I have this RuleSteady ruler holder and use it a lot. Very good for long cuts because it won't let the ruler slip at the end of the cut. Well worth the money, got mine as a Christmas present! Also keeps your holding hand out of the way of the cutter. See link on earlier page (2 or 3?)

Going on a shopping spree at JoAnn's, Buying new mat and new cutter and of courses the gloves.Also going to check out the Gingher scissors as they are my favorite brand in scissors. Taking the cc with me and going to do some damage to the budget I am sure. I am determined to work out this issue with the cutter.
Thank you all for the advice and directions on my problem with learning how to get this to work for me.
I am so glad I found this site.
I am fortunate to find such a group of people so willing to assist a stranger.

and hey hey booboo, don't forget to check your cutting board for slits that might be catching the threads and keeping them from being cut.
Mine is getting old and doesn't really heal itself well anymore so I get a good many "skipped" threads. I gave it a good soaking after I used it last and so I'm hoping it will be better when I use it next.
Smilesssssss and hugssssss!!

one time I had this problem, & as silly as it sounds the blade was screwed down too tight-it could move freely. which you say new blade& you're only trying1-2 layers? check it, maybe its that simple