Originally Posted by
NJ Quilter
Yes, definitely cut AWAY from yourself with the rotary cutter (or any other sharp blade, really). I do as Tartan does with extra yardage on the table to elminate distortion. That said, I also go to the 'far' side of my cutting table to cut the first 'straightening' cut then I don't have to flip fabric to be able to measure from the cut edge for my subsequent cuts.
This how I do it too. Also, with four cats around I close the cutter before I leave the area. I'm afraid one may jump up on the table and knock the cutter off. It would ruin my hardwood floor.