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When I have to do long cuts, I use a 5 lb weight on the end of my ruler, and for shorter cuts, I use my Slidelock ruler. Between the two of these things, I am much better at my cutting. Oh yeah, and slowing down also helped.
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I’ll take a look at weights and rulers. I forgot to mention that I’m using Omnigrip. I thought this ruler was a good one. It has texture on the back that’s probably supposed to prevent slipping. I’m also wondering if it’s my form- my wrists aren’t straight or I’m not positioned in front of the board at the correct angle. Thanks for the help. I’m off to the kitchen to shop for rulers and weights.
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Originally Posted by Murphy224
(Post 8384049)
All the hints you have received are great.....a good ruler that doesn't slide on the fabric, a weight to hold down the end if you are using a long ruler, keeping part of your hand on the fabric and part on the ruler to hold it steady. But the best thing that helped me with the issues you are having, was to slow down! Those people on the you tube videos just place their ruler, put that cutter in place, and zoom off. Zip zip zip and they are done! You don't have to do it that way. Just slow down a bit, press firmly but not so much that it won't move with the cutter, and go only as far as your arm will go comfortably. Once I slowed down a bit, my ruler didn't slide and I didn't get away from the edge of the ruler. I focused on what I was doing and felt safer and more in control of the rotary. I also fold my fabric and use my 6x12 Creative Grids ruler most of the time.
Good luck! And remember, you will get better with practice. |
All wonderful suggestions and don’t forget to change the blade on your cutter on a regular basis as well! A sharp blade will cut much better than a dull one.
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You can add grip dots or sand paper dots to the back of the ruler. These also help with slipping issues. I also sub-cut yardage pieces into smaller pieces. If I need 4 quantity of 2 inch strips, I will cut a piece 9 across the WOF. Then cut the 9 inch piece into the strips.
The other suggestion is to make sure the rotary cutter fits your hand. Some may be too big to have proper control. You can also try a smaller even 28mm cutter. A friend uses one for cutting. Personally, I like the 60mm cutters. This is one of my favorite tutorials...ever! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfvKE0Y6npk |
I do a combination of what Peckish and Rhoda K do. I have rubber dots that I put on the 4 corners of my rulers. Picked up the latest batch in Walmart in the hardware section. They are a little thicker than the ones I had originally purchased at my sewing machine shop and JAF but these work just as well.
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I can add one other thing.... use a rotary blade. It should not take extraordinary pressure to cut unless you are cutting more than about 4 layers.
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Originally Posted by grammasharon
(Post 8384025)
I had that very same issue until I purchased a Quilter’s Select 6x24 ruler and haven’t had an issue since. They work great. I liked it so much I bought the 6x12 and a square one. Sharon
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One important thing I found in my case (when I thought my cutter was dull) is to make sure I am "pushing" the cutter straight out from my shoulder. I make sure not to pull my hand toward the left or the right for the cut. Huge difference when I though the blade was dull.
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Game Changer
Originally Posted by mjkgquilt
(Post 8384024)
Donna Jordan on Jordan Fabrics uses a 5 pound weight on the end of her 6 inch by 24 inch ruler. You might try using a heavy object at the top of your ruler if you don't own a 5 pound weight. Watch one of the Jordon Fabrics tutorials on YouTube to view Donna cutting with her 5 pound weight.
Great reminder about a dull blade, I am so stubborn about changing blades but what a huge difference once I break down and just do it. |
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