Maureen

I use the rulers as thats the way I was taught. Also when the mats get old you can fill the tub with cold water and soak them overnight and they rejuvenate themselves. The self healing ones, that is.

mtnative

Wow interesting question. I have always used my mat. I can't even comprehend how I would use my ruler except for the straight. I think for me it is like being right handed ~ can't use my left hand at all except for holding a baby. That is because I need my right hand free to do everything else :)

TonnieLoree

Yes use the mat only for lining up the fabric, use the ruler for cutting.

butterflywing

rulers aren't always the same either. just use the same tool throughout the project.

Jingle

I only use the lines on my rulers. Read in some book when I started using the cutting mats and rotary cutter, not to use the lines on the mats. I started out NOT using them and still don't.

MaryStoaks

I use the lines on my mat. So far this hasn't caused me any problems.

BellaBoo

I only use the cutting mat lines for approximate measuring. I don't pay any attention to the cutting mat lines when cutting fabric. I usually turn my mat over to the blank side so the lines won't be in my way when using the ruler.

carrieg

I use my rulers and if it's a long length, I use a 120" tape measure. I only use the mat for lining up.

sarahrachel

I use both, but only because they're the same brand and the lines match up. But I use the mat lines for inches, I can't get the hang of half and quarter inches on the mat for some reason, but I then line up my ruler lines with the mat lines. The only time I need to be careful is when I need to make 1/8 inch cuts because that ruler is a different brand and doesn't match up right. Lucky for me, I hardly ever make 1/8 inch cuts!

But personally, I think it's consistency that's the best. If you use the same method throughout the project, you won't have a problem

IrishNY

I use both - whatever is easier for the project. Never had a problem.