Susie Quilter

I never use the lines on my mat.......I always measure with my rulers.
Do whatever you find works the best for you.

sewmanyideas

I use my mat with my ruler always. Don't know what I would do without them. Kind of like a security blanket;)

jaciqltznok

I was taught both ways and have since found that mats & rulers are better now than they used to be, so I use them both..no problems here...

Glassquilt

The old cloth tapes stretch. Plastic tapes don't stretch.
Some rotary rulers have thick lines. Some have thin.
Whatever measuring tool I use, I use it throughout a project. Consistently makes for accuracy.

cctx.

I do both & I learned with the cutting mat lines first, but practice cutting more with the ruler in the past years.

Cutting mat lines get deep crevices, I cut with the backside of the mat.

IrelandDragonQuilting

I use my mat and ruler together I have never had any problem and have had my mat for 16 years now, the lines are starting to fade and I will have to give in and purchase another one, but only if I can find one just like mine. I don't like those olfa mats they don't stand up to the cutting and wear out quickly.

gaigai

I was taught that mat lines may not be accurate, unlike a ruler's lines, so I only measure with my ruler. The exception is supposed to be the Martelli mat (which I have), but I still use my ruler.

Jim

I only use the lines on my mats for a straight edge.

maryel

Always measure with my trusty ruler.

featherweight

I always measure with my ruler. I use the lines on the mat to line fabric straight but for measuring purposes, I was taught to use the ruler. Just what I got used too...