Jenny apologised!

If it is something small that needs to be precise - use your rulers. Something larger, I use the lines on my table 36 x 60 mat. For instance, cutting 9" and 27" pieces for pillowcases - the mat is certainly close enough. I would use rulers for squaring up squares, though.

I only use the ruler because there is usually too much junk on my mat and I can't lay the fabric in the right orientation. Bad habit, I know.

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Originally Posted by Lisapc

...... I measure and line up my ruler and since it matches with the lines on the mat I guess I use both at once.

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That's how I do it too!

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Originally Posted by dwil23

If it is something small that needs to be precise - use your rulers. Something larger, I use the lines on my table 36 x 60 mat. For instance, cutting 9" and 27" pieces for pillowcases - the mat is certainly close enough. I would use rulers for squaring up squares, though.

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I agree. Also, don't always use the same brand of ruler. I use what works best at the time.

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Originally Posted by DCM

I use the lines on my cutting mat. My first quilting class instructor cut fabric that way and it's the only way I've ever cut fabric.

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How odd - I'm the exact opposite - I use my rulers. My quilting instructor discouraged using the lines on the mat, she even flipped the mat over so we wouldn't be tempted to use it.

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Originally Posted by Auntpiggylpn

I use the lines on my mat to straighten the edge of my fabric but I use my ruler(s) to make my fabric cuts

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This is how I cut fabric as well. It seems to work pretty well.

Lin

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Originally Posted by MartinaG

I only use the ruler because there is usually too much junk on my mat and I can't lay the fabric in the right orientation. Bad habit, I know.

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You too? I'm amazed at how quickly my big mat gets covered.... I find myself literally pushing things aside, just so I can cut...or lay something out...

My rulers are in centimeters so I use them to measure in cms., even if I have my mat on the cms side. I use the back side of my cutting mat, which is in inches, to measure inches.
I must also confess that some of the lines on my mat's centimeter grid have had a "hot iron accident" and are not straight anymore... :0 ...

I have heard or read that the reason you should always use one brand of rulers is due to the thickness of the lines marking the different measurements - you could be as much as 1/16 or 1/8 of an inch off between different brands. Am I that accurate of a cutter or quilter? No! I think if you use the same methods every time, you are accurate enough in my book. Then again, I am not looking to win any quilting awards.

I love how Jenny counts and does it twice most of the time - she lives and teaches in the real world. :)

I use the mat and count like Jenny, but use a ruler to cut it straight - although that doesn't mean I always cut straight!