Back To The Basics--Have I Been Cutting My Fabric. backwards???
02-03-2014, 08:01 AM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,254
If you are getting accurate cuts it doesn't matter. I used to use the lines on my mat and found I was getting off cuts so I only use my ruler now and it is much better for accuracy. Being a mile high I have to be careful 'cause the air is thin and the fabric wants to float above the cutting mat. You believe that, right?
Last edited by BettyGee; 02-03-2014 at 08:03 AM. Reason: Added text
02-03-2014, 08:35 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
I just got the slideblocs and I love them. They aren't a ruler, but hold the fabric down via little dots that come down when you hold the handle on the slidebloc down. That's done on the right side - then the ruler is slipped over the right edge and you butt the slidebloc up to it and cut. Wonders of wonders, it is wonderful!!!
02-03-2014, 09:26 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Batesville, Arkansas
Posts: 852
Use the method that works best for you. It shouldn't matter what other people do. The thing to remember is that you are comfortable cutting the way you cut and trying something new may be okay, but if it doesn't feel right and work well for you, go back to what you have always done.
02-03-2014, 09:27 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Homosassa, FL
Posts: 2,267
if when your done your fabric squares are truly the size you wanted then what the heck who cares? I use the omnigrid ruler not the mat lines but to each his own. I think there really are no quilt police 
so your probably safe but maybe keep your curtains closed and the front door locked while your cutting just in case.
so your probably safe but maybe keep your curtains closed and the front door locked while your cutting just in case.
02-03-2014, 10:40 AM
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern California & New Mexico
Posts: 153
I LOVE my SlideLock tools! I had to completely change the way I cut to use them but it was worth it. These tools are pricey but after buying the long one last year at Road 2 CA, I bought the shorter one this year. You use them with the rulers you already have. I am taking more time now when I use them to do my cutting BUT my confidence and my accuracy have improved tremendously. With the price of fabric continuing to rise, I figure I need to "take the time to get it right the first time".
02-03-2014, 11:13 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
If your system works for you, keep using it. If you watch even a few tutorials you find very quickly that even those who teach have their preferred ways. I see so many who say to never use the lines on the mat, but it works for me, so if what I am measuring is more than 5.5 inches, I use the mat lines (Olfa mat). I just make sure that I canter the lines on the ruler with the appropriate line on the mat. One thing I feel is very important is to use a long ruler even to cut smaller units and be sure to keep the length of the line true the full length of the mat and ruler. I do try to keep the bulk of my unit under the ruler as I cut because I think it keeps it from the possibility of slipping.
02-03-2014, 01:18 PM
#40
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
If you are getting accurate piecing from your fabric cuts, I would not worry about how you cut your fabric. There is always more than one way to do something, if it's working, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
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