Mariposa

Ruler lines~

JulieR

Not to sound dense, but when you have larger cuts of fabric how do you use just the ruler and not the mat?

I'm sure that's a dumb question but for some reason I cannot get my brain to see how that works. LOL

irishrose

I'm using my mat upside down because too many lines is too confusing and I use the ruler. Do you have 24 x 6 ruler? Folded fabric is 22 inches, so there is room to spare. Fold, straighten, cut.

You slide the amount of fabric you want to cut off under the ruler until the long edge reaches the correct line. Line it up with the folded edge and the bottom edge of the ruler perfectly even. Keep the long edge even with the inch marker on the ruler and cut. The piece under the ruler is your strip and the remainder that's loose is for the next cut.

cmw0829

I generally don't use the lines on my mat. I did use them for cutting fabric for pillowcases but didn't feel the need to be as accurate as cutting for piecing.

SnowQuilt

I use the ruler lines.

quilterj

What exactly is the 2 ruler process?

JulieR

Okay, that makes more sense than the acrobatics my mind was supplying. Thank you!

No, I don't have a 24x6, just a 12x6 ruler. Looks like shopping! (See hubby? I told you I needed to go to the LQS!)

the casual quilter

I use my ruler lines also. My cuts are more accurate. The lines on my mat are just too wide.

bigsister63

I first make narrow cut to even up edge of fabric by lining up ruller with line on the mat. After straightneing edge i then position ruler on fabric at distance that I need strip to be and then cut. I agree that mat lines are not accurate enough. I have a large square 20 x20 ruler that I use for cuts bigger that 6". It is really nice for larger strips/blocks. It was still about $25 after 50% off coupon at Joann's but well worth it! i

bearisgray

I use the ruler lines for little pieces.

I use the mat lines for things like pillow cases. (My mat is approximately 24 x 36)