Jenny apologised!

[xtcinla]

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

[easyquilts]

[QUOTE=brenmar;417313].....but why 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....

[momtutor]

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.

[toggpine]

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.

[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.

[Vonnie]

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

[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.

[easyquilts]

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.

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...

[lourixe]

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... ...

[ilive2craft2]

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.