I am having problems! I've been practicing and practicing my rotary cutting and somehow its still "off".

I've searched all the threads on here, follow all the tips and still when I put my blocks together, they still aren't exact.

I put some sandpaper on the back of my rulers yesterday and that helped a lot with it slipping. I starch the crap out of everything. I'm really careful when cutting, and only cut one layer at a time.

And I am STILL getting blocks that aren't right! They look fine on my mat but, when I go to put two together to sew them, they are different!

What am I doing? Or not doing?

I don't know what to tell you without watching you do it but I know for me it's easier to cut 2-3 layers than one, do you have a good sharp blade? what size cutter are you using? what size pieces are you cutting?

One thing members here have said here is that different rullers measure differently. Are you using just one ruler for your cuts?

LOL maybe you starched out too much crap! ROFL
jk

If your blocks are not matching up, make sure that you are cutting them the exact size. 1/4 or 1/8 inch off make a huge difference as you go along. When I need to cut several pieces the same size, I cut a strip across the entire piece of fabric, (folding it selvege to selvege then once again - making 4 layers) then open the layes to make just two, and then cut my next blocks.

Kathy, LOL! I really needed that, I'm having a crappy day, and feel like a big grouch.

I mostly use one ruler, its a 4x18. I have a smaller one that I use for little cuts sometimes. And I have a bigger one that I never use.

I use a 45mm Ofla, with a brand new blade in it.

Also, I am squaring it up at the beginning.

Maybe I'm not being as "careful" as I think?

It may not be your cutting, It may be your seams.

Yeah, that's something I'm still working on, too. But, for example, I was cutting some 5.5 inch blocks, and making HST's with them. When I would take the two blocks and put them together to sew them, they would be off. They wouldn't be the same size to line up right, know what I mean? Before I even start sewing.

When I cut with templates and scissors, they come out perfect.

I use my Cricut a lot to cut squares,etc. But, I really want to learn how to rotary cut well.

When you figure it out, please let me know the secret, sigh.

Like you, I take great care with my cutting - starch everything, use the same ruler etc. (used my June Tailor Shape Cut Too last time), and there are still differences.that Luckily, they are usually small enough that I can compensate when piecing, but it sure would be nice to be able to cut as precisely as the experts.

That sounds like a seam problem. When you make your HSTs, do you mark the 45-degree line? If that's off, even a little, it will mess up your resulting blocks.

Once the line's been marked, make sure you do a proper 1/4 inch on BOTH sides - having a 1/4-in foot really helps with that.

you may also want to try marking the seam line on your HSTs before you sew, and sew slowly amd make sure your needle hits the line.

If your making HST's then take a look at Rhonda's tutorial on HST's. I never could get mine to line up until I started doing it the way she does and now I don't have a problem with them anymore.

Please don't take offense (but you can laugh if you want!) How's your vision?? I ask only because a DF has horrific cutting issues & she keeps changing her glassesRX --- then takes them off to cut & sew! She has a really bad time w/errors, both sewing & cutting, but doesn't see (pardon the pun;) the connection between her errors & her vision problems.

Just a suggestion...
please laugh, but don't throw your mouse at me!

Maybe part of your problem is that you are looking at the pieces from different angles. Be sure to cut all pieces from the same angle, same place on your cutting mat, you in the same place your rulers in the same place. In what direction do you try to cut? For me it is easier to cut at a 90 degree angle from me. I always goof if I try cutting parellel to my body.

I hope something someone has said helps you. It is so frustrating to try and try and not get it. If these ideas don't help, ask more questions!

I've noticed that sometimes I cut sideways a little and not straight up, which resulted in uneven sides, could that be the problem with you? When i say "sideways"...i mean i lean over the mat some with cutter...

I agree with Donna, I thought it could be your seams, but then I went back and re-read your original post. If I understand correctly, you are discovering problems when you put 2 pieces together to sew them, right? If that's where you're noticing the problem, there are fixes.

First, are you holding your cutter so the blade is straight up and down? You do not want to "angle-in" toward your ruler, as this will give you an "off" cut. If one cut is angled and the next one straight, your block is going to be "off".

Secondly, why are you only cutting one layer at a time? A 45mm blade can easily cut 4 layers without difficulty. If you've got your fabrics laid out nicely, you can certainly get accurate cuts easier (I believe) with more than 1 layer of fabric. (Please don't take this as a "snippy" comment, I'm just trying to understand...)

When you cut, how are you holding the ruler? Many people put a lot of downward pressure on the ruler, which can actually move it during the cutting process. Obviously, you don't want that "shift" to happen, so use a lighter touch. Also, one of the things I hit upon when I first started rotary cutting is to keep the heel of my hand and my little finger just off the edge of the ruler. This gives me a little more security in "feeling" if the ruler is drifting.

