From which direction you cut/measure
 

A little while back, there was a post about a person who did not cut her strips by measuring from the cut side. I honestly did not think that her method had any merit. BUT--I needed to cut 3/4 x 90 inch strips and found that my ruler kept 'wandering'. I finaigled a few strips and wasted material needing to often straighten the fabric between cuts.

But then I thought about the ruler sitting on the fabric to be cut instead of just measuring the itty bitty 3/4 inch.

I laid my main ruler on the bulk of the fabric. Then I laid a second ruler to measure that itty bitty 3/4 inch measure. I snuggled them together, and then took away the second ruler. I then made my cut. WOW!!! It was clean and true!!

So, thank you to the person who posted this way of cutting. You saved me a whole pile of frustration. You ROCK!!

I usually cut this way....measure with one ruler, hold down the fabric with a second ruler....because it keeps the fabric more stable and less likely to slip. Especially good technique for beginners.

Jan in VA

Isn't it great when you find a trick that works? I like that feeling of accomplishment!

Good trick for thin strips!
Rodney

You all never cease to amaze me with the tips and tricks I see posted on this board! Thanks for sharing!

thanks for sharing.... hope i remember it when i need it :)

I always do mine that way. I have also gone to the other side of the table and leave my ruler on the main part of the fabric. This works also, my table is in center of the room. Always nice to find an easier,faster or more accurate way to do something.

I recently moved my cutting table so it is right angles to my design wall so I don't have to squeeze behind the cutting table to use it. I was trying to cut something tricky when light dawned and I realized it would be a lot easier if I used the three available sides of the cutting table. I got to do my left-handed cutting in the best position every time! oh duh, Sue, LOL why did it take so long to figure this out? I gotta laugh!

That's how I do all my cuts, and there perfect every time, especially if I am cutting from a 3 yd. length of fabric!

The only rule is that always do it the way that works for you. I am going to have to try and remember this.