Aully

I am having troubles cutting, I could really use some advise please. I can't ever cut straight.

My table is waist height, my ruller and mat alwasy move, I can't keep it still.

Does anyone use anything to keep there mat and ruller from moving? Or any sugestions?

Thanks!

justwannaquilt

They make sand paper disks, or there are little rubber disks that are sticky on the back that you put on the back of your ruler to keep it from sliding.

Sadiemae

When I taught we used to use some kind of little sticky putty to put posters on the wall. I wonder if a tiny little piece on the corners of the mat would make it hold still. If it didn't hurt the wall, it shouldn't hurt the table. It was blue and was in the school supply part of the grocery store.

KarenS

I use a large mat that almost fits my cutting table. I try to keep a couple fingers off the ruler to help stabilize it. My mat does not move but my ruler occasionally does. Try putting downward pressure on your rotary cutter rather than side to side pressure.

np3

I've never had my mat move, just the rulers when I don't anchor them properly. Is your table slick/glossy?

isewhappy

Be sure to use a sharp blade in your cutter.

amandasgramma

If the mat moves, get some of that rubbery stuff that's sold in rolls (like the stuff to put under your throw rugs) and put it under the mat. Other's suggestions on the ruler sliding are the best ways to deal with that.

Twilliebee

I use a sheet of rubbery anti-slip under my mat. It's about an inch larger than the mat all the way around to keep every thing level. I prefer Omni InvisiGrip on my rulers, but sandpaper dots are also good. There are also a couple of lines of anti-slip rulers available.
Use a sharp blade, don't cut more layers than you're really comfortable with, be sure your blade is perpendicular to the rulers edge and that the ruler is an appropriate size for the cuts you are making.
And practice, practice, practice. If you don't have fabric or scraps for practice, grab a cotton sheet at the secondhand store and use it for cutting practice. You could probably use the practice pieces as foundations for string blocks eventually.
I'd also check out the cutting tutorials on YouTube. There are some really good ones.
Good luck and have fun!

GypsyRse1

That's what I use under the corners of my mat.... something called Handi-tak. It works like a charm.

Donna Mae

I use the rubbery stuff for lining shelves also. Haven'nt had a problem.
Hope all gets straightened out for you.

simple quilter