Rotary cutting fabric yardage
 

It seems no matter how hard I try, I have difficulty keeping a square edge when cutting strips of fabric from yardage. I'm extremely careful to maintain my ruler square to the bottom fold and to the cut edge to the point it takes me forever to get a quilt cut out :(. I've pretty much always only cut 2 layers at a time WOF, folded lengthwise, as it would come off the bolt, ensuring it is on straight of grain first of course. I find after a few cuts, I have to re-square my edge as the ruler must have shifted it on me. I've seen it demonstrated to fold the fabric again, to have four layers, stating it provides more accurate and quicker cutting, but then I feel like I am just introducing another opportunity for a problem if I don't get it folded 100% correctly. How do most people cut from the yardage? 2 layers or 4 layers? Opinions? I use a Creative Grids non slip 24.5" by 6.5" ruler and an Olfa cutter and mat. I think part of my problem is I'm trying so hard, I put too much tension/pressure on the ruler and cutter that I push it off square :(.

Thanks for for your advice and input.

I usually cut 4 layers but like you, have to keep turning the fabric to get a straight edge again.
I know how you feel! It can be a pain. I don't have any magic for you :)

Get a slide lock ruler they work wonders on slippage

When I first started I had the same problem. I was pushing to the side more than pushing down. As you can tell the ruler is shifting. You can also "walk" your hand up the ruler as you cut. Cut a little, walk your hand, cut a little, walk your hand. and so forth.

This is my suggestion also.

Thank you for your empathy ;). It seems like a simple thing that’s so hard for me :(. Do you find it easier to cut and stay straight by cutting 4 layers at a time?

You are correct that you have to re-square the cutting line on the ruler with most cutting methods. No matter how careful the fabric shifts/moves and goes off square.

Try this video.

http://quiltersplanner.com/power-cut...ay-cut-fabric/

This may be different from your method.

This is my favorite. (Found it again by luck for you.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoBKOv3Azzw

Also try a larger square ruler instead of the strip ruler. It holds more of the fabric in place. Good luck!

It isn't unusual to have to resquare after several cuts. I don't think it's because you're doing something wrong. I fold twice and cut through 4 layers. I would think there's less chance of slippage when you cut 4 layers, simply because you aren't cutting such a long distance. I put the guidelines 4 quilting gripper strips on the bottoms of all of my rulers. I hated cutting before I got those; I could not keep the ruler from slipping.

I read somewhere to hold the ruler in place with your thumb and 3 fingers. Place your little finger on the fabric, as a sort of anchor. Those little gripper pads are great to help hold the ruler in place, too.

The Slidelock really helps. I either use the Slidelock alone, or I place the Slidelock on top of the ruler I want to cut with. Either way, it helps.

I even use the Slidelock on my June Tailor mats. The mats in conjunction with the Slidelock allow me to cut more strips before having to re-square the edge. The June Tailor Shape Cut Pro is big enough to allow me to cut strips just from the one fold. When using it, I am usually just cutting one fabric at a time (2 layers) because it is harder for me to get 2 fabrics lined up exactly at the fold. The limitation of the JT Pro is that the slots are all 2.5" apart, but it is great for that strip width. I can cut 8 strips with the mat before having to re-position.

I have read in quilting books to resquare after so many cuts. Can't remember the number. I line a lime on the ruler up with the edge of the fabric. When the fabric no longer lines up with ruler line then I square up. How many times depends on how many cuts I need to make. I usually cut through 2 layers.

The gal in the Jordan Fabrics videos uses a barbell weight at the far end of her ruler to weight it down.

I was going to suggest this also. It really does help.

Actually I do find it easier to cut 4 rather than 2. Maybe it's the extra weight? I never really thought about it till now :)

I cut 4 layers and walk my hand down the ruler with good results. There are rulers on the market that are large squares with several cutting lines. You can cut several strips without lifting the ruler. I cannot think of brands but if I ever see one in the store, I'm getting one.

A good sharp blade in your rotary cutter also helps. You don’t have to press down so hard or go back to catch bits that didn’t cut all the way through. And what the others have also suggested(0: I get slippage some no matter what I do!

Stripology by Creative Grids and June Tailor Shape Cut. You can find the June Tailor rulers at JoAnne and can use their coupons to get a good deal. I’ve also seen them at Walmart.

I have a long 24" (?) x 5" cutting ruler with a lip on the perpendicular bottom 5" edge that hooks on the cutting mat. With my left hand on the ruler walking down as I cut, I slightly push forward so as to keep pressure on the lip, and then cut with my rotary cutter in my right hand, This lip acts like a third hand, and if you keep the rotary cutter vertical, and cut straight down , slippage is minimal if at all.

Thank you RhondaK for the video links. I tried your second link first and it was one I had viewed sometime ago but forgotten some of the finer points of the instruction. It's a good video! I actually tried cutting some twice folded fabric today, before looking at it again, and found I really did a better job with the shorter width of fabric and my square ruler. The only thing I find is I have to cut off my yardage into more manageable pieces as to use this method with a 4 yard cut is too unwieldy. I have to say, I got my cutting done more quickly too! Thank you for the refresher.

SusieQOH, I'm sorry, I just read my reply to you and I have no idea how I got an emoticon with the tongue sticking out! I hope I didn't offend you, as I sure appreciate your feedback and certainly didn't intentionally do that.

