I am having troubles cutting, I could really use some advise please. I can't ever cut straight.

My table is waist height, my ruller and mat alwasy move, I can't keep it still.

Does anyone use anything to keep there mat and ruller from moving? Or any sugestions?

Thanks!

They make sand paper disks, or there are little rubber disks that are sticky on the back that you put on the back of your ruler to keep it from sliding.

When I taught we used to use some kind of little sticky putty to put posters on the wall. I wonder if a tiny little piece on the corners of the mat would make it hold still. If it didn't hurt the wall, it shouldn't hurt the table. It was blue and was in the school supply part of the grocery store.

I use a large mat that almost fits my cutting table. I try to keep a couple fingers off the ruler to help stabilize it. My mat does not move but my ruler occasionally does. Try putting downward pressure on your rotary cutter rather than side to side pressure.

I've never had my mat move, just the rulers when I don't anchor them properly. Is your table slick/glossy?

Be sure to use a sharp blade in your cutter.

If the mat moves, get some of that rubbery stuff that's sold in rolls (like the stuff to put under your throw rugs) and put it under the mat. Other's suggestions on the ruler sliding are the best ways to deal with that.

I use a sheet of rubbery anti-slip under my mat. It's about an inch larger than the mat all the way around to keep every thing level. I prefer Omni InvisiGrip on my rulers, but sandpaper dots are also good. There are also a couple of lines of anti-slip rulers available.
Use a sharp blade, don't cut more layers than you're really comfortable with, be sure your blade is perpendicular to the rulers edge and that the ruler is an appropriate size for the cuts you are making.
And practice, practice, practice. If you don't have fabric or scraps for practice, grab a cotton sheet at the secondhand store and use it for cutting practice. You could probably use the practice pieces as foundations for string blocks eventually.
I'd also check out the cutting tutorials on YouTube. There are some really good ones.
Good luck and have fun!

That's what I use under the corners of my mat.... something called Handi-tak. It works like a charm.

I use the rubbery stuff for lining shelves also. Haven'nt had a problem.
Hope all gets straightened out for you.

simple quilter

I think those little tab things make the mat not level.
Just my opinion!! lol

simple quilter

cheap emry boards place under coners if a big mat then put under the middle sides

In my beginning quilters class we were taught to "walk with our fingers/hand" along the ruler as we cut. This tended to keep the ruler from scooting around on those longer strips. Also have the little sandpaper discs. Every once-in-awhile I go off track...wasn't focused. (Hate that!!!)

There are stickies you can buy for the back of your rulers. There is a suction cup type holder too you can buy. Your mat should not slide. I think this is why Ilove the new Gingher mat--they are so self-healing and don't move.

They have a "handle" that suction cups to your ruler that I hear people have great success with - it's also easier on the hands that have arthritis, carpal tunnel etc. Another thing that can help is to get a ruler that has a 'lip' on one end...this way you can butt that up to the edge of your mat and it won't slip and slide! Best of luck....keep practicing - sometimes that's all it takes!

John Flynn used to make and sell a "ruler/straight edge" called The Cutting Edge which helped solve the problem of a ruler moving against the cutting blade.
It was a full length/24" long, 6" wide straight edge - no markings.
You measure from the right, butt the "edge" up against the ruler, and cut along the non-moveable "edge".

I can't find it now on his web site but have sent an email asking if it's still available; will let this thread know if I get a response. It was a very helpful tool for my beginner classes. And it's great for older hands with less strength to hold that ruler down.
Jan in VA

i used one of those rolled up rubber mats that are sold everywhere..usually in the kitchenware near the contact paper..cut to size and your mat will never move..on your rulers buy grips and put at least 9 on there..and that should do it for you..

Okay so I wen't to Home Depot and Rona and they do not sell clear sandpaper for the back of my rullers. Anyone know where to buy invisi grip for my rullers? Would Fabricland sell it?

That is weird that they don't carry the sandpaper dots. Even the dime store has it here. So does home depot and lowe's and the grocery stores in the home fix-it type aisle. We don't have Fabricland anymore they turned into JoAnn Fabrics. Good Luck!

Aully, the sandpaper discs are brownish color. The clear part is the backing (it is smooth) put on the ruler before the sandpaper discs. I THINK it is called Magic Cover, but am not real sure.

I missed the word "clear". I need to read more carefully. LOL

Hi Aully, I think any fabric store that sells quilting cotton would probably sell invisigrip or a comparable product.
You can also make your own sandpaper dots if you decide to go that route. Buy a small piece of fine grade sandpaper and use double sided tape (like for scrapbooking) to attach it to the ruler. If you decide you don't like it much, Goo Gone or WD40 will remove the adhesive residue.

I bought the invisi grip at fabricland for $5.00 regular $11.00 for my rullers, I have not used it yet and I also bought 2 clamps to hold down my cutting mat for now. I need to buy a new mat as this one is wrecked now from putting a towel on it and pressing my seams. lol!

Hi Ashley,

I have a video on cutting:

http://www.overallquilter.com/blog/h...a-perfect-cut/

hope it helps,

Aimee

Wipe down your table with a damp cloth then set your cutting mat on it. When cutting use a couple of fingers to 'anchor' your ruler like someone else here suggested. Also, don't press the ruler down hard, just gentle pressure to keep it down. Tell us how it works.

I have been using the invis grip, it works great, I also bought a generic brand for cheaper and it works great too. YAY! I kept all of my left overs of the grip in case I buy more rullers then they will need it too. :)

Very sharp blade
Sand paper discs on templates/rulers (I also use the clear discs, but if you're having trouble, the sandpaper discs are stronger)
Stand up when cutting
Insure cutting mat is flat on a flat surface

I use the poster putty too. I use it to hold small wallhangings on the wall. Doesn't hurt the fabric or the wall. Double sided tape will hold the mat and not make any bumps underneath.

If you need to buy a new mat, I love my Martelli mat, ergonomic rotary cutter, and ruler. They don't move at all AND you can bend them, get them wet, and even get them hot and they don't warp. I got mine at a quilt show, but they sell on-line also.

Really get them wet? Where online can I buy a mat like this?
Thanks so much for the info!

Ashley,
You're not supposed to use your cutting mat as an ironing board, that's why its all warped.

www.martellinotions.com

I bought a suction cup holder at Harbor Freight that I put on my ruler when cutting. It enables you to apply a bit more pressure.

I also have a June Tailor cutting ruler that is great. If you buy one get the largest size you can. i beleive i got it at Walmart.

I have one of those suction cup things that attaches to my rulers. I love it! It allows you to have something to actually hang on to to hold the ruler when you're cutting....as opposed to just pressing down on to prevent it from moving. I've found that it's really helped with the slipping.

Sometimes new students of mine have the same problem. I show them that you do NOT have to push hard. Let the rotary cutter do all the work. Make sure you are standing above your fabric slightly to the side of your cut. Your blade must be sharp also. Have the fold closest to your waist and do not press your blade against the ruler. The ruler is your guide, not your wall. Beginners should only cut through 2 layers of fabric until you get the feel for it. Take it slow and it will become easier for you.