Don't apply too much pressure from the blade up against the ruler. This can also cause shifting of the ruler and therefore, a "wonky" cut piece.

A sharp blade is very important.

Also, if your pieces are off by a thread or two, it should be okay. Lay them together so they are as centered as they can be, and sew with a 1/4" seam just as you normally would. If you are seeing a thread or two of the underneath fabric, it's okay - just use that edge to line up on your machine/foot/line for your 1/4". If the two pieces are more than a couple threads off (like perhaps 1/8" or more), you should re-cut.

Finally, if these tips don't help you, I'd recommend that you go to your LQS, if you have one nearby, and ask someone there for some help. I wouldn't recommend a big chain store, because sometimes they're just too busy. But a LQS is there to provide SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. They WANT you to be happy and successful, because that is what will keep you coming back and their doors open! Ask if you can bring in some fabrics and your tools and have someone watch you cut. They may be able to pick up on something that we can't necessarily "see" from this board and the help will be invaluable to you.

I hope that this will help you to have a better cutting experience. Good luck and let us know how you make out!

Odessa

I, too, was having similar issues, then read "be sure to hold your rotary cutter handle straight up, so that you don't PUSH the fabric as you cut". I tired it, and it does seem to cause less slipping and a more true cut. Good luck.

Odessa, you are not being a bit "snippy", this is exactly what I'm looking for! Everyone's responses are great and I'm sure will be big help!

You are correct in saying its not really my sewing the seams right. My problem is when I go to put the pieces together to sew them, they aren't the same size.

I'm going to carefully go over everything you guys have said, and see if I can't figure it out.

Or maybe I should just give it up and use my Cricut, LOL!

I have been holding my cutter at an angle! I was trying to get it as "close" to the ruler as I could, kwim?

Hm...That may be the problem.

The reason I am only cutting one layer is I'm afraid! LOL! I was thinking if I was messing up one layer, I didn't want to mess them all up! LOL!

I had a teacher tell me to make sure I don't use the lines on the cutting mat. That many times they are off.

As someone else suggested it might be your seams. Did you measure them? She also told us that not all 1/4" feet are the same. you have to measure from your needle and put a piece of electrical tape on the machine throat where the true 1/4" is.

Hope this helps

Are you using the measuring lines on the cutting mat or the measurement lines on the ruler? or both?

I had been using the lines on the mat for all cutting --- it was causing problems for me. Now I just use the measuring lines on the ruler and my cutting has improved.

Be sure to set the ruler on edge and squat down and make sure you don't see air between the ruler and the table. One of mine was giving me fits and I discovered it had a "whoo-hoo" in it (my husband's term for when wood has a curve). That will make a difference...also, your sewing makes an even bigger difference. Make sure ALL your seams, on both sides are 1/4".

also - this may have been mentioned.....double check the measurements on the ruler with another ruler. My old HUGE cutting board (one of the originals) is off by 1/8" on one end...!!! Don't ask me how many years it took me to figure that one out!!!

I hate cutting with rotary blade when it is a longer piece. I have a ruler I bought at Wal Mart for $30. You can not always find it there and the quilt shops say they won't sell it because there is no profit BUT! if you have trouble with wobbly/wonka cutting this ruler is great. The blade is ATTACHED to the ruler! You can't cut "off". It's also a 24 inch ruler so yeah! Large pieces! It's made by Fisker's. I would not trade it for the world!
See if you can find one because I got it when I was a new quilter because the rotary really scared me and with this WOW! I have been quilting about 10 years and still go to it first.
Also check your quarter inch on your foot for sewing. If you are squaring your blocks it's probably that!

Are you using the ruler to measure your fabric or the cutting mat. I found that if I use the ruler measurement it is more accurate. Ask me how I know that :?

Someone sent me this in an email a few years ago when I was having problems with different size swap blocks. It should help you with your cut shapes, it sure helped me.
I now just use strips of the paper.

OK, I've read everyone's responses and one thing I haven't seen anyone mention. Do you "square up" your blocks before you sew them together. If you are making HSTs I'd try making them a bit larger than what is called for. Sew them together and press. Then square them up (trim them) to the exact size you need. Then they should all be the same size before you try to put them together. Good Luck!

Any block that has a point is tricky to square up so the point isn't lost. Once you master keeping the points sharp the rest is gravy.

You can find that "roto ruler" at Nancy's Notions. I have one too. Bought it years ago and have used it for many projects that weren't quilting (I have a posterboard dedicated blade for my kid projects. I love precise cuts.) It uses the normal Fiskar 45 mm replacement blades. LOVE IT. It is the go to cutter for long straight cuts at my house.

