Thought I was losing my mind
01-14-2012, 08:28 PM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: montana
Posts: 1,362
Originally Posted by Jan in VA
I've got a couple questions....
What brand cutting mat do you use?
Has anyone ever told you that MOST mats aren't that accurate and the lines are really meant for the most basic lining up, not accurate measuring?
I've taught for years and urge my students to use the Olfa brand green cutting mats -- widely used by engineers for years before quilters discovered them "way back when". The material they are made from is so much better than the Fiskars gray ones, white/opaque ones, and the green ones from other makers.
The Olfa cutting mats were originally made with no markings on the reverse side and I taught my students to use that side so they did not become dependent to the lines on the mat. Use two rulers, which are designed for measuring, to square up and cut your fabric.
Jan in VA
What brand cutting mat do you use?
Has anyone ever told you that MOST mats aren't that accurate and the lines are really meant for the most basic lining up, not accurate measuring?
I've taught for years and urge my students to use the Olfa brand green cutting mats -- widely used by engineers for years before quilters discovered them "way back when". The material they are made from is so much better than the Fiskars gray ones, white/opaque ones, and the green ones from other makers.
The Olfa cutting mats were originally made with no markings on the reverse side and I taught my students to use that side so they did not become dependent to the lines on the mat. Use two rulers, which are designed for measuring, to square up and cut your fabric.
Jan in VA
01-14-2012, 09:27 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
I always use my cutting boards upside down so the lines aren't visible. My brain can't handle lines going every which way. Of course, that doesn't work with the rotating one,but I only use it when squaring up smaller blocks - then I concentrate on my ruler. I think the ruler across the front of my $1 SM cabinet is off, too, but it's okay for estimating.
That's terrible that a mat was so far off.
My rulers are all fine and I have several different brands.
That's terrible that a mat was so far off.
My rulers are all fine and I have several different brands.
01-15-2012, 05:22 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Campton,Kentucky
Posts: 1,397
Originally Posted by Enchanted Quilter
For the last month I have had all kinds of problems with my quilt tops trying to match up & square. Thought for a while I was losing my mind , old age or just plan lost my flare for quilting. Then today I am working on a valances for my DD. Cut one out on my new cutting board tried to put it together off almost a whole inch when I measure it with my big ruler. I thinking boy what is going on?? I lay the big ruler down on the NEW cutting board its way off by the time you get to 72 inches its off 1" 1/16 . So I get two more out measure my NEW CUTTING BOARD is screwed up.. So a word to the wise don't buy a new cutting board from Hancocks .... I will be driving 23 miles to take it back. But not today I got my old board back out (Measures it good to go) glad I didn't cut it up. Sewed all afternoon...............At least I haven't gone to crazy, or gotten to OLD for my quilting.
01-15-2012, 05:27 AM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Campton,Kentucky
Posts: 1,397
Originally Posted by Enchanted Quilter
For the last month I have had all kinds of problems with my quilt tops trying to match up & square. Thought for a while I was losing my mind , old age or just plan lost my flare for quilting. Then today I am working on a valances for my DD. Cut one out on my new cutting board tried to put it together off almost a whole inch when I measure it with my big ruler. I thinking boy what is going on?? I lay the big ruler down on the NEW cutting board its way off by the time you get to 72 inches its off 1" 1/16 . So I get two more out measure my NEW CUTTING BOARD is screwed up.. So a word to the wise don't buy a new cutting board from Hancocks .... I will be driving 23 miles to take it back. But not today I got my old board back out (Measures it good to go) glad I didn't cut it up. Sewed all afternoon...............At least I haven't gone to crazy, or gotten to OLD for my quilting.
01-15-2012, 06:00 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clinton, IA
Posts: 422
Originally Posted by ckcowl
way back when i first started taking quilting classes at lqs' i was told to never use the cutting mat to measure your fabric- to use it to line up straight lines but to always use your ruler or a tape measure to measure- that seldom are mats actually correct- so i've never used it for that- guess they were right- they are not always correct- but the lines should be straight on it.
01-15-2012, 07:04 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,916
Originally Posted by ckcowl
way back when i first started taking quilting classes at lqs' i was told to never use the cutting mat to measure your fabric- to use it to line up straight lines but to always use your ruler or a tape measure to measure- that seldom are mats actually correct- so i've never used it for that- guess they were right- they are not always correct- but the lines should be straight on it.
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