Thank you all for the feedback. I had a look at the Slidelock Ruler, and I'm sure I've seen it at quilt shows, but never really paid it much attention. It does look like a very useful tool and will be on my backup plan list. My husband just rolled his eyes, as only this morning I was discussing wanting to get a Blocloc ruler, and now this ruler is recommended. :D I'm going to give the twice folded method another shot for a bit and see if I can't get more comfortable with it as I mentioned in my earlier reply to RhondaK, i do seem to have a bit better result with it, having tried it again.

jordan fabrics idea with weight on end works, walking those fingers on the ruler along with cutter works, and I just bought an Olga long ruler with a lip on the edge, sort of like a T ruler, at Walmart, best price!

I love the Stripology ruler. I eat Gudra in Shipshewana 2 years ago and saw it demonstrated...love it.

I agree. Comes in 2 sizes. Nice when a ruler/gadget really works.

I cut 4 layers at a time for width of fabric strips. Do you line up the bottom of your fabric along a horizontal line from your mat before you cut? I do & if the end needs it I place it just over one of the vertical lines to square it. As you cut, using the mat lines this way, it'll be easier to keep it straight.

I have the same problem even using my stripology ruler. Think its just something we have to deal with.....or at least I do. After about 4-6 cuts, I check my squareness and trim if necessary and then carry on with my cutting. Usually don't have to trim much off though. I just thought it was a way of life we have to deal with. Glad to know others have the same problem as me.

Oh dear- I'm more thick-skinned than that!! Haha!!! Not much gets to me :)
Hope you got some help from the others. It sure can be a pain!

Four layers, June Tailor slotted ruler and I still have to straighten after four or five cuts. Just a tiny bit - less than 1/8", but a necessary thing. I just live with it.

Like you, I was often frustrated with cutting yardage. I used to only buy yardage because it's cheaper per yard than precuts, and then find myself frustrated at the amount of time it would take to press/cut/re-square/repeat only to be dissatisfied with the cuts I was getting because the ruler would slip. I finally invested in a Stripology (Creative Grids) ruler and every time I use it, I love it and am grateful to have it. My only regret is not purchasing it sooner. We're pretty frugal, so I don't normally spend money on gadgets or notions.

The plastic is a little thicker and harder than the June Tailor Shape Cuts, so I prefer the Stripology. You do have to fold the fabric twice (into 4 layers) for the initial cuts. I try to be just as careful in making sure everything is straight and flat, so haven't had a problem with a V at the fold line. And my goodness, the amount of time it saves not having to reposition the ruler after every cut. Good grief. I can cut a jelly roll in less than an hour and it's actually fun! It's so rewarding to use that ruler. It was around $50-55 when I got it on Amazon, but worth every single penny.

Having to "resquare" can be expected. If you are off just a thread or two with several cuts, eventually you will find it isn't square any more! I cut with the fabric folded so there are 4 layers and find that resquaring is just one of those things to do.

I just the Jordan video too....the weight really makes a difference along with a non slip ruler.

Great advice. I learned to walk the ruler with my left hand - I'm right-handed. This is important as well as standing up when you cut and being above the fabric...not trying to cut from an angle. Maybe you ARE trying too hard. That shows you want to do a good job. :) Straightening your fabric several times isn't unusual for a really good straight cut. Zipping through cutting your fabric isn't smart. Slow down and enjoy the process even if it isn't your favorite part.

I was watching a video and the lady cutting used what looked like maybe a 5 pound dumbbell on the ruler furthest from you; kept the ruler in place. You might try that.

Go on YouTube and watch Donna Jordan (Jordan Fabrics). She is great at giving clear concise directions on how to piece a quilt, but the thing I want you to see is.....she uses a 5# weight on the end of the ruler to stop it from slipping. I have 2# weights and tried it. It works great!! Give it a try, but the videos/tutorials are good too. :-). Ellen

The June Taylor shape cuter works for me but still have to square up after a few cuts.

This for me too, including the trimming a bit now and then to keep the edge square. One thing I recently learned when watching videos about my new Martelli ergonomic cutter is that you should cut straight from your side rather than reaching across your body. I'm working on mastering this. Cutting across your body automatically tilts the roller blade so you are not pressing straight ahead but on an angle. I'm practicing taking a step to the side as I work my way down the fabric, so I am pushing forward with the roller and not tipping it. It really does make a difference, and is easier on my arm too!!!

I've been told that it is necessary to 'straighten' the cut edge of the fabric you are rotary cutting after 3 strips have been cut. So, unfortunately, we all have the 'remaining fabric not straight after cutting' problem. :)

What has produced the best results for me is spraying the back of the ruler with spray baste, then rub a lot of it off. It must be a bit tacky when you're done rubbing it off the back of the ruler. The spray baste makes the ruler stick to the fabric better, so there is much less shifting. The spray baste glue wears off, over time, but when it does, just repeat the process.

Another thing that I do that really helps me cut straighter strips is to press a sharp crease at the WOF fold. It reduces 'elbowing' significantly!

Glad you had success with folding it into 4 layers. Definitely the shorter "reach" helps.
And certainly not trying to work with more than a yard width at one time.
Sharp blade keeps you from the temptation of pushing too hard.
My June Tailor ruler is my go-to for cutting several strips from yardage.

I always struggled with getting things cut perfectly(or even ok for that matter) but the game changer for me wasn't a different ruler it was a craftsy class that offered a different cutting method. If you have a chance I would suggest Debbie Caffrey's Cut to it class, It made a huge difference for me.