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franc36 05-07-2012 05:16 PM


Originally Posted by gollytwo (Post 5200231)
The June Taylor Shape Cut Ruler that Prism99 recommended is a really useful tool to own

That is what I use. I love, love, love it. It is a real time saver and my cuts are always straight.

wishfulthinking 05-08-2012 02:27 AM

I have the larger June Taylor ruler and mostly really like it. However, I've still encountered the deadly "V's" when I had to fold the fabric more than once to cut it. And I tried so hard to get the folds right!

Mgrubbs 05-08-2012 06:00 AM

Yes, I just ordered a June Taylor 12x18 ruler (on sale for $25.) from Amazon. I had answered a survey from Snapping Shoals EMC in Dec. and they sent me a $25. gift certificate from Amazon!! Also Amazon had orders over $25. got free shipping! I am a happy camper--had been waiting to get the ruler. (I have the 12x12 one, great one too)

luci4 05-08-2012 06:40 AM

I, too, do not care for the June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler. I just use my 8.5x24 inch ruler.

BellaBoo 05-08-2012 06:54 AM

. I get perfectly straight cuts now because I use the Go Accuquilt with strip die. I have all the strip dies sizes. I like the Shape Cut ruler too but not for cutting strips. I use it to cut large squares which are a pain to cut.

Wintersewer 05-08-2012 07:33 AM

I hate to admit it but, I CAN NOT cut a straight strip to save my life. I THINK I'm folding the fabric evenly....I hold it up in front of myself and "walk"it back and forth with my fingers until it hangs smoothly, BUT, I always have that V. I have given up even trying this method and I just cut the length of my rules and piece strips together if I need them long. It sounds easy, and I may be the only one who cannot do it.....can anyone help me??

Prism99 05-08-2012 08:11 AM


Originally Posted by Wintersewer (Post 5202088)
I hate to admit it but, I CAN NOT cut a straight strip to save my life. I THINK I'm folding the fabric evenly....I hold it up in front of myself and "walk"it back and forth with my fingers until it hangs smoothly, BUT, I always have that V. I have given up even trying this method and I just cut the length of my rules and piece strips together if I need them long. It sounds easy, and I may be the only one who cannot do it.....can anyone help me??

I wonder if you are understanding how that V comes about. Getting the fold even with the selvedges has nothing to do with it. The angle of the ruler in relation to the fold is what determines that V. If the ruler is at an exact 90-degree angle to the fold, you will not get a V. If the angle of the ruler is off by 2 degrees or more, you will have a V.

You can check this out with a piece of paper. Fold the paper in half. Cut a strip with the ruler as perpendicular to the fold as you can get. Cut another strip with the ruler angled a little from the fold. Cut a final strip with the ruler angled even more from the fold. When you smooth out those strips, you will find that the farther the angle gets from the fold, the deeper the V in the strip.

When working with fabric, it's important to line up the fold with the longest ruler edge you can find. This is why it is often a good idea to use two rulers. Line up the cutting ruler, then butt another ruler against it with its longer edge along the fold. You want the fold to line up with the second ruler as far as it goes. This ensures that your 90-degree angle on your cutting ruler really is 90 degrees and not 87 degrees or 93 degrees from the fold.

Ngeorgia 05-08-2012 08:32 AM

I LOVE the Shape Cut Ruler also. I found that the Fiskers cutter fits the slots better. I got mine from my sister because she couldn't get her cutter to fit right till I read the Fiskers was better then I had to buy my own and she bought the other cutter.

cathyvv 05-08-2012 08:39 AM

Me, too. but it took a lot of practice to be able to do it! I also sprayed the back of my ruler with basting spray so that it 'grips' the fabric and doesn't shift. At first the back of the ruler was too sticky, but after a little gentle buffing with a scrap of fabric, the 'sticky' is now perfect.

I have the slotted rulers, use them occasionally, too, but not for cutting strips.

emlee51 05-08-2012 09:10 AM


Originally Posted by Jingle (Post 5200357)
For most strips I use my 24" ruler. I line a square ruler up to the fold onmy right and the long ruler up against the side of the square one and make my first cut to get it straight. Then I cut the strips I want and even up again every two or three cuts, this keeps them straight.

This is what I do...no problem.


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