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I have a real hard time cutting a straight line. I don't know how many different things I have tried. I still can't cut a straight line. Do anyone have suggestions for me? If so please let me know.

Thank you, Peggy

zyxquilts

Hmmmm....sometimes I have a problem with the ruler slipping as I get to the end of my cut - especially if I get in a hurry. So I slow down & sort of 'walk' my fingers down the ruler, pausing the cutter while I do. Another thing is to use the pads of your fingers, not your flat hand to hold the ruler in place (think of a spider walking on the ruler). Also, make sure your fabric is folded straight too. I hold it up, selvedges together at the top, & slide one side or the other back & forth until it hangs without a 'twist' in it. You may find that there is a big difference where the cut edges end up that way, due to the fabric sliding as it is rolled onto the bolt. (Another reason to buy a little extra if you can!)
I lay it down, then fold it one more time, bottom fold up to the selvedge, then line up the marks on my ruler to the bottom folded edge & true up the right side (since I'm right-handed), then turn it over so that the bulk of my fabric is on my right & make my cuts. I also recut to true it again after several cuts if it needs it (& it usually does for me LOL)
Hope this helps Peggy!

ceannastahr

I have plexie glass cut in differnt widths ( from 2 1/2 inches up to 9 1/2 inches) this way I have one edge on edge of material and then cut on the other edge. I also bought a bunch of small round sandpaper dick with sticky on the back and placed 4 on each plexie glass strip less chance of it moving.

mimisharon

C-Star, you are a wonder.......I'm buying plexiglass and having it cut to size soon. IDEAL!! The sand paper has really helped on my rules, I glued long strips in the middle and it really holds the rule on the fabric.

Peggy, when I first came here, I had the same question. Practice came from everyone, just practice practice practice. Join a swap and that gives you lots of practice.

You may as well go ahead and join us here on the board, too, you won't find a better or more helpful group. I joined several months ago and have never regretted it!

Sharon

ceannastahr

I forgot to tell you I also marked a line on each piece for that size square.

example: a line at 7 1/2 inches on that strip will give me my 7 ' square after sewing.

Then I marked with sharpie the center of each square (+) so when triming I can center the block underneath trim 3 sides then turn it around and line it up and trim the 4th side.

No more loop sided or uncentered squares for me

mimisharon

YOU are just so smart, I like it! I will call mine the C-star cutting patterns. How thick a plexi did you get? Did the store cut them for you?

Thanks for sharing your ideas! I have some small triangle pattern cuts, but they are really thin and I'm afraid to do more than draw with them, once cut through....they have to be replaced, eh?

Sharon

ceannastahr

I was lucky enough that some of the strip were cut from scrape pieces. So wasn't charged much for those. I bought a sheet of plexiglass ( I believe its 1/16" thick) 36x24 and had them cut the stips from that all my strips are 24" long. I started with the sizes I use most, then every couple of weeks got the other sizes I needed. Tried to get as many as you can from scrapes they have.

I wrote on each strip what size it is so I know at a glance. I also made a whole in each so they could be hung up

I went on paint and made a crude example of a strip with the square marking

kathy

I just had a thought (look out, there's a storm brewing!) OK hold those remarks! I know I can't use a mylar template by it's self, have to put a ruler over it cause it's not very tuff. And plexi glass is great for straight lines. I wonder how it would cut with a scroll saw. You know they have a very small flexible blade for cutting intricate designs from wood. I don't know any woodworkers but if anybody does I sure would like to know if it can be done that way. My husband has lots of woodworking tools but not this one, if I find out that it works, we, I mean he just may get one for Christmas!

stay-at-home

this was posted quite sometime ago but I can't resist a comment.

did you know that there is a score tool for plexi? I cut plexi to put in frames for my paintings. You just score the plexi several times till you get a fairly deep score. then hold the score over the straight edge of a table and snap it. It breaks clean. No use paying someone to cut for you. The tool is about $7.

mic-pa

HI, Just wondering why you folks don't just go buy the rulers for cutting that are already marked with the proper measurements. There are many rulers out there used with rotary cutters that are excellant. Marge