Jenny apologised!

I use both. Small cuts is mostly just by my ruler, but larger cuts I line up and measure. Measure twice, cut once. And still there is operator error :)

I might be doing this wrong. I use horizontal lines to lay down my fabric, and extend over on the right side maybe 1/8" over a line. I then cut off the overage to square up, and use the vertical mat lines to measure and cut. Oh, and I'm a counter - every single time. Might be why I take so long to make a quilt.

I do it all ways. Mostly I use the mat for that first squaring up cut. Then I measure and line up my ruler and since it matches with the lines on the mat I guess I use both at once. The only time I don't is when I am squaring a block. If I have the right sized square I use that. If I don't I use masking tape to mark the correct size of the block and then just line it up with the lines of the ruler and trim to size.

I use the mat lines and all different kinds of rulers interchangeably all the time. I have not had any problems yet with inconsistencies.

I use both...since my ruler is 6" wide, if what I'm cutting is under 6" I use the ruler, over 6" I use the mat.

I use both rulers and my mat - I think maybe the thought is that the mat will get somewhat distorted over time and that the ruler lines will never change or warp. But I still use my mat for measurements over 6 inches, and under my ruler for when the fabric fits

I use a ruler most of the time. It depends on what I am cutting and how accurate it needs to be.

[QUOTE=brenmar;417313].....but why:icon_happy: I've noticed a couple of times Jenny has apologised for using 'the old fashioned way' to cut squares etc. She uses the cutting lines on her cutting board rather than relying on a ruler - love the way she counts the lines just to make sure. Which do you prefer - I'm starting to lean towards the cutting board. Someone on the forum said that you should always use the same ruler as they can differ. (I have 3 of different proportions but not all the same make) M-m-m-m??

[/QUOTE

There is no reason....ever.....for Jenny to apologize for any of her methods..... They work.... I love seeing her count the inches on the mat..... Just like everyone does.... It's one of the things that make her a good teacher, and that endears her to all of us... Jenny is a real quilter...just like us....

I guess I am one who uses both techniques. I use the lines on the cutting board especially when cutting off the selvage. Sometimes I use the cutting mat, and other times I use the rulers. I think it depends on the size of what I am cutting and also if you are left handed or right handed. But I always count twice and cut once. It never fails....if I forget to count twice I end up making a cutting error.

I do have one ruler that isn't accurate. It's a 1x6". I use it for cutting 2.5" strips into squares and other small stuff. One end is about an eighth of an inch short.

I think the reason it is suggested that you not use the lines on the mat is over time, the lines will slowly wear off. I will have to agree that this does happen. I have one of the old-fashioned thick, opaque white mats. After 20 years, it have gotten to the point where some of the lines are pretty faded. I am looking at Santa bringing me a new one. Maybe even a super-sized one that fits the entire length of my cutting table! (I don't think I have been that good.)

My guess is that as long as you are consistent in how you measure, and that you double check before you slice, that will be what is important.