Glad we could help you. Don't be afraid to cut more than one layer at a time. When you get really good, you will lay 2 fabrics together, fact-to-face, and cut so you don't have to move them at all before sewing the seams. Talk about a more accurate method!
:wink:

I've been doing this a long time. Just recently discovered I've got about 8 or 10 45mm rotary cutters. :shock: Who knew? :shock: And I used to teach beginning quilting, so I would always try to work with my beginners and teach them how to use the rotary cutter so they didn't have to be afraid of it. Is it sharp? Yes. Will it cut you? You bet. Do you have to use it? No. But if you want clean, accurate cuts, it was the best method we had for a lot of years.

It's all a matter of getting familiar and comfortable with your equipment. You'll get this! I know you can do it. And WE want you to be successful, too.

Odessa

Odessa, I wish you could be here to instruct when I decide to try rotary cutting! I bought and tried one years ago when they first came out and it was a disaster!! Haven't used it since!! I need to learn to use one, cutting with scissors is really hard now.

Always, always, always!!! Measure TWICE, cut ONCE. I have been positive I'm right, and been 1/8 or 1/4 off, and that ruins it!!

clem, it's not difficult! Honestly, it's not. My best recommendation is to take some muslin or inexpensive fabrics that you won't be too concerned if the cuts are not immediately perfect, and just start.

There is one thing that really gets me, though, about these TV quilters, in that I see them just putting the selvedge edges together and doing the rotary cuts. What they don't tell you is that the selvedges don't always run perpendicular to the cross-wise threads of the fabric. So when you cut, you still end up with wonky cuts sometimes.

Maybe I need to do a tute on this? At least show my method? I've never done one, so don't hold your breath, but I'd be willing to try it ...

Happy quilting (errrrr, I mean, "cutting")!

Odessa

[walks away, shaking head, muttering to self "....now, what in heaven's name have I gotten myself into here?.......just gotta help the newbies, don't I?....if only I wasn't such a giving person......oy!........]

Make sure you are holding your blade perpendicular to your fabric when you cut. Tipping it one way - in or out, will make a big difference in the end.

I've found that I have to be consistent in where I stand in relation to the ruler. I found that by shifting a little left or right changes the way I line up the markings. It doesn't sound like much but I can be off by 1/16 for a few cuts and that starts showing up very quickly when the seams don't line up. Frustrating. I now have a small rug that I stand on to mark my position in front of the cutting area to make sure I stay in the relative vicinity. I know this sounds way too picky for some but it works for me.

Do you have a ruler with a lip (on one of the narrow ends) that you can catch onto the cutting mat? I got one for my granddaughter and it's made a world of difference because the ruler doesn't slip so her strips are straight.

After you've cut and before you move your ruler, check to make sure
that you made a straight cut. If it's slightly off, now is the time to trim.

For HST, I agree with quilterguy27. Cut slightly bigger then square up.
Check out Lneal's post on squaring up HST's. I bought the ruler and love it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-34271-1.htm

Only thing I can think of is that either you are not putting enough pressure on the ruler and it's slipping or else..............

are you SURE that your cutting mat is really flat? If the cutting mat is bowed then you won't get an accurate cut.

Odessa, could you adopt me so I can come live with you? Would ya, huh, huh, huh? I could migrate with the seasons (I don't really like that cold flaky stuff that falls from the sky. So you wouldn't be stuck with me ALL the time. I guess I've lived here in Central Texas too long. :-) )

lab fairy,

you just THINK you don't like that flaky stuff! It can be such fun!

Tell you what: you take my 18-year-old out of the house permanently and you can come for an extended visit!

Odessa

(......muttering to self ........ "......now just what in the H*** is DH gonna say about THIS turn of events ......??????????.................)

Uh...I just thought I finally got rid of my two when they up and got married. So essentially I'm now stuck with two more! :roll: Exponential growth in seven weeks (2 kids became 4) is just not a fair thing to do to this mom.

I think I'll join you in the grumbling thing... paying for those college classes, the "hey Mom, will you" calls, can you help me with my homework, ... Do they grow up? They never ask me to cook though. Got them scared of that request. I think it's the bread bricks I turned out for Christmas. :oops:

I do have to say that I still like the migrating with the seasons idea. Its darn hot down here.

I just had this turn of events, too! I have an extra child around now, too, LOL!

But, there is a silver lining! I've always wanted a daughter, and she is learning to quilt with me! YAY!!! I got her some Tinkerbell fabric today actually I was going to post about. Its a panel and I've got 2 coordinating fabrics, trying to decide how to lay it out for her to do. The panel has one big block and 3 smaller ones. I just don't know how to figure that! I'll post it in a few minutes.

I'm going to keep this one and get rid of mine,LOL! (just kidding......maybe.....girls are so much cleaner!)

I'm getting ready to go practice some. It pains me to do this, LOL! I don't have a lot of "stash", so I really love every piece! I think I will try to cut some common size squares so that if they turn out ok, I can still use them.

I think I'm just not being as "careful" as I think. From what everyone has said, it has to be either me letting the ruler move, or just not having them lined up right to begin with.