I am having trouble with the ruler slipping on me when I cut strips or squares.

I have tried to use the dots to help them from slipping, but they haven't helped.

Could I be holding the ruler down to hard?

Skowron, what kind of dots are you using? I bought the self sticking sandpaper ones at walmart that have adhesive on them. They are in the hardware dept. They work fine for me? Hope this helps you...If it's slipping you might not be holding your cutter correctly or not putting enough pressure on the ruler as you are cutting. Happy Stitchin' crafty_linda_b

are u doing the spider when you hol your ruler move your fingers as you cut

I am doing the spider. I experimented on a log cabin today. I measured each time I added a strip. When I got done I was 1/4 of an inch off.

I got the dots at a quilt store. They are green. I will check Walmart and try those.

Thanks ladies

There was a post here recently that said to brush rubber cement on your rulers to keep them from slipping. Just a thought.

I use True Grips made by the Grace Company. I have used the sand paper dots and they work fine but the True Grips are better! They come on a card with pre cut circles and I even cut up the leftover pieces and use them too! They are a little more expensive than the sandpaper but I think they are worth it.

I have Invisagrip on most of my rulers and like it. I was using one that was missing when I applied the Invisagrip. I tried the rubber cement. It does work, but it's not as clear Invisagrip, and for a few days, it collected thread bits. Looked pretty messy. It seems to do that less now.

OK - here is a tip I got from a longarmer at Machine Quilters Expo - Go out and purchase old fashion Rubber Cement. It is clear, non-slip and when it looks yucky - all you need to do is rub it off and reapply. I let is sit overnight before I use a ruler after applying it. I also have tried the clear rubber grippies and sandpaper stuff - nothing compares to the Rubber Cement. It is flat and clear - oh by the way did I include cheap?? lol.

I have heard this, but have not tried it....

Works Great!!

I was using the invisigrip and liked it. I tried the true grips and they are great!

I put Invisigrip on all my rulers. Really helps.
Also, make sure that your table is perfectly level. One of my tables
has a nice bow and it took me a while to figure out why my strips
were crooked even though I was very careful while cutting.

I use Clear Grip by Sew Easy. Works extremely well.

I cut small pieces of fine sandpaper and use regular glue to hold the sand paper on the backs.

I've read the topic on the rubber cement glue, but have not tried it yet.

The sandpaper works for me.

Have used both the sandpaper grips and rubber cement. Love the rubber cement.

i have used the rubber cement and i really like it . put it on all my rulers. be sure to let it dry like over night even then it might be sticky but it works.

Sandpaper dots, from LQS or Joann's, are the only thing that works for me. One in each corner and the center, more if it's a large ruler/template

I make sure I have direct downward poressure on my ruler when I cut. I can only do it while standing with my left hand pressing down on the ruler, with my right hand rotary cutting on the right edge of the ruler. I try to not do all my rotary cutting at once so my arm and wrist don't get sore.

Yes, I was wondering if skowron5 is holding the ruler from directly above. I sometimes have problems if I don't put pressure downward as I am short and can't reach all the way across to hold the ruler. Also, since the strip was 1/4 inch off perhaps the ruler has an 'add a quarter' edge. One of mine has the extra 1/2 inch along one side (it's the 9 1/2 inch square ruler) and just yesterday I cut something an extra half inch wide. Duh! did I feel dumb just not checking before I started zipping away with my cutter. The rubber cement idea was interesting, I'll probably try it sometime. Thanks.

I do have carpel tunnel and I am thinking my wrists are what are the problem. I think using something to stop the slipping of the ruler will help.

My husband is going to cut some squares today and see if he can get them straight. He does woodworking and said the postion you stand and hold the equipment can make a big difference.

Thanks for all your tips. I don't know what I did without this website.

I have small hands so I have always had problems. I put felt dots on mine every two inches not just one on each end as I see many people do. They are in the hardward store for putting under vases to keep them from scratching the tables.

There is a plastic thing in the quilting shops that doesn't work for me. I don't like the sandpaper dots even though they are handy when I get a rough spot on my nail. I have had really good luck with the felt dots but many of them.

With the rubber cement, do you just put it in a few pieces of the ruler or over the whole thing? Thanks for all the ideas!

The dots didn't work too well for me either. I use a clear non-adhesive plastic on the backs of my rulers and it works for me. And yes, it might be that you are pressing a little hard on the ruler, especially if you are using a long ruler. Try spreading your fingers over the ruler where you are cutting your fabric and "walk" your hand along the ruler as you cut your fabric.

I recently got two instructional books and between the two am having MUCH better results with cutting.

The one tip that I think has been key for me is to use the shortest ruler possible. I know we all love our 6 x 24 but if you double fold your fabric you can use a 14inch ruler which is much easier to hold in place for the duration of the cut.

I also have strips of sandpaper glued to the back. I really like this method.

I don't use anything on my rulers, but do the spider walk. Sounds like maybe not enough of a tight grip on the ruler?

I got some invisigrip today and it works real well.

Thank you all for your help.