I found this on Joann's website. "Professional grade clear acrylic safety shields. Includes three sizes : 10", 16" and 22". Works on all acrylic quilting rulers to protect hands from rotary cutters. With 3-M Adhesive -won't slip or fall off!"

I sliced the side of my finger and had eight stitches in 2009. I did NOT have my finger hanging over the ruler but I was in a hurry. I was cutting stabilizer for an embroidery project and just slapped the ruler down and accidentally put the rotary cutter on the ruler. It quickly went sliding.

My aunt tried really hard to get me to buy something that Erica's in South Bend, Indiana was selling at a quilt show that spring. I didn't like it becaue I don't like adding another dimenison to distort my vision. I do most of my cutting in low light by choice. Anyway, my aunt really liked it but I did not. It may be what is shown above. I can't remember.

BTW, I have had a rotary cutter since 1985 and cut out everything under the sun with it - mostly clothing for the first 18 years. I only cut myself that one time. Technically I know I should stay away from sharp objects when my senses are dulled but I would never get anything done that way. One has to determine their own risks and way the cost.

After I did the same thing (I posted pics of it in another post, if you're interested. ha).. I bought a plastic shield that goes on the 6x24" ruler. Your hand stays on the side of the shield you're not cutting on. Works great.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd38193

Yes, that's what I have. It does work well.

That's what I just bought. Glad to know it works. :)

fons and porter sell them, but they are butcher's gloves and are available here at this restaurant supply for $14...
http://www.bigtray.com/searchresults...cmdGo.y=0&RN=1

Actually, just being sure your fingers are not hanging over the ruler is no guarantee you won't slice a finger. When my injury occurred, I didn't realize the rotary cutter was resting on the ruler and not on the fabric. When I started cutting, in one fluid motion, the cutter slid across the ruler at an angle and lopped off a good chunk of my finger. Gloves or ruler handles are really the way to go.

That's exactly how I cut my finger too.

It mainly is all in how you hold the rulers and the cutter. You have to have good control of the cutter, the rulers should be held firm with no movement on the fabric, and the mat should never be slipping on your cutting table. What I did is put a medium Klutz glove inside a large Klutz glove. I have never cut myself, but not saying the 2 gloves together would prevent it either. Just having that glove on makes me aware to be careful. When I am starting the cutting process, one part of getting the supplies together is that I put the rotary cutter inside the glove that hangs directly above my cutting mat. Makes me aware to remember to put the glove on. My fingers hurt just thinking about getting cut.

have you hear of a fingertip rotary cutter? they are very small and about the cost of a blade, disposable!
www.cotton-junkyquiltshop.com from Wilmington Ohio, we sell oodles of them!! they are $9.00 each, and we use them all the time!
good luck
katz