had a lot of trouble with accuracy. Then I saw a tutorial video (somewhere) that pointed out that using the blank side of the mat ensured that you were actually measuring your fabric and not just matching lines on the mat. I tried it and my accuracy improved dramatically. Maybe I just get distracted by all the mat lines.
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Originally Posted by sewgarden
I do on rare occasions. I was told mats aren't always true
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sometimes....but then you have to make sure that the fabric doesn't move at all...with the ruler you can see where your marks are alot easier...at least for me, I like using the ruler for measuring....
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I don't use the lines on the mats. I stick to my ruler.
I have two different kinds of mats. They measures different. |
Originally Posted by stormatsea45
I have always used just the markings on my ruler or rulers, and make sure that my rulers are the same brand. I have heard stories about people using two different brands of rulers for a cutting project and then end up with them not being the exact same measurement and the quilt top wasn't right. I think the same goes for using a mat with lines for measurements. I may use the lines to make sure that the fabric is laying straight, but as far as cutting using the mat instead of the ruler for measurements, no, I don't do that. My first mat was a long time ago, and it didn't have lines on it, so I didn't get used to using them to begin with. I guess I'm telling my age here, old, but I believe that for me anyway, I'll stick with using the rulers as my measurement in cutting fabric. :)
Cheers, K |
i dont trust the lines on the mat. i had an instructor that turned all her mats over in the classroom because she wanted us to learn to be accurate with the rulers instead.
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I've always used the lines on the mat - and that is why I DON'T like the Olfa mats - the ones with every 5th inch line thicker than the others. Also, I have a ruler on which the first quarter inch is at least 1/16th too wide. So, I use the Fiskars mats, with Gingher rulers, try to hold the rotary straight up and down, and find everything works out great.
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