I can't cut a straight line!

Reply Subscribe

Page 2 of 4

Thread Tools

03-12-2013, 05:21 PM

#11

nativetexan

Power Poster

Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: home again, after 27 yrs!

Posts: 19,388

I used to use binder clips and big old silver ones too. my thumbs hardly work anymore so I gave them up.
if you don't have a long 24 inch ruler, you should go ahead and get one. you will love it. when cutting, cut about half way up along the ruler, then carefully move/walk your hand further up the ruler and hold again, then cut the rest of your fabric. Good luck!

03-13-2013, 06:08 AM

#12

mighty

Power Poster

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Upland CA

Posts: 18,376

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

A lot of slippage happens when we try to cover too much ruler area with one hand. Instead of holding the ruler in the center, I now hold it in the lower half. I cut only as far as my fingers can support the ruler. Then I walk my fingers gingerly up to the next section and cut to where it is comfortable. On long sections I can have up to 3 sections to cut. It works for me.

I agree, I have much better luck this way!!!

03-13-2013, 06:08 AM

#13

gigi712

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: Texas

Posts: 512

Tks, everyone for all your help. It's much appreciated.

Tate, I don't know if my mind wanders or I get in a hurry or what, all I do know that I have a major problem with cutting long straight lines. So glad for the recomendation for the Tru-Cut.I'm going to get it. It's not that expensive, besides, I'm worth it.

03-13-2013, 06:37 AM

#14

BellaBoo

Power Poster

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: Front row

Posts: 14,646

The first thing I learned when I started using a rotary cutter was to start about 1/2" from the edge of the fabric and then cut backwards to the edge and then start cutting forward. This keeps the blade from getting veered from the edge, no nicks on the ruler edge, and releases the fabric tension at the same time. I rarely see anyone do this now but it was taught that way at all the classes I went to for how to rotary cut.

03-13-2013, 07:35 AM

#15

Geri B

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,018

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

Yes, only cut to the edge of your fingers, then walk your fingers down the rest of the ruler..also just use your fingertips, by bending your fingers, sort of like a spider. Then take the little finger of that hand and put it against the edge of the ruler as you cut....sort of keeps it from scootching. But, you must put enough pressure on that ruler to keep it in place too. Take your time!!

03-13-2013, 08:10 AM

#16

hybearn8er

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Posts: 136

I have found if I don't pay attention to the way I hold my rotary cutter, it wanders! So now that I know that I make sure the side with the blade is always next to my ruler. Hope this helps.

03-13-2013, 11:30 AM

#17

tate_elliott

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2011

Location: Cary, NC

Posts: 383

Quote:

Originally Posted by gigi712

Tate, I don't know if my mind wanders or I get in a hurry or what, all I do know that I have a major problem with cutting long straight lines. So glad for the recomendation for the Tru-CutI'm going to get it. It's not that expensive, besides, I'm worth it.

gigi, I'm sure you could tell from my post, I like telling how much I enjoy using the Tru-cut. I'm surprised that out of all the replies, I was the only one who actually uses it. I was lucky enough to find mine at a Tuesday Morning about a year ago.

Tate

03-13-2013, 11:40 AM

#18

OHSue

Super Member

Join Date: May 2009

Location: Ohio

Posts: 1,299

I love the June Taylor Shapecut, I have sandpaper dots on mine. I have some of the Invisigrip on my smaller rulers but I don't think it helps all that much.