Thread: Frustrated with fabric movement when cutting strips and pieces?

For most of us, anything that can lessen or eliminate a frustration, be it big or small, when we're in the process of creating a quilt is welcome. In my case, I had some frustration cutting strips and pieces, but "chalked it up" to some level of incompetence or lack of paying attention. I was sure I was holding the ruler securely against the cutter, but there was always that gnawing doubt in the back of my mind. When I would sew all the block pieces together, confirm that my seam allowance was correct, etc., frequently the block would still be a bit wonky.

Disclaimer: I've been sewing since I was 10 and to give you an idea of how long ago that was, I watched the original TV broadcasts of Hopalong Cassidy and the the opening of the the original Disneyland on a 12" black and white TV.

Anyway, something was "haywire"...and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Well, I've put my fingers on the Slidelock tool. Folks, if all your budget will allow, buy at least the smaller one. You will not be disappointed. I recently finished piecing a quilt top for a grand niece. That quilt top is perfectly square. No tugging, pulling, or "fussing". Every side aligned, no matter how I folded the quilt top.

The only thing different about the process of making this latest top was that I cut the pieces using the Slidelock. It's my "go to" tool, now.

As the saying goes, "The first cut is the hardest." Not anymore. I align the tool and my ruler on the fabric according to the directions that come with the Slidelock and the first cut is easy and accurate...and all those that follow are just as easy and accurate.

There's no need to push down with any real force to cause the tool to stabilize the fabric. Just rest your open hand on it and it does the rest. The tool is an example of a simple solution (makes perfect sense) to a quilting vexation and frustration..

Check it out here: http://quiltersslidelock.com/

Happy stripping...er, cutting. (Giggle)

The craftsy class cut to it is a big help for me, really showed me new techniques for cutting

Originally Posted by lisadams

I've watched the video but can't figure out how it keeps from sliding when you are cutting.

Hi Lisadams. You can't see it so I will post a picture. When you press down on the wooden handle, these 1" plastic dots are deployed that really grip the fabric. I have tried it and it does really work. But it is sort of cutting backwards. You need another ruler to line up your cut. I saw a post many months ago about a quilter who was cutting backwards and didn't know she was doing it backwards. I have started cutting that way too and with the entire 6" ruler solidly on the fabric, I find the ruler is not moving anymore. You just have to find you nitch with what works for you !!

Sounds like you found a solution. I'm average height and I've got my cutting table at a height that is comfortable for Me! I've watched my mom who is a good 5 inches + shorter then me try to cut on a table that is not correct height for her and I can see why she is have trouble cutting!! if it's to high she is arching her hands and then the rotary cutter isn't cutting because she is at a weird angle. I think to be successful all things should be considered. Get your cutting area at the right height make sure you can comfortably use the rotarty cutter with out arching you hand relax and stop forcing it.