How many layers are you trying to cut through? If the cutter is open fully, you shouldn't have any problems cutting through the fabric. You definitely shouldn't have to press with all your might, which could be very dangerous if it slipped. Please visit your local quilt shop and have them help you learn to use it properly.

The other day a gal who'd never used a rotory cutter was helping me. I showed her how to use it and my last words were---------"be careful so that you don't cut yourself."

Her first words were "Do we have band-aids handy?"

I'm more likely to skin my knuckles on my mandolin. That spikey food holder just doesn't work as well as a hand.

Not yet, should I be looking for a chain mail glove for protection?

What is a Klutz glove? Is is just for those of us that are klutzs and cut ourselves???

Yes the 1st time it was a nick the 2nd wasn't I had my thumb on the ruler -fingers on the fabric Yep cut the web couldn't be stitched they taped my thumb to my index finger with yards of tape and tell me DON"T get it wet or use the afflicted area I am right handed I didn't miss washing dishes --Bathing myself was a challenge I think all my furniture has dents from vaccuuming left handed Since then I've been extra careful now its only my nails so I figure they must have needed clipped anyways

The only time I got knicked was trying to take one out of those blister card trying to get it open. So far, I have remembered to be careful since I take coumadin. LOL

I have used more bandaids since I started using a rotary cutter than I have in my entire adult life up to then. Fortunately never a serious cut, but plenty of bleeding and swearing.

Deby

Just did that today.... ouch!!! My bad to be lesving it on the cutting board with the blad still out!!! :cry:

I cut my finger 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch circle off the end of my left ring finger. It was a circle of skin lost . It was VERY painful and bloody. It occurred at a class at our Quilt Group. I got distracted and poof it was done. I got help from a member of the group and got packed up and got to my car. I drove myself to the hospital with pressure on my finger holding it in a tight grip. I got to the hospital and had an injection to my hand to numb the pain. I did not feel very good. I was off work for 2 weeks and had to go to my Dr every 3 days to make sure it was healing well.
I tried the finger guards and they come off, so I changed my practice.... my fingers are 1.5 to 2 inches from the edge, I do not let myself get distracted and I use a handle on my ruler as much as possible. Be Careful. Oh and I am a Nurse! Live and learn.