Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • slotted cutting mat >
  • slotted cutting mat

  • slotted cutting mat

    Old 11-10-2010, 06:44 AM
      #1  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Northeast Colorado
    Posts: 422
    Default

    I bought a slotted cutting mat, (the lines are cut thru the clear plastic mat) and have had no luck using it...anyone know just how? Do I use the ruller also? Please help.
    janb is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 06:59 AM
      #2  
    Senior Member
     
    drivingsusan's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2009
    Location: S Oregon
    Posts: 948
    Default

    I can't even imagine such a cutting mat!!
    Will be interested in what comes next!!
    drivingsusan is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 07:03 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Tennessee
    Posts: 2,189
    Default

    I fold my fabric in 1/2 twice on the selvage---fold selvage to selvage then the fold to selvage (just like when cutting with regular ruler) still making sure that the fabric isn't twisted.

    place the bottom line along the final fold of fabric with the uneven cut edge of fabric just past the "0" line. cut up the "0" line to get your first straight edge. If you want 2 1/2 inch strips cut up the 2 1/2 strip slot. If you are looking for squares or rectangles you then turn your mat 1/4 turn, place the line on the fabrics cut edge and cut our fabric in the correct slot. I don't cut triangles with this ruler.

    I find that I have to hold the ruler firm to the fabric one slot over from the one I am cutting. My rotary cutter moves the ruler just a smidgen to open the slot for the blade. Just like any ruler if you start with this one finish with this one. If I am making a complete quilt it really doesn't matter if all of the blocks are off a 'smidgen', but if it is for a swap then I use something else.

    Good luck. I know it took me awhile to get the hang of this ruler, but when I remember to use it my cutting is so much faster. I would like the bigger one, but make do with the one I have because of price.
    CoyoteQuilts is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 07:07 AM
      #4  
    Member
     
    grammyx5's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2010
    Location: Virginia
    Posts: 27
    Default

    I have used this type of mat for strip cutting and it works well for me. The key for me is to carefully place the rotary cutter in the "tear-drop" shaped opening at the bottom of the mat and then move the rotary cutter up the opening. Once you get use to using it I think you may find that it can save a lot of time cutting strips because you don't have to move the mat for each cut.
    grammyx5 is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 07:12 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2010
    Location: Arizona
    Posts: 1,134
    Default

    I LOVE these things. I am hopeless at cutting with a regular ruler, but these are a quilting lifesaver for me. CoyoteQuilts gave you some great tips, and that is pretty much how I use mine. It really is worth persevering with this particular tool until you get comfortable with it.

    I like them so much that I have bought every variation I could find, including the super large one.
    akrogirl is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 07:33 AM
      #6  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Way cross, Georgia
    Posts: 383
    Default

    I agree that once you get the hang of it.. you will use it all the time.

    I can't imagine cutting strips without it.
    livenlearn124 is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 08:01 AM
      #7  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Nov 2007
    Location: SW Iowa
    Posts: 32,855
    Default

    Wow, I need this mat. Would someone post a pic of it. Please.
    littlehud is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 08:09 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    quiltlonger's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Rushford, NY
    Posts: 1,666
    Default

    I have the Quarter Cut & Shape Cut slotted rulers I use mine mostly for fat quarters- find when trying to do the selvage to selvage gets slippage but also found if use smaller rotary cutter got better results.
    Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Attachment-122972.jpe
Views:	1595
Size:	46.3 KB
ID:	122977   Click image for larger version

Name:	Attachment-122979.jpe
Views:	1529
Size:	39.0 KB
ID:	122984  
    quiltlonger is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 08:11 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    thimblebug6000's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2007
    Location: British Columbia
    Posts: 8,174
    Default

    This sounds alot like the June Taylor rulers not mats.
    thimblebug6000 is offline  
    Old 11-10-2010, 08:29 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Snorky Lvs2Quilt's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Southern Calif.
    Posts: 2,287
    Default

    I love it when I have a lot of strips to cut of the same fabric. Works great for me. May take a little practice but you'll get the hang of it.
    Snorky Lvs2Quilt is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    April30
    Main
    11
    08-08-2011 05:52 PM
    katiebear1
    Main
    3
    02-17-2011 06:13 PM
    nursie76
    Main
    183
    01-30-2011 05:18 PM
    Bobby
    Main
    2
    09-22-2010 02:33 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off


    FREE Quilting Newsletter