Possible Silly Question
 

So I've now quilted a few quilts and I've tried various ways of measuring to cut my fabric, using the ruler for my lines and using the mat lines for my measurements. So my question for all of you is how do you measure to cut so that everything comes out "perfect"?

TruCut Rulers and matching rotary cutter. http://www.graceframe.com/site/rotarycutting/ruler.

I use the ruler, make sure its all square and then cut measuring on the ruler.

there is no perfect, but if you use the same way every time, you get closer. it's not just about the ruler. your sewing seam matters as well, maybe even more.

I use the lines on the matbto line up my fabric and ruler, if that makes sense.

I only use the marking on the cutting mat for general cutting or to line up the crease. I try and use the same ruler for the entire project. Different brands of rulers can be off just a bit.

That's why I use the Go die cutter. At least my cuts match each other perfectly. I took a precision piecing class and the most important thing after accurate cutting was to sew S L O W as slow as one stitch at a time. If the fabric pieces to not match like they are suppose to, stop and find out why. Don't keep sewing more. It seemed like it would take forever to make a top this way but the more I did it the better I got at piecing. No frustration of miss size blocks made up for the extra time.

I used to use my mat to measure ... and I always had problems. Now I always use a two ruler method.

note ... I'm right handed. Reverse if you are left handed

First ... get a nice clean straight edge on the right side of your fabric.

Now ... place your 'cutting ruler' to the left of where you want to cut. Place your 'measuring ruler' to the right of your cutting ruler and use this ruler to measure from the straight edge on the right side to the desired length (ie if you need a 6" strip - place the 6" mark on the right edge of the fabric). I like to use as large a measuring ruler as possible to make sure that my 6" is the same at the top of the strip and the bottom of the strip. If I'm cutting length of 26" I'll use a 12" ruler. Make sure that the edge of the fabric sits directly under the 6" marked line. Using rulers with thin lines helps.

Now hold your measuring ruler in place and slide your cutting ruler up against the edge - making sure it is square to the entire edge of the measuring ruler. Check your measuring again to make sure it didn't slide. Hold your cutting ruler firmly and remove the measuring ruler. Now make your cut along the edge of the cutting ruler.

If you are cutting something that has already been cut on one side (ie cutting the squares from a strip) I will make sure that my measuring ruler is square to both the top and bottom cut edges when I measure. If it is off a little ... I will re-square the right edge of the fabric until my measuring ruler squares up to all three sides (top, bottom and right) then slide my cutting ruler into place and cut.

I have also switched to Creative Grid rulers and LOVE them!! I have 12.5, 9.5, 6.5, 4.5 squares and a 24" rectangle and a little 2.5 X 6.5 rectangle. Since I got these I have not used any of my other rulers.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I learned this method from Sally Collins "Mastering Precision Piecing" book and video. If you want to learn more about all the little things that can make piecing precise (very important when doing little pieces - which is my passion) then I highly suggest that you get the book and the video.

Personally, I think the most important factor is to use the SAME tools/method throughout a project. Consistency is the name of the game. I use the lines on my mat to line up fabric but use the measurements on my ruler for cutting. Unless it is for a cut larger than my ruler then I am forced to use the mat's markings. I don't like the 2-ruler method of measuring - too much slippage for me, plus I don't have 2 of the same manufacturer's rulers so the mat markings work. Those pieces usually are then sub-cut, so I might have a tendency to cut a little on the 'heavy' or larger side (i.e. might end up 12 1/8" vs a true 12") but I can usually use my other rulers to sub-cut to the exact measurements. EXCEPT when doing half square triangles...those I always cut larger (the inch measurement vs the 7/8" measure) and then trim down. Works better for me.

I use the june taylor cutting matts. there r slots for lining up edges and cutting. as long as fabric is strathat's cuts are great!!! g

A lot of patience, and when I ran out of that my husband bought me the accuquilt go! Besides that, a rotary cutter, mat and the same ruler for everything went a long way!

Thank you for the recommendation. I'm a visual learner so I'm definitely checking out her book and possibly if I still need help the video.

I use the june taylor rulers too as well as a number of other rulers. I too only use the mat for lining up. One thing I didn't see mentioned was that when I line up the ruler along the cut edge I include the width of the line. Makes a big difference.
Meaning when you line up that broken line on whatever measurement you want, include the space you can see between the breaks and align with the right edge of the black dash line.
I'm not all that perfect at anything, but I have a friend that is as perfect as you can get with everything she does (will tear out if it's 1 thread off) and that's the way she showed me to cut out.

You buy an Accuquilt Go!!!!!!!!! Believe me I know!!!!!!!!!!!

If you always use the ruler lines to measure you will be far more accurate. I think you have been measuring some with the ruler others with the mat if you look carefully you will see they give a very slight different measurements. Over a quilt this will add up to inches.
Mat to square with lines but cut using ruler.

I couldn't cut straight until I bought a June Tailor Shape cutter, but if I didn't have it, I would use my 24 1/2 X 6 1/2 ruler and learn not to let my cutting wander away from the ruler on the far end. I use my cutting mat upside down so there are no lines. I don't find the lines accurate and they are too distracting with all the lines on the rulers. I get a more accurate cut using a normal ruler if I double fold the fabric so I'm only cutting 11" instead of 22".

I only use the cutting mat lines for the lining up of the fabric after I have checked it for being on fold correctly. With cutting I either use a ruler or my Alto's Quilt Cut2.

I use my rulers only - not the mat.

and line up with the left or larger side of the line on the ruler.

Use the same ruler to cut all
the pieces in the project, so everything is measured against the same standard. I only use the lines on the mat as a GENERAL measurement, not to measure accurately. For example, if I need 2 1/8" for a binding, I measure with the ruler. If I need about a 2" piece for paper piecing, I can use the mat.

Rulers, rulers, and rulers. I use the 5 X 23 inch ruler to cut my strips. Then smaller rulers to subcut these strips into the pieces I need. After the block is pieced I use a square up ruler.

Ditto on that...fabric edge on mat board line, then place ruler on fabric and line up..

I used to use the lines on the mat, then I read to use the ruler. Since I started using the ruler my pieces are more accurate. I also use the June Tailor Perfect HST ruler to square the pieces. That has made a huge difference.

God only makes perfect, things that are not perfect to you just put character in the quilts

If you have a Bernina, I highly recommend the #57 foot with a guide on it. It's dreamy. And when you need to pin certain junctions, do it.

But I suggest NOT changing anything midway through a project. :-) I had taped a seam guide to the bed of the machine, then I bought a foot with one attached, and there was a difference between the two.. So I am saving the foot for my next project.

I had to learn to Press not Iron. I ruined several quilt squares this way. Even if you cut perfectly(NOT ME) sew perfectly(STILL NOT ME) you can stretch or mess up your shape when you iron. Lesson learned. I didn't use to press or iron at all but it made a difference in a warm wishes quilt i tested it on. Then i ruined my first diamond star block. Hopefully I will do better. I learn so much here with so many great people teaching!!!

It is definitely a learning process. I am totally self taught, so I have made every mistake that can be made. But I heave 17 grandkids to give quilts to, and I see improvements with each one that I do.

i use my cutting mat , and iuse it for all my cutting ,just like the comments above , it is what you are comfortable with and use it to measure everything !

I have found there is no "perfect " every time. But it helps to use the same ruler and mat to cut every piece for a project. Some rulers are off a wee bit and we all know a wee bit on xxx number of pieces is a lot. Also the seam lines are just as important in getting things squared up.

My husband did the same thing! lol

Me too! I agree!!!!!!!!!!!