I use both!!!

I only use the lines on my mat for my first cut, to make sure I have the fabric straight, I only use one horizontal line, so I know the selvage line is straight, then its just my rulwer

I also use the same method as in the tute.

I think once you start a project using either the lines on the mat OR the lines on a specific type of ruler you should stay with that same product for the whole project. All rulers are not created equal and by choosing one brand ruler for one part and another for another part you risk minute differences that may make a difference in the finished measurements.

I sometimes use the left line on my mat for lining up my cut fabric edge but mainly use my ruler or rulers.

Try this site --- I, also, always used the mat..learn something new every day! Thanks for raising the question.

When I started using a rotary cutter the book I was using said not use the lines. I use two rulers to square up the first cut and others to keep the strips straight. I have tried to use the mat lines, just can't get into the habit.I mark the line I am using with blue painter's tape, so I don't get mixed up.

I use both

What is the link? I'd like to check it out. Thanks NANCY

When I 1st learned to quilt, it was because I won a free class. I knew nothing, so I did not learn any bad habits. I was taught to use the ruler.

The lines on my mat are consistent with the lines on my ruler and so I do use my mat all the time.

For those of you who want to see it done, try looking on you-tube for squaring up fabric or rotary cutting with rulers. I'm sure there are many demonstrations on there.

I use the lines on my mat to square up the fabric, but I never "measure" fabric with those lines. I was taught to stay with one brand of ruler because even rulers can vary and certainly a mat would be even less accurate. I always use Ommigrid rulers only because that's what I have the most. I use other specialty rulers for angles, special projects, etc. I also use an Olipfa ruler as my straight edge with a rotary cutter because I like the stability I get from "hooking it" onto the edge of the mat. An additional aid, for me anyway, is the Gypsy gripper. My rulers seem to slip less when I use the gripper on the straight edge I am using as my cutting edge.

Would you post again what you are talking about because I don't understand either?

I use both

I also use both. I wouldn't do it any other way. I love both the rulers and the measurements on my mat.

I was using the mat most of the time....just using the ruler for a straight edge to cut against. I've been forcing myself to use the rulers now as I think that is more accurate for me.

I'm confused, I use the lines on my matte how so you not?

I googled cutting fabric from first cut. There are so many videos, I watched two of them, one used the lines on the mat and one used the ruler. Hmmmmmm

For those of you who replied needing the information, but haven't read the entire thread, scroll up to post #39

I taught classes at our LQS and I was surprised at how many experienced quilters used their mat grids for cutting. I would gently "convert" them to using rulers ONLY for consistency.
I only use the mat for rough measurements, before cutting ... If you aren't sure, there are a lot of good videos online.

I checked this link "Cutting Fabric from the First Cut" and this is how I cut first cut. Then I use my ruler to cut other cuts keeping the bottom folded edge lined up with a line on the mat. One important thing that was mentioned in this post is CONSISTANCY meaning using the same ruler throughout the project. This is aLso true if you use a mat as your cutting tool. I do know understand how you can always use the mat for cutting lines since the fabric edge does not always stay on a mat line. Do you keep lining up your fabric to the mat and if so do you not take chance of the edge not staying even as you move the fabric.? I just find it easier to use my ruler.

What? Those marks on the mat actually serve a purpose? I thought that was for looks.

Thanks for the tip! I bookmarked it for much in depth study as I find myself using both the ruler and mat lines when cutting.

I have cut on my mat so much the lines are disappearing in some places, I use lines to get the piece squared up then the lines on the ruler to get the actual cuts.
Pat

Where is the link?

If you look in many quilting books, it also suggests that you get the most accurate cuts from the ruler not the mat. If you are right handed the bulk of the fabric should be to the right of the ruler, if you are cutting left handed the reverse is true, the ruler is positioned over the strip you are cutting and the remainder of the fabric is removed at the cutting linel. Thanks to Teeler for supplying where to google,
Pat

I use the two ruler method. Rarely use the lines on the mat. It's too hard to line up the fabric correctly!

I watch Gourmet Quilter's videos. She uses her board (her name for her mat)and her ruler for all her cutting...... Seems so easy, but I have not tried this. I use the O'lipfa Lip Edge Ruler. 5x24"..........Works good for me for 5 years.
Happy Quilting to all

I just found this on YouTube

http://www.ehow.com/video_8126003_cu...-quilting.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_8126003_cu...-quilting.html

I don't know how to delete duplicate post...sorry

Thanks a bunch for this video - I never saw it done that way before but it makes a lot of sense, so that looks like a good way for my next project. Thanks again.

For those still looking for it, copy and paste this in your goggle search and it should lead you to it:
Cutting Fabric from the First Cut

I've book marked it onto my computer so I can have easy access to it and share it.

http://quilterspantrytn.blogspot.com...first-cut.html

Excellent

Maybe I don't get it but if that second fold is off line (not on true straight of grain) then every thing is out of whack. I think it's much more accurate to bring first fold to salvages and true them up. I also think 2 rulers means twice as much chance of slippage . I true the folds on mat lines and cut with lines for accuracy.

There has been many discusions about having fabric on straight of grain . I was taught that straight of grain is not important in quilting since most peices are too small to be effected by being off grain. I do not worry about fabric being straight and will cut with fabric folded in quarters. with salvages together The only time I do not do this is when fabric is a stripe or printed pattern in rows since cutting folded peice will not cut straight stripes. All that said "straight of grain" may be an issue if you are cutting borders WOF and not length of fabric. These instructions do not address the "straight of grain " issue.