How many of you use cutting mat lines when cutting fabric?
01-22-2011, 07:26 AM
#171
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Lost in my sewing room
Posts: 1,442
I guess I always use the mat lines for cutting square fabric, and use the ruler lines to measure the thickness of the fabric, unless my ruler is too thin, then again will use the mat lines. I think I would use the ruler lines more for angled lines
01-22-2011, 07:51 AM
#172
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 150
I do just like you described cause thats what I thought you were suppose to use it for lol
I'm new to this and have had no classes yet but would love to find some to take !!
Just teaching myself as I go and the help from here is ALWAYS great !!!
I'm new to this and have had no classes yet but would love to find some to take !!
Just teaching myself as I go and the help from here is ALWAYS great !!!
01-22-2011, 10:33 AM
#174
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Antioch, CA
Posts: 372
I ALWAYS use the cutting mat to keep the consistency and the mat I have is pretty right on the measurement.
Originally Posted by nursie76
Ok...so I just watched the first 2 segments of the new Quilty show on QNN TV. It features Mary Ann Fons daughter, Mary. Quick little show for newbies. In the second episode she teaches a friend how to use a rotary cutter, teaching her to line up the ruler with the grid lines on the cutting mat.
SO...now I am wondering if I have been doing it wrong (or harder, or less precise) all along? I was taught to use my ruler for this. However, she was cutting 2" squares by placing the bottom straightened edge of the fabric on the left/right (horizontal) line of the mat and then lining up the ruler with the correct north/south (vertical) line on the mat and then using the ruler as the straight edge, cutting.
Do any of you do it this way? Is it more or less precise? Inquiring minds want to know....
SO...now I am wondering if I have been doing it wrong (or harder, or less precise) all along? I was taught to use my ruler for this. However, she was cutting 2" squares by placing the bottom straightened edge of the fabric on the left/right (horizontal) line of the mat and then lining up the ruler with the correct north/south (vertical) line on the mat and then using the ruler as the straight edge, cutting.
Do any of you do it this way? Is it more or less precise? Inquiring minds want to know....
01-22-2011, 10:49 AM
#175
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
I was taught to use the ruler because it is more accurate and consistant. I will use my mat to questimate my yardage. Every time that you move your material you take a chance. Also How much of an expert is the daughter Mary
01-22-2011, 12:51 PM
#177
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Ogden, Utah
Posts: 545
I use the lines on my mat all the time. One, it double checks my math. I can make a mistake counting 3 inches on the ruler, but I know if I started on 0 on my mat, the ruler should always be lining up with a multiple of 3. It has saved me many a time before making a mistake (measure twice, cut once!)
The 2nd reason has been mentioned before- squaring up a piece before making the cut for my project. I can see that the grain is running lengthwise on my mat, and it helps me to trim up the edge to square it up so my folded fabric isn't wonky after the cut when I unfold it.
The 2nd reason has been mentioned before- squaring up a piece before making the cut for my project. I can see that the grain is running lengthwise on my mat, and it helps me to trim up the edge to square it up so my folded fabric isn't wonky after the cut when I unfold it.
01-22-2011, 01:05 PM
#178
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Marathon, Texas
Posts: 854
I use the blank side of the mat. When I began quilting, I used the lines of the mat and had a lot of trouble with accuracy. Then I saw a tutorial video (somewhere) that pointed out that using the blank side of the mat ensured that you were actually measuring your fabric and not just matching lines on the mat. I tried it and my accuracy improved dramatically. Maybe I just get distracted by all the mat lines.
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