chuckbere15

Also, I don't know if anyone else stated, but I will let you in on a little secret. When using a rotary cutter and a longer ruler than your hand, stop the blade at the end of your hand and reposition your hand further down the ruler. Again, stop the blade before moving your hand. When you go past your hand it acts like a pivot point and you will have less than straight lines. Another trick I learned is to rest the outer two fingers on your fabric and the other three on the ruler.

I haven't tried it it, but Joanns sells a product that you can mount on the bottom of the ruler to aid in the ruler from not slipping. I was in a shop hop and the lady that was cutting my fabric show me the hand trick and then let me try. It diffinitly will help as it did me. I heard that the sell little stick on circles that grip the fabric.

chuckbere15

I would find a guild and ask someone there for pointers. Take a yard, your ruler, and cutter. Go early, you may have to pay a guest fee, but two things will happen. First, someone will be more than happy to pass on their knowledge. This I learned from this board and the two guilds that I belong to. Another member mentioned having someone watch you and give pointers on technique. Second, you will make new friends and possibly join the guild.

I posted another comment before this reply as I'm now reading everyone advice, please take a look at my other comment and I bet you hand placement is all wrong as mine was.

postal packin' mama

My cutting has improved since I started putting several dabs of clear "rubber cement" on the backs of my rulers so
they don't slip. Works much better for me than using those suck-on handles or the peel & stick non-slip clear backings. When they begin to wear off, just reapply new dabs (you can remove them anytime by just rolling your finger over the edges & they roll up & off).

Also, the June Tailor Shape Cut is great for getting straight cuts. My only regret about it is that I bought the 12" one instead of the larger one. It's been worth the $$ for me as it eliminates 'elbows' in long strips. Since I bought the smaller one, I often have to fold the fabric a time or two before cutting, in which case I use a 60mm rotary cutter to cut through the four layers more easily than with a 45mm blade; easier on my hands.

jpthequilter

Try this, Hold the ruler on the fabric with your left hand. Using your left hand will keep the fabric and ruler from wobbling. Using a fresh sharp blade, use your right hand to run the blade along the right edge of the ruler, cutting off a piece of fabric the exact size you want. It is just cutting, nothing fancy to holding the rotary cutter, just take it slow.

delma_paulk

One in my group is left handed, teacher put the blade on the opposite side for her and it works great.

Hope this helps, she did well after a bit ofpractice.

sewingsuz

I am a lefty and I have the same problem about what side. We cannot do the cutting the same as right haned. It does make a big difference.

auniqueview

I used the rotary cutter to cut a panel out of some fabric I bought at a yard sale. DOn't ask me what it is, lol...but it is soft and silky feeling. I cut a panel out and made a bag, and had no trouble following my line. Thanks for tipping me to switching the blade to the other side.

AnnR

I agree. The Shape Cut mat could be your answer. The slots hold your blade in place and make your cuts straight. I really love mine and use it everytime I cut fabrics for a quilt.