quiltingcotton

It depends on what brand of mat you are using. I search high and wide until I found mats that have extremely accurate 1/2 inch grids with larger and smaller measurements on the sides. They were expensive, but well worth it to me. I have a long cutting table with three mats set up end to end. I also keep my mats in place permanently with double sided tape. That way they don't shift or move when I'm cutting, or setting up to cut.

The last mats I had, had 1 inch grids and were off from 1/32 to up to 1/4 of an inch in different areas. Definitely couldn't use those lines to cut along.

I'm in the field of not pressing my fabric before cutting it as I found that it stretches the fabric. Then after cutting, the pressed pieces eventually relax and some end up being slightly different in sizes/cuts because of how much the fabric stretched. The only time I will press before cutting is if there is a large fold over crease.

73+quilts

I just put a needle threader thru the eye backwards. Thread goes in the threader and gets pulled thru the needle eye quickly. Works for me on all 3 of my machines.

AngelaS

I was taught to use the lines and not go by the rulers. Lol

AngelaS

Unless you’re pressing seams open, always press from the front.

always close your rotary cutter when laying it down.

every quilt deserves a new needle.

Princessnancy

Would you share the names of those mats? Thanks so much!

illinois

There appears to be a discussion about whether to use the ruler or the mat markings for measuring. My opinion is that it really doesn't make a difference UNLESS you are using both in the same project. Decide which one and use it throughout. Yes, there may be just a thread or several difference but, as long as you consistently use the same method, you will be ok. Use either the ruler OR the mat markings; not both in the same project.
Maybe someone else has already suggested--if you have difficulty threading the needle, most of us dampen the end of the thread with saliva. Try doing that "spit method" on the needle itself. It's amazing how easily the thread goes into the eye of the needle.

Onebyone

There appears to be a discussion about whether to use the ruler or the mat markings for measuring.


My rulers cost too much not to use them to measure.

LGJARN52

I agree with Onebyone....rulers are very expensive and I have almost every one ever made. Or so it seems! I do line my fabric up on my mat, trim the wonky edge off and then use my ruler to cut the desired size needed. As long as I use the same ruler consistantly , I can't see a problem with it.

Stitchnripper

I think there is no one size fits all. Donna and Matt Jordan use lines on the mat and Matt has marked a giant board with widths that he cuts. His precuts are big sellers so guessing they are accurate. I watch a lot of different quilters on YouTube and some use mat and some use ruler. If I am making something that is forgiving I use the mat. For more precise I use the ruler. If someone has invested a lot of $ in rulers by all means do that. But I don't think we all have to do what everyone else does. Do what gives us the best result.

L'il Chickadee

Keep notes, I have one small notebook for each sewing machine. I record the size and type of needle and the date they were changed out. That's because I have a terrible time seeing the markings on the shaft, even with a magnifying glass. The other things are dates for oiling the bobbin case, the name and weight of the bobbin thread, all the stuff you need to know if you've been away from that machine for a while.

Another thing about the needles, I don't always throw them out. They're saved for sewing odd ball stuff with paper. I like making paper mockups to test block patterns, especially if I'm resizing a block. Also making multiple perforated paper bases for paper piecing.

Last one, storing bobbins with the thread spool. Take a hair band, thread it through the hole in the bobbin, pull one loop through the other, then stretch that loop over the thread spool.