How to keep ruler from sliding while cutting?
 

I know this seems like a stupid question, but I have the hardest time cutting a straight line with my ruler unless I hold it down really well. I cut on my floor for the most part, so what I end up doing is putting a knee on one end of the ruler and my hand on the other end and then cutting with my other hand. It works fine, and I get straight cutting w/o the ruler moving on me, but I think I would prefer to cut on my table, however, every time I do cut on the table I have problems with my ruler moving on me. :(

I would love help with figuring out how to fix this issue!

I use the sand paper sticky dots. Cut them into 1/4's and
randomly space them on the ruler.

This really helps me.

I like the Invisi-grip and use it on all of my rulers. I tried the sandpaper dots, but I don't care for them.

http://www.joann.com/omnigrid-invisi...x36-/prd17402/

Also, when you are cutting, do not put all of your fingers on the ruler. Keep the last 2 on the table and the rest on the ruler. It really does help keep it from moving.

Do you have any rubber cement in the house? Try putting a couple of stripes on the side that touches the fabric and letting it dry. The rubber will keep it from shifting.

Thank you! I'm going to try both of these things the next time I'm cutting! :)

One question, do you put the invisigrip on the whole ruler, or just in a few places?

Ooh, I DO have rubber cement in the house! I will try that first and see how it works. :) I love solutions that don't make me buy something new. :)

I recently read about using spray basting, a very light cost on the ruler. I tried it and love it. When it gets too dirty or stops holding, I simply use "goo-gone"to clean it and start again.

I use the sand paper sticky dots. Cut them into 1/4's and
randomly space them on the ruler.

This really helps me.[/QUOTE]

This is what I do too.

I use the clear dots like the sandpaper but more plastic in texture. I love them

Invisigrip is great!! I tried other things, and this works great. I have put it on all my rulers.

This is what I have been doing for about 3 years. It goes on somewhat unevenly, though, so after the spraying, I usually rub it with a cloth, test it's stickiness on fabric, rub it again, etc. until it is just right. I also only use spray basting on fabric or rulers when I am in a very well ventilated place - never remotely near my sewing machines!

I have also used thin rubber bands when nothing else was available. It does 'hold' onto the fabric - until you cut the rubber band.

I use a scotch tape holder that I have. It is weighted so you can pull tape off with one hand. I put it on top of my ruler, at the end, and cut away. I use my scotch tape paperweight to keep fabric from slipping off the counter and ironing board also.

When using invisagrip, I put it the whole length and width of the ruler. Walk your fingers up the ruler, always keeping some pressure on the ruler. Don't do that while cutting, and cut only where you fingers are stretched out to insure the ruler doesn't move.

Also, the white strips that you use on the hangers for the wall - just cut a few squares and put them on the back corners.

I press down hard on the ruler with my left hand. Then i cut even with my left hand. I stop, move my left hand up the ruler , press down and continue cutting. I never cut passed my left hand. When I do That's when the shift occurs.

Me too!!!!!!

I have the clear sticky dots on a few of my frequently used rulers and they help tremendously. In addition, I will sometimes use spring clamps to hold the rulers in place. Helps alot.

I have a couple 8 pound weights that I keep on my cutting table. I put one (or both on longer rulers) on my ruler and the weight keeps the ruler from moving.

There have been times I've encouraged students to place their whole arm, from hand to elbow, on the ruler to hold it down, and that seems to help. (On a table surface.)

Jan in VA

I like Invisi-grip, but I want to try the rubber cement idea. Sounds like it would be even better. Even with Invisi-grip, the ruler will move. I have always followed the advice to hold down the ruler in the area you are cutting, then "walk" your fingers up the ruler as you continue to cut away from yourself. Any time I try to hold it in one place and cut the entire length, it slips a little on me.

About 10 years ago I went to JoAnn's and bought their lightest weight clear plastic and cut it to fit the back of all my rulers. I have only had to replace the plastic on one ruler in that time. I also cut strips of this plastic and wrap it around my thread spools to keep things tidy.

My cutting table is at a good, comfortable height where i can get a good reach and good angle. I also cut TOWARDS me - starting at the farthest point and pulling the rotary cutter towards me instead of pushing it away from me. For me, I can control much better. I know most of you will say "It's not safe" I don't have problems w/ my ruler moving and i've never lost control of my cutter.

What a great idea! Am going to try that one. I bought two sided tape and some really course sandpaper and made my own sandpaper dots, going to get out the spray glue and experiment!

I use Quilters Slide Lock. It holds the ruler in place and I know I won't have a nasty cutting accident. I the small and large size. I won't cut without them. I have the Alto Quilt Cut and it holds the fabric but it's limiting for bigger cuts.

The invisi -grips work really well.

I use invisi-grip on all rulers, but did purchase the longer one with the edge and I love it.

Love, love, love my quilters slidelock!

I have sandpaper on mine but still have an occasional slip. I will try the rubber cement idea.
If I cut on the floor I wouldn't be able to get up.

I use a quilters slide lock I bought online. It is my favorite quilting tool. Its wonderful.

Invisi grip is fairly good but i finally started replacing my old rulers with Omni Grip ones.

I sincerely hope you never do, because that could be really ugly. Sorry to be so blunt, but I find that really, really scary.

You could also try dots of nail polish and a sprinkle of salt on the backs of your rulers.

I use the Quilter's Slide Lock. There is no way I'd use a rotary cutter without a safety tool that keeps the ruler steady. All it takes is one slip for a nasty cut. I don't take the Slide Lock to classes, everyone wants to use it (but too cheap to buy one) and it's hard to keep up with who has it so I use a cut resistant glove when I'm away from home in case the ruler does slip.

I use "TrueGrips". They are non-slip adhesive circles. I use 3 on the back of every one of my rulers and it works great! 15 grips per pkg. for a couple of dollars. I bought it online either at Joanne's or amazon. I'm sorry...I can't remember where.

Here is something I posted a while ago. This also works on folded fabric for strip cutting. Just that one little cut in the end of the material really works! Get some fabric out right now and try it!


let me know how it works for you.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...p-t136061.html

peace

EDIT: Nothing needed on the ruler. No rubber cement, invsigrip, weights, rubberbands:D
No cost!

I read this yesterday and thought...yup..I have the same problem. Went to Joanns today and bought the "Slip 'N Grips" added them to my rulers and have been cutting away without any movement at all! Thanks for the info!!

Well, so far I have tried the rubber cement on my HST ruler and it's working well. :) Though I may try invisigrip on another one just because I'm so curious about it. hehe

I'm so glad I asked! Thanks for all the suggestions!

This is one of the hardest things for me. It seems no matter what that ruler slips!

Before I got invisi-grips, I would just spray a little quilt basting on the back -- just a tiny bit -- it was enough to make it stay put.

Best thing would to be to get up off the floor so you can have more control. Perhaps a kitchen counter or a table. Place your cutting board on the flat surface, then look carefully at the marking on the ruler as they rest on the material .Once you are satisfied that the ruler is on straight, place your hand on the ruler firmly with one finger off the edge-the little one- so that it can stop movement of the ruler. Then move your hand up the ruler, then cut fabric as far as the hand hold, then move your hand up the ruler again while staying in contact with the ruler and cut. Do this to the very end of the ruler and your cut will be straight. As you do the cutting begin to realize that you may be putting too much pressure on the ruler with the rotary cutter. Have you body right in front of the cut to see if you can adjust this pressure as it can be the cause of the ruler slide.