Quilter101

I need help as it relates to rotary cutting, and cutting in general.
My ruler always seems to slip and I never get an acurate piece of fabric. It is really getting annoying. What is the best way to make sure I cut accuratly and making sure I don't have my ruler/s slip.
Thanks

bj

One thing you can try is putting a few dots of rubber cement on your ruler on the side that touches the fabric. It will help keep the ruler from slipping so much and it peels right off if you don't like it. Be sure the glue is dry before you use the ruler!!! I also find I can control my rulers better when I don't use the really long ones. I'm not very tall, so I don't have much reach for the long ones. I use one that is 5" wide and about 13" long.

Jim's Gem

You can buy little "sandpaper" dots at JoAnns that will help with slipping, as well as a film that goes on the rulers. Try also leaving a finger or two on the table (opposite side of where you are cutting), that should also help some with slippage. Try to cut straight. Sometimes I find my self pushing against the ruler's edge and it cause the ruler to shift. Hope some of these tips help!!!

sharon b

I hold the ruler and kinda lean on it with my pinky on the other side of the ruler from where I am cutting. Does that make sense ?

camillacamilla

I do what Sharon does- I put weight on it with my left hand while cutting with my right. Sometimes I put too much pressure on it and end up with sore arms for days.

auntluc

On some fabrics I turn my ruler over with the lines down...I can still see thru the ruler and the printed side has a little more texture than the back side.

SaraSewing

I bought one of those little handles with suction cup to atttachl to the ruler. I don't like it much, FYI. My best suggestion is to have the table at a good working height, and don't try to cut with your arms extended, which always makes mine slip. I'm looking forward to more tips that are added on this thread.

mary quite contrary

Assuming you are right handed (opposite if lefty)

Be sure your table isn't too high (or you too low).
Line up your body so your right hand lines up with cutting.
Cut down rather than push against the ruler.
Have your left hand sort of like a tent with your little finger off the ruler on the left and your fingers pushing straight down.

beachlady

I have the sunction cup thingy and just love it! I also have sandpaper on the back of my big ruler. I do not have much strength in my arms, so being able to hold on to the handle and press down really helps me. I know what you mean about your arms aching foe days after cutting!!

cabinqltr

I learned this tip from another forum several months ago. Go to the pharmacy area of your favorite store and in the band-aid section buy a roll of NexCare brand Flexible Clear tape - 3/4 in. X 252 in. for less than $2.00. Put strips on the underside of your rulers, I put one on each of the four sides about 1/2 from the edge, you can see fabric thru it and it does not slip easily. I really like how this works. One roll did all my rulers.
Ruth