Ruler Line Markings ?
 

First let me say it is great to be back amongst you all!! I have never been good at fractions but I need to cut my squares 8 7/8. My mat is done in 1/4" markings but I did find a fiskars mat that has all the marking lines between the inches.Where do I need to cut??

Sounds like you're making half-square triangles?? I would cut my squares at 9" and then trim the finished HST's to the proper size.

But back to your original question...if you're cutting at a 7/8" marking it would generally be the small line just prior to the next inch line. Provided your ruler/mat is marked with 1/8" lines. If there are 8 smaller lines between the 2 inch marks, you are good.

if the 7/8" is for HSTs, most folks cut to the next whole inch and trim/square up the HST after sewing and pressing.

THere are eight 1/8s in an inch. Count over seven 1/8s starting at the inch line. (three lines from the 1/2 line) I have a handy ruler that measures in 7/8s. It sure saves a lot of miss cuts for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0clbpGShbc

I also recommend using your ruler markings, rather than your mat markings to measure. I have found results to be more consistent and accurate this way.

I never use my mat for measuring. Always the ruler. Cut them 9 inches and then square up if you're making half square triangles.

I agree with the rest of the members-if you are making half square triangles, just cut them 9". It is better to have it a little bigger than to have it too small. Then you can just trim down.

I found trimming down HSTs are much easier using the Block Loc ruler. No mistakes. I don't like to trim but unless the cutting and sewing are perfect it's easier in the long run to oversize and trim.

Thank you everyone! I will cut to 9 inches & trim down.

I only use my mats for lining up, never for marking.

I, like the others use the lines on the ruler. I also would cut even in squares, like cut to 9", in this case and trim down. You will never miss an 1/8" of fabric.

Don't use your mat for measuring, use your ruler. The lines on the mat are used for lining up the fabric. That one opinion.

I agree with Tartan...use your ruler for measuring to be more accurate and over cut and then trim to correct size. Everyone sews their 1/4" seam just a bit different so if you over cut you will still have the correct size block.

I will use my cutting mat for measuring "big" pieces of fabric for things like pillow cases and recyclable-like bags.

1/8 is half of 1/4, so you could eyeball it and cut between 8 3/4 and 9. But I agree with the others, it's better to cut to 9 and trim.

I'm with Peckish. Don't over-complicate.

It really irritates me when Jenny fromMSQC uses her mat to measure....kind of blows "our" rule of using rulers to measure out of the water!

I checked my mats against my rulers - or my rulers against my mats - they are "close enough" for "big" cutting.

I also use the ruler and not the mat for measuring and cutting.

Once you find the right measurement, why not put a strip of blue painter's tape at that mark so you won't have to keep searching for the right mark each time. I find this very helpful in cutting those fussy increments.

If you use the mat for every cut then the cuts will be the same. So it doesn't really matter but you have to be consistent and not switch from mat to ruler.

Again thank you so very much for all your advice. I am using the mat just to line fabric up & the ruler to cut. I really do appreciate everyone's input!