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Yes, definitely cut AWAY from yourself with the rotary cutter (or any other sharp blade, really). I do as Tartan does with extra yardage on the table to elminate distortion. That said, I also go to the 'far' side of my cutting table to cut the first 'straightening' cut then I don't have to flip fabric to be able to measure from the cut edge for my subsequent cuts.
This how I do it too. Also, with four cats around I close the cutter before I leave the area. I'm afraid one may jump up on the table and knock the cutter off. It would ruin my hardwood floor.Originally Posted by NJ Quilter
Another Phyllis
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I think that it is easier to cut verticle than horizontal. When I try to cut horzontal I tend to cut crooked. Always cut away from yourself. Many cutter are adjustable for righty or lefty. I do not use glove like Fons and Porter do. No cut fingers yet (knock on wood)
I cut away from myself but have cut both horizontally and vertically, depending on where I'm standing. Do what's comfortable (and safe) for you.
Heather
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXGIbHH1Ydo video tute for beginners
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Can't agree more about the "closing" after every cut -- if you start out reminding yourself every time, it will get to be an unconscious habit.... and PLEASE - wear REAL shoes while cutting.....if for some unknown reason the cutter slips from your grasp - or you forgot to close it and knock it off the table - you won't be in the ER because the blade fell on your unprotected foot !!
I don't close my cutter between every cut but do if I leave it available on the table between cutting sessions because I've realized even teenage grandsons are curious enough to pick it up and "test" the sharpness of the blade!
Amend to my prior post....by closing after every cut - i meant when you are shifting fabric, changing fabric, repositioning, etc....something like that...not "every cut" if you are doing 10 strips in a row...if i lay the cutter down, it gets closed. should have said it that way...sorry for the confusion.
It depends on what I'm cutting. Large strip cuts will be vertical and away from me. Small cuts are a toss up. I'm going to get one of those rotating mats recommended in other threads.
The Gypsy Gripper is a good tool to help beginners gain confidence while rotary cutting. My LQS uses them in their beginner classes. It's easy to move the ruler, hold it down in position, and cut. I use one if I know I'm going to be doing some tricky or horizontal cuts.
Away from yourself and in a manner not likely to injure your hand - i.e. keep fingers etc. behind the blade, not in front.
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