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I used to have a great bit of trouble cutting until I started using the June Taylor Cut Shape ruler. It is a slotted ruler, and you just put the rotary cutter in the slot and follow the opening. It has saved me. I don't cut anything without this ruler. The first time I used it was a bit scary, as I just barely understood the instructions on how to fold the fabric to get what I wanted, but I got used it very quickly.

You might google it and see what you think. This ruler is really the only one I use for cutting out quilt pieces.

Dina

I got great information for a non slipping ruler from tessagin. Buy a $1 roll of shelf liner and cut it in different widths to place on the fabric under your ruler---NO slipping at all. I place the liner close to the cut edge of the fabric and be out of the way, then cut.
I have some homemade plexiglass squares that I will attach the liner with double stick tape.

Thank you tessagin for the helpful solution.
Jan

Quote:

Originally Posted by railroad (Post 7799173)

This has helped me, too.

I mean, the Bonnie Hunter tip about having your ruler on the fabric, not next to it.

I can not recommend any higher than the Slide Lock ruler. http://www.quiltersslidelock.com/ It may be pricey at $50-ish (may have to save up) but it made a world of difference to my cutting, also, no little fingers holding the ruler to slice off (all fingers are on top).

I don't think I could quilt any more if I didn't have my GO Cutter. I just cut out 84 1 1/2" strips in a little less than 20 minutes, and I love how all the pieces fit so nicely together. You have to be careful when you cut with your GO, but not anymore careful than when you cut with your rotary cutter, and the cuts are always perfect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by awf60 (Post 7799083)

Thanks everyone for the wonderful advice!

If you live near a quilt shop or guild, see if you can't get into a rotary cutting class. I really learned a lot from that kind of class. It is worth the money.

Such good information - I have problems also and these suggestions are ones I will pay attention to in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battle Axe (Post 7799103)

To keep my ruler from slipping, I am applying some Elmer's cement glue to the back and letting that dry overnight. It's just a little tacky, just enough.

The Creative Grid rulers have etched spot on their backs and don't slip as much.

Don't cut with a person who is hard of hearing and wants you to look at them when you say something. I looked up from my cutting and sliced off the edge of my left index finger. What a mess!

The person was so rattled that she could not help me. We finally found a doctor and he said I had not cut enough off, not enough to sew back on. Took forever to heal but I did miss the nail.
Marcia

Ouch! That hurts!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer23 (Post 7798781)

Things I look for when people are having cutting problems:

- Extend your index finger along the front of the rotary cutter, instead of wrapping it around the handle with the rest of your fingers. This helps prevent wobbling, and makes it easier to follow the ruler edge.

- Only cut next to the hand holding the ruler. Line up your ruler, then press it down with your fingertips near the bottom, where you will start your cut ("tent" your hand). If you have big enough hands, keeping your pinkie on the fabric can help. Cut to about the top of your fingers, then move your thumb up to where your fingers had been, and move your fingers further up. Cut to your fingertips again, re-position your hand again. I usually re-position my ruler-holding hand twice when I'm cutting fabric folded once (~22" wide).

- I cut using the lines on my ruler. I know that they are slightly different than the lines on my mat. Do whichever you like, but be consistent. Triple-check that both ends of the ruler are lined up properly before cutting.

- Make sure your table is the right height for you. This will be about the same height as your ironing board. I can't cut at my kitchen table; it's too low when I'm standing, and too high when I'm sitting. I got an adjustable-height table, and it has both improved my cutting and made my back and shoulders hurt a lot less.

- Make sure your blade is sharp!! You have to push harder with a dull blade, and that makes it more likely you will veer away from the ruler, or push the ruler out of alignment.

These are all excellent tips. I would add: cut slowly, creeping your hand up not doing a fast swoop even though you will see plenty of people cutting that way. Also, after a few cuts, recut your edge because slowly your ruler will tend to shift.
Good luck!

I also try to do my cutting early in the day at home when I can relax and take my time. Cutting at a class or a retreat has been a complete disaster for me.