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  • How can I keep my Squares Even when cutting

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    Old 01-21-2010, 09:42 PM
      #11  
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    beginnerquilter's Avatar
     
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    Sharon321

    Where can I buy the Amazing Tape at? That sounds so wonderful to use.

    Let me know...Thanks.... :)
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    Old 01-22-2010, 04:18 AM
      #12  
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    Use scissors instead of your rotary it works for me.
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    Old 01-22-2010, 04:35 AM
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    I use the rulers with a "lip" on them, that catches the bottom of the cutting mat. That helps me with my slippage.
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    Old 01-22-2010, 05:17 AM
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    Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
    Originally Posted by beginnerquilter
    Hi from Freezing Rain Northern Indiana

    I know I need more practice in cutting and my stupid 3" inch square ruler moves every time and I hate that.

    :cry:
    Your problem is using a 3 inch square ruler. Cut a strip 3 inches wide with a long ruler and then turn the strip 90 degrees and cut 3 inch squares from that.
    yes, you need a bigger ruler.
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    Old 01-22-2010, 08:25 AM
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    There are so many methods of cutting out there. Sounds like you need to invest in one of those shape cutting machines. Expensive but you need it.
    Short cut methods are many and I like Quilt in a Day and Billie Lauders methods.
    Here is a free website for videos.
    http://quilterstv.com
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    Old 01-22-2010, 08:38 AM
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    Originally Posted by dakotamaid
    Could be a couple of things. First of all, make sure you are always using the same line, ie: are you a hair over the line or a hair under the line....... 2nd, you might be cutting too many layers at once or not pushing down firmly enough on the ruler when you slice thru. (Be careful, 5 stitches tell my story!) 3rd, use a ruler than extends over the top and bottom of the fabric you're cutting.

    Anyone else have any suggestions, these are the things I would look at.
    using the line is usually my problem with being a little off, I have to make sure its EXACTLY on the line and not a bit over or under
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    Old 01-22-2010, 08:41 AM
      #17  
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    Originally Posted by beginnerquilter
    I have only been cutting in single layers...

    the problem with me is that my wrists are weak so I don't have very much strength in my wrist to hold down the ruler and it doesn't matter what size of ruler I use - it is still hard on my wrist to hold a ruler firm enough so it doesn't move. I forgot to mention this in my first post...sorry about that.

    I have fractured, smashed my hand, dislocated my right wrist just two years ago due to a fall and it's been broken prior to that lots of times. I am left handed so I always hold the ruler with my right hand and cut with my left. My left wrist is just a tad bit stronger than my right but not very much. I've broken my left wrist several times...I just got my cast off this past year in February off of my left wrist. Thank goodness it was a clean break. My bones break easy too so that is why I can't put too much pressure on my wrists or my fingers. I put as much pressure on my wrist/fingers when I am holding the ruler as much as I can without over doing that.

    It is easier for me to hold a 3 inch ruler than a real long one and having to move it twice and keep pressure on it at all times.

    I know that if I had stronger wrists than my cutting would be a breeze.

    I will try that tape that somebody mentioned on here and see if that will help.

    Most of my squares pretty well match up but there are a few that does not match up exactly and they are just a very tiny bit off and I mean tiny.

    The cutting is hard for me due to weak wrists and plus I don't have a good long table to work on either...so that is another problem too....I am living in a apartment and right now I don't have a good long table to work on but hopefully soon I will be getting one.

    My friend told me that I can go over to her house and use her table to cut on so when I do make my good Table Topper than I will do that and I'll have her help me cut my material for me or somebody from the Quilt Group that I go to.

    Thanks for all of your help...I love this board because I can come here and ask a question and you all take time out to reply back...that means so much to me.



    :)

    try not to push with your cutter. if you are cutting single layer it should slice fairly easy. the harder you push with your cutter the stronger you have to hold your ruler.
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    Old 01-22-2010, 08:49 AM
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    If your squares are just a tiny bit off, you can always compensate when you sew them together. The differences get hidden in the 1/4 inch seam.
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    Old 01-22-2010, 08:55 AM
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    Just a wierd thought - could you get C clamps at the hardware and clamp the long ruler and fabric to the table and then use the rotary. I don't know much, just got here. I use C clamps for rebuilding furniture. If nothing else, when you price the C clamps it might help you justify the cost of a strip cutter!
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    Old 01-22-2010, 09:02 AM
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    Start saving for an Accquilt Go machine. I can't praise this machine enough for the way it has improved my quilting and my attitude.
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