You wrap your four fingers around the handle like a rotary cutter, and rest your thumb on the curved in metal to push down with pressure. you are pushing through tissue paper, and tracing paper at the same time. I still have my first one from when I learned to sew in home economics when I was in high school about 45 years ago. Yes, I am 61. I used it a lot when I made clothes for my children and myself. A great tool for me at the time. shirleysonshine