Cutting question

[toggpine]

Hmmm. I think I use the mat, but maybe both.

For strips or large cuts, I layout the yardage so the fold/selvedge lies along the "start" line. I'm right handed, so I lay the ruler over the main body of the fabric and trim the right edge even with the farthest right line. When cutting, I match up the marks on my ruler to my mat and slice. (Maybe I'm just lucky that mine match?) I can hold the fabric in place and lift the cut strip without disturbing the rest of the fabric. Then I move the ruler over the fabric to the left to make the next cut. I can get through 3/4 of a yard before I have to lift and reposition the fabric.

If I have to make fiddly cuts of 8ths or 16ths of an inch, I'd certainly trust the lines on the ruler before the mat. Although, I do have one that has an inaccurate 1/4" on one end, so they aren't always perfect either.

Pick one and stick with it throughout the project and you'll be fine.