It seems I can’t cut a straight line to save my life! Because of this, I keep starting projects, not getting very far, and not liking them because my measurements are always off.

I know I have the seams right, and I am pretty confident I am sewing in a straight line, but darn it if I can never get things to line up . . .

I have a cutting mat and a pretty long 6 inch ruler. Now, I know it slides a bit, but could that be the only problem with EVERYTHING I cut being off? Any suggestions? Or is this normal for a beginner?

It is frustrating because I love the sewing part, but struggle with the measurement and cutting . . .which of course is a big part of the whole picture. . .

Deep breath. Relax. You will get better.

I think the most important thing is the first selvege to selvege fold in the fabric. It must be straight. Hold the fabric in the middle and let it fall. Keep adjusting until the selveges match exactly. Do not look at the ends. They may be WAY off depending on how the fabric was rolled on the bolt.

After I was able to fold accurately, my cuts improved tremendously by starching the fabric heavily before I cut it. I have also added clear grip stickers on the back of my ruler.

I tried everything to cut straight and accuratly but would always have a lot miscut fabric. Especially V strips. Even if I cut one layer. Ha. I use to buy extra for miscutting. I bought the Accuquilt Go fabric die cut machine and it is the best quilting tool I have ever bought. I think I'd hand piece my blocks if I had to choose between the Go and my sewing machine.

Oh my gosh - I would love one of those! Unforutnatley, my husband wants to pay our morgage this month . . . :lol: But you are one lucky quilter!!!

All great ideas.

Hey, I am not the world's greatest cutter. If all I need is strips or large squares I tear my fabric. The strings are a pain but I know that the grain is straight. It is a whole lot easier to cut things straight if the first side is perfectly on grain. Also remember to "press" not iron.

I put the word out through friends I'd babysit for night time workers who needed emergency babysitter at the last minute. and I made enough in two months to buy the Go and most of the die sets. I have no problem spending money when I want but I prefer to find a way to spend a small amount of time and make the money. This way it isn't coming out of our budget or savings. I learned Supply and Demand on my job so I started doing my own Supply and Buy method. :lol:

I know if I am hurrying, I tend to "slip" in my cutting. Set everything up, cut slow, holding your ruler firmly, If the ruler moves, it will result in missed cut. That is where my problems were. I had to learn how to hold ruler down FIRMLY to prevent the movement. hope this helps.

Move your hand up the ruler as you cut, cut-move-cut-move never cut beyond where your hand is.

I think a longer ruler would help, too. They allow you to make a longer cut without double folding your fabric. Lisa is right-the first fold is the most important and the hardest. Good luck.