They make rulers with lips on them? I wish I knew that 2 days ago. I just bought a 24" one and a set of squares. :( I could really use that lip.

I put my mat on the floor to cut. This way I can put my whole body into holding the ruler and fabric down. Even then, it moves sometimes. *sigh* I do need to get a bigger mat tho. Mine is only 12x18. I looked at the larger ones. $50 :shock: I'm waiting for a coupon for that baby.

Who is this Shelly Q and where is her tutorial?

How do you keep the fabric from moving underneath the ruler?

Here is ShellyQ's first tutorial and the second one too :D She is a member of our board who has graciously put together a beginners tutorial for usbeginners. She has quite a few tips and tricks throughout them :D :wink:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6460.page

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/7358.page

If you look around this site there are other tutorials on various subjects that are very helpful also :D

I don't know about the fabric slipping, I only had trouble with the ruler slipping. Maybe someone else will post something to help you with this

And here i thought i was the only one..i agonize over it too and it takes me so long to get started, even now i have had fabric for a while but havent got the courage up but i am nearly there as Shelley Qs tutorial seems very doable and i might even have a go this morning...[/quote]

I tend to take more time cutting as well. However, without sewing a scant 1/4" I still end up off on most (if not all) of the blocks I've done so far. Then it's a pain in the you-know-what to pin and pull to get the blocks to line up correctly. I too like Shelley Qs tutorial on cutting - I am hoping that by using her tips I can avoid the hassles I have delt with so far.

Elbows?

That is my method too - you explained it much better than I could have though!

[quote=moonhoney2]I agonize on measuring and cutting. It takes me forever to set the fabric up for cutting. Am I putting too much importance on this?


Hi there, perhaps this will help, found this in a Mag.
When cutting multiple strips of the same size, to help your eye focus with all those lines on the ruler, place a piece of removable tape (the kind you use when painting a window) just slightly to the left (or right, if you are left handed) of the measurement line on the cutting ruler. Your eye goes directly to the correct cutting line.
Hope this helps you.

Elle

The one thing I heard/read is that the line on ruler is suppose to be on the edge of the fabric (fabric under the line) not at the edge. They said that was the makers of the rulers design them to be used. I like the rulers too that have both yellow & black lines. I think they are easier to read. :mrgreen:

I was just looking at a cutting mat that is 4'X6', I could lay down on top of my ruler and hold it in place, or kneel on the dang thing to keep it from sliding around :lol: :lol: :lol: maybe even shave my legs at the same time :shock: :lol: :shock: :lol:

This is the advantage of paper piecing - I have foung these posts useful as I considering venturing out of the paper piecing.

I put some of that rubbery stuff that R.V.ers use in the cupboards-cut it to size & glued it to the bottom of my rulers. Than I couldn't see some of the lines. Sooooooooooo I bought some rubber cement. Peeled-clawed-dug what it took to get the rubbery stuff off the back.
Spread the rubber cement on the back of the rulers-let it set overnight & viola-my rulers don't slip. If you find that things are slipping around again- just re apply the cement.
Works for me
I also got one of those lippy rulers today @ Hancocks 50% off.
Gotta cover all the bases. LOL