Hi all, I was having trouble cutting without the elbow in the middle so I purchased a strip cutting machine for over $50.00, I also used a coupon. It was ok but you have to be very careful how you feed the fabric. I then purchased the June Taylor rulers and MAN am I glad. They are the only rulers I have used for a while now and I just love them. You do need to make sure that the fabric is straight when you start cutting. The blade does need to be straight in the slot and and sideways like Cabinfever mentioned. I use my regular rotary cutter and no problems. Good luck.