I can't use a rotary cutter

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10-19-2011, 03:14 AM

#31

Vat

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Central Alabama

Posts: 884

I , too , am left-handed and the best rotary cutter is the Martelli, they are out of Florida and I find with it I have much more control. Very easy to use, been using theym for several years now and love them.

10-19-2011, 03:16 AM

#32

Tropical

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Florida

Posts: 1,611

I'm right handed and I used to have problems cutting with my rotary cutter. I decided that being nervous about cutting and wasting fabric was one reason. I would get shaky everytime I would make a cut. So I decided that I would slow down, breathe and forget about being afraid things wouldn't turn out perfectly. I have also discovered that not all new rotary blades are made with smooth edges. Some I have bought make jagged cuts almost chopping the fabric while other blades cut smoothly. I always buy Olfa and Fiskars.

I hope you figure out a way to cut your fabric. I recently purchased a June Tailor Shape Cutter on the advice of another quilter here and it has made a big improvement. Good luck. :)

10-19-2011, 03:31 AM

#33

Little Sue 4.9

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Myakka City Fl

Posts: 822

I've only been quilting for about a year and I'm right handed but for about 6-9 months my cuts were horrible, I was ready to quit. Then like riding a bike the more you practice the better you get at it.

10-19-2011, 03:36 AM

#34

capucine

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Ulladulla, Australia

Posts: 592

Hi maybe something like this will help you cut your strips. Good Luck I also had trouble when i first started to quilt. Don't give :)
It's the June Taylor Shape Cut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETsJf2nNQE

Quote:

Originally Posted by auniqueview

I don't know if it is the same kind of problem as "I can't draw a straight line using a ruler"....and I swear, I really can't, or just because I am left handed, but I cannot cut with the rotary cutter. I am messing up fabric, and I have been practicing on scraps, too. I use my clear plastic ruler, my heavy duty wooden ruler, try religiously to follow the lines in my cutting mat...all useless. I really need to be able to cut straight with it, and not look like I was on a roaring drunk before I picked it up.

I hate to have to take my fabric to the LQS and ask them to cut strips for the quilt I am trying to make for my cousin. Not that I won't if I have to, mind you, because I really love that cousin, but I need to be able to do it myself. HELP!!!

10-19-2011, 03:36 AM

#35

She In PA

Member

Join Date: Aug 2011

Posts: 91

I have a lot of problems with my hands. I was left handed but had to teach myself to cut using my right hand. I always had trouble trying to use a rotary cutter. It does take practice. I have found that this rotary cutter works best for me. It is shaped different but, I find it easy to use.
http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...aryCutter.html

10-19-2011, 03:40 AM

#36

Lindsey

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Bucks co PA

Posts: 1,269

I bought a shape cutter so I can cut straight better. I said I would never get one. However the older I get the weaker my hands seem to get so, I decided to buy one and let the machine do it for me. I got the larger cutter so, I don't have to hold the machine while I turn the handle. The weight of the cutter makes it stationary.

10-19-2011, 03:49 AM

#37

Rainy Day

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia

Posts: 1,087

I stopped drinking when I am cutting. It helps a lot :P

10-19-2011, 03:57 AM

#38

supergma

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Sulphur Springs, Tx.

Posts: 878

I had trouble at first with my ruler moving during the cut. I discovered that I was leaning the cutter blade into the ruler. Be sure you are keeping the blade straight. And yes, get some grippers to hold ruler in place.