I have made an attempt this afternoon to master the Rotary cutter... and still I cannot make sense of it.. I cut a square, although the blade is new... it didnt cut evenly... then in an attempt to cut a triangle I wondered.. how do I cut a triangle when the ruler is ' over the fabric???

When I lined it up.. it didnt look right.. I am so annoyed with myself for not being able to use iether the ruler or cutter.. am I compelled to use templates forever??? :(

Is there a quilt shop or guild you could go to and ask Please someone show me!, you'll have more help then you need. :D

You just need practice. I didn't think I would like a rotary cutter either when I finally decided to try one but it gets easier as you learn to hold it confidently.

I practice alot of techniques on paper first. You can use your rotary cutter and cut copy paper. It is cheaper than fabric!

Make sure your ruler does not move and push evenly on your cutter.

Are you using an angle on a ruler to do your triangles?

Hope you get the hang of it! It is fun when you get used to it! It does take time and practice to get comfortable! Don't give up!

Can you take it in to your local quilt shop and ask them to give you a quick lesson? My shop is always very helpful!

Be sure you are holding your ruler straight and in place (it can slip very easily!) , and you will probably have to reposition your ruler to cut the third side of your triangle.

Hang in there! You will get the hang of it! My mom was a long time template user and was very dismissive of and frustrated with rotary cutting at first, but once she got it, she never used a template again!

and make sure you only have one blade in your cutter. they tend to stick together out of the packets. and the yellow Olfa ones are great. other brands can be good or bad. but as the other posters said, practice.
some info says to place the blade at an angle toward your ruler while cutting, i've never done that. i cut straight and it works fine for me.
good luck

It is possible that you don't have even pressure on the ruler. I find that I MUST be positioned (either standing or kneeling) over the ruler and look down on it to get the best leverage. I spread my hand to get good coverage on the ruler (making sure NOT to have any fingers peaking over the edge) and I make an even, deliberate cutting pass along the ruler's edge. With a new blade and even pressure the cutter should not skip.

Good luck and be patient with yourself. (The cutter beats scissors on straight cuts any day)

Definitely ask for a demonstration at a LQS or fabric store. I don't use my scissors for cutting fabric anymore, just for trimming threads, and ends when PP. When they mention holding the cutter at an angle, they are referring to the the handle, not the blade. The blade should be straight, perpendicular to the fabric. I was afraid of it at first becasue it is so sharp! But I have become a true believer in rotary cutters! :lol: :lol:

I agree, if you can go to a local quilt store and have them show you how. These things can cut you quick! I know if you slow down and think about it, you will get better at it. It is loke anything, you must just take your time and learn the ins and outs of it.

Have you used a round pizza cutter?

Works the same way - except on fabric and with a ruler for a guideline.

Seriously, check out the tutorials - they are very helpful.

Excellent advice. Sometimes all you need is someone there watching and correcting.

And practice is always helpful, too.