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Member since 4/19/11
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Posted on: 5/5/13 11:23 AM ET
This might be a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway. As a newbie quilter I can get away with asking.

Let's say I'm cutting a strip of fabric and I want the strip to be 2 inches wide. When I cut, should the 2 inch mark on the ruler be placed:

Exactly on the edge of the fabric?
Just to the left of the edge of the fabric?
Just to the right of the fabric?

Kippy

  
Member since 4/19/11
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Posted on: 5/5/13 11:23 AM ET
This might be a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway. As a newbie quilter I can get away with asking.

Let's say I'm cutting a strip of fabric and I want the strip to be 2 inches wide. When I cut, should the 2 inch mark on the ruler be placed:

Exactly on the edge of the fabric?
Just to the left of the edge of the fabric?
Just to the right of the fabric?

Kippy

  
Member since 2/17/06
Posts: 5558
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Posted on: 5/5/13 12:27 PM ET
In reply to Kippysan
I still have to think about this one every time I cut!

If you are right handed, start with your ruler along the left egde of the fabric with the 1" mark facing IN towards the left. Move it until you have the left edge of the fabric lined up on the 2" mark. You will see your 2" strip through the opaque ruler. Cut along that left edge.

This is how I do it! If I have multiple strips, I use the lines on the cutting mat or the june taylor ruler.
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Cathryn
  
Member since 1/18/12
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Posted on: 5/5/13 12:58 PM ET
In reply to Cat n Bull
Odd, because I do it differently and never gave it much thought.
I start with the right edge of the fabric on my mat lined up with a vertical grid line. Place the ruler on the right edge of the fabric and move it left to expose the measurement you want to cut, using the grid lines as your guide.
Hard to explain so I hope this makes sense.
I think Cathryn's method would be simpler for you.


-- Edited on 5/5/13 12:59 PM --
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Linda




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Posted on: 5/5/13 1:02 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
Quote: lgrande
Odd, because I do it differently and never gave it much thought.

I start with the right edge of the fabric on my mat lined up with a vertical grid line. Place the ruler on the right edge of the fabric and move it left to expose the measurement you want to cut, using the grid lines as your guide.

Hard to explain so I hope this makes sense.

I think Cathryn's method would be simpler for you.




-- Edited on 5/5/13 12:59 PM --

Igrande if I am using the mat's gridlines for my measurements that's how I do it, but if I am using the ruler to measure, I have to use the left side of the fabric. I can't cut left handed AT ALL.
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Cathryn
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 5/5/13 2:35 PM ET
Make sure the edge is straight, then place the ruler so the markings for the measurement are right on the cut edge and then cut.

If you do this often, the June Tailor Shape Cut "ruler" with the multi slots for 1/2" to 12" comes in handy.

Here is an overview and video.

I use my right hand to cut.

If you get a JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts flyer, use the coupon for 40% off. You can sign up for the flyer, if you do not already receive it, at their website. Walmart and Hobby Lobby are other options and HL has a 40% off coupon every week at their website or in the local Sunday newspaper.




-- Edited on 5/5/13 2:48 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 5/5/13 2:55 PM ET
Duplicate posting that already has several responses. Now merged.




-- Edited on 5/5/13 7:12 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 5/5/13 3:45 PM ET
I cut strips with 2 6 x 24 inch rulers. Even though I'm left handed first I cut a straight edge on the left hand side. The for my first cut measure over 2" and put 2nd ruler at the point remove first ruler and cut. I learn this from one of the tv quilting teaching. Being left handed I should do it totally differently but I'm too use to this way
  
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Re: Topic merged (posted on 5/5/13 5:44 PM ET)
Topic merged from How to Use a Quilting Ruler Accurately into How to Use a Quilting Ruler Accurately
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Member since 9/18/04
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Posted on: 5/5/13 6:01 PM ET
In reply to Kippysan
Quote: Kippysan
This might be a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway. As a newbie quilter I can get away with asking.

Let's say I'm cutting a strip of fabric and I want the strip to be 2 inches wide. When I cut, should the 2 inch mark on the ruler be placed:

Exactly on the edge of the fabric?

Just to the left of the edge of the fabric?

Just to the right of the fabric?

Kippy

You want the edge of the fabric to be in the MIDDLE of the marks on the ruler, especially if you are using an Omnigrid ruler, which has rather "fat" measuring marks: narrow black lines with yellow "padding" on either side. I found this closeup of an Omnigrid ruler where you can see the marking lines up closeOmngrid 2 1/2-inch ruler.

On this ruler, you want the edge of the fabric to line up in the "cross hairs" created by the gap where the smaller black measuring lines would cross. If you line up to the left or right of the yellow edge of the line, your cut will be just slightly larger or smaller than it should be.

For example, let's say cutting to the left or right of the line produces a 1/32-inch error, which doesn't seem like much. If you are working on a complex block like this 25-patch block, there are a total of 10 seam allowances across the block, which can add up to an error of almost 3/8-inch across the entire block.

***This was a tip I picked up from watching Sally Collins on a "Simply Quilts" episode. Sally pieces amazingly tiny and accurate blocks like these 3-inch pin cushions in this photo. Until I heard her talk about it, I hadn't given much thought to where on the ruler to line up the fabric.

Whatever ruler you are using, you want the edge of the fabric in the center of the marking line. Other brands of rulers have different thicknesses of marking lines, but you still want to "aim" for the center of the marking line.

CMC
  
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