I have read on the boards about the cutting mat getting groves in it. And some have said to turn it over and cut on it. I'm just learning about quilts and have only made rag quilts so my question is: How do you measure your fabric to cut it if there are no measurements on the back of the mat.

I know this is probably a dumb question but something i don't understand. LOL Thanks so much

I think you would have to use a ruler that would show you your dimensions (a square ruler that is the next size up from what you want your blocks to be.

There is never a dumb question, only an unasked one!
I do not use the lines on my cutting mat, I only use my rulers. I've found it gives me more consistant measurements.
:thumbup:

I've had my green Olfa cutting mats for years! i tend not to use the lines too much either. just my ruler. well most times and even if i had a mat that was a different color on the other side- i know i'd never turn it over.

I don't understand why but the lines on the mat are not the same as on a ruler, I had to check it out for myself, lay your ruler on your mat, lining up the begening line, by the time you get to the other side of he ruler you can see the lines don't match up any more.

I hardly ever use the lines on the mat for measurements. I also prefer the Olfa mats. They last a long time!

There can definitely be differences between rulers and mats; also between rulers and rulers, mats and mats. That's why it's important to be consistent in what you use to cut out a quilt. You wouldn't want to change from using the lines on a mat to using the lines on a ruler while in the middle of cutting out a quilt.

My first quilting lesson we were told never, ever use the lines on the cutting mat. Use rulers and if possible the same rulers (and tools) for the whole quilt for accuracy. Now I'm not that uptight about the tools, but definitely have never used lines on the cutting mat.

I only use the lines as guidelines...to lay my fabric out reasonably straight and then I use my rulers :D:D:D

Thanks ladies...