Hi! I purchased an expensive roll of plastic film that was "supposed" to keep the rulers from sliding when using the rotary cutter and the ruler. I can't tell much of a difference in the side of the ruler without the plastic film and the sides that does the film. Has anyone found anything that works better than the film?
Sure would appreciate hearing back what has worked. It's probably my biggest problem in quilting, getting a really straight cut line. Thankfully the ruler I use the most, has a lip on it that catches the edge of the table but it's the smaller rulers that I have the most trouble with, and you would think it would be the opposite since they're smaller. Thanks, Chris

Sandpaper dots. You can buy them prepackaged or make your own.

I second the sandpaper dots. I bought the film and hear lots of folks talk about how it helps, but I had it on every ruler and it didn't fix the problem of slipping for me.

Inexpensive solution: Gypsy Gripper
More Expensive solution: Alto Quilt 2 and it holds the fabric in place and the ruler is fixed so can't move until you are ready to move it.
Most expensive solution: Die cut machine with strip dies.

Hi Chris,

Did you check to make sure that you put the correct side of the film towards your ruler? There is a right and wrong side as I understand.

There may be a You Tube video about the product so you might want to check there. Where did you purchase the product? Do you have a LQS that you could ask? Do you have any other quilters in your area?

Have you tried using the small suction ruler clamps? You can purchase the small size at Harbor Freight. It is not the same purple color as the quilting brand but works the same.

As you're working through this process you could use a very cheap makeshift: cheap double-sided tape from the Dollar Store. It may work well enough until you can figure out the issues with the film.

Do you use the markings on your ruler for measurement? If using the markings on your mat, they can cause a problem as you try to cut over them. I do not use the mat markings, only measure with my ruler then cut.

When using rulers for marking, it is important to use one brand through a project. I even use just one ruler for making all of my measurements. I may use a longer ruler to cut the fabric but I typically use the 6x12 or 6x24 inch rulers for measuring the fabric for cutting. Different ruler brands will have ever slightly different measurements.

Also I clean my cutting mat quite often. There has been several threads about soaking the mats in plain water in the tub to help keep and extend their useful life. Never leave a mat around something hot, or in the sun. When in doubt about the mat, check out the manufacturer's website for further information.

Keep us posted as you figure out the solution to your problem. It may help someone in the future with the same issue.

Have a Great Quilty Day!

Pam M

I also use sandpaper dots and they work really well.

I agree sandpaper! Another suggestion June taylor cutting matts. They hAve grooves for ur rotary cutter to fit into. I use it for almost everything!!!

I use the sandpaper dots too. My next to buy notion thats not a notion is one of those gloves that they use on Fons & Porters show. Because ONE DAY...I'm going to chop a finger or two off. :)

Yep the sand paper dots are the best in MHO..I submitted that as a tip to Marcus Brothers and they sent me a packet of 5 FQ's of aunt grace 30's repro fabrics..if you haven't done that yet..do so ..they will send you nice fabrics..I just got another set the other day too for submitting another tip..I use an empty glass qt size canning jar to hold my cone threads. It sits behind my machine and works great. The thread feeds out of it easily...
Yep Airwick...the Klutz glove is a finger saver..they cost about $20 for 1 glove not a set...but you only need one for the hand that is on the ruler and you can't replace a finger or pay for stitches for $20.
Happy Stitchin' Linda B.

the BEST thing i've ffound is a tape called 3-m transpore
[used in hospitals & dr's offices][there was a "loose" partial
roll i'm ashamed to admit came home w/ me]works better than all the other things i 've used ! since then i 've found it at our pharmacy,so i can go back to being an honest person !
dar

Hi! Everyone, Thanks so much for all the comments, especially those about the film. I thought I was imagining things!
As far which side of the film I checked the wrapper instructions and it seems from the pictures showing how to use the film, I'm using it the right way. Glad I still had the wrapper. Any suggestions for what's left of the plastic film??? Got 27" of it! Take care, Chris

Sandpaper dots AND one of those gripper things. Mine was sold as a bathroom grab rail, although I'd never dare use something that flimsy for that purpose, it'd be courting death.

I use TrueGrips from Nancy's Notions. They are great.

Hmm, I use the film and like it alot, as do other people I know. I wonder how you are holding your ruler? Some people want to use the flat of their hand, which allows the ruler to slip around more. I teach my students to keep their hand in an upright position with just their finger tips pressing on the ruler, with their pinkie on the outside edge of the ruler pressing on the mat. Also, never cut beyond where your fingers on the ruler hand are - stop the forward motion of the cutter, but leave it in place, and 'walk' the fingers of the ruler hand forward to continue a long cut.

I hope this makes sense - it would be easier to show you!

Sandpaper dots,, I also cut. Sandpaper strips & glued them to my longer rulers, just don' t do what I did & cover a 1/4" mark!

I anchor the ruler by putting my pinky and ring finger off of the edge of the ruler, onto the fabric/table. Haven't ever needed any grippers. Recently bought some templates made by Creative Grid. They have a nice grip built into them.

That's also what I use. Not sure you'd be courting death, but maybe a broken hip and paramedics showing up at your house to see your lovely nude body. Happened to my Mom!

You can use the tape for setting seam allowances on your sewing machine.

I use a very light film of quilt basting spray on the back of the ruler. Ler it dry and it wont't slip on the fabric.

Now there is an interesting idea!

HI! Andi, That's pretty much how I use the rulers but now that I think about the real problem is when the cutter gets beyond where I'm holding the ruler; so what you're saying does make sense. My biggest part of the problem is I have small hands and not very strong ones either; think maybe the double sided tape or the sandpaper dots might help alot. Thanks, Chris

Use the sandpaper dots or make your own from sandpaper. Sure helps rulers from sliding around.

I buy Creative Grids rulers and have had no issues, they have the built in grippers and I love them.

I like the medical tape. It is cheap and it works well also you can see through it so you have no interruption in your sight.

I bought sandpaper with adhesive on the back and cut pieces to stick on all of my Rulers. Works like a charm! The plastic stuff never worked for me either. Decide where you want the sandpaper pcs and stick them on.

I use the film and it's worked fine for me so far.

I have been using sandpaper dots but the ruler still slips. My teacher in a class yesterday had a gripper that she put on her ruler. IT WORKS. You are able to put a good amount of pressure evenly on the ruler and not stress your arm or wrist at the same time.

I agree with how you hold your ruler and how far you make the cut. Makes a difference.

OH yeah, those sandpaper dots work GREAT....!!!

Ditto here - love 'em!

I use these too, works great

Once in a fit of frustration, I brushed rubber cement on the back of a ruler and let it dry. In my experience, it works the best of all that was mentioned. It does get "linty" and doesn't work as well after a LOT of usage BUT it comes right off when you rub it with your finger and you can put some more on. And just a weird thing....it costs less at my WalMart if you buy it in Home Improvement than if you buy it in Crafts. Same bottle, same size and everything....but about 50 cents cheaper in HI dept.

I use little soft plastic dots made by Dritz, called "Fabric Grippers". Have had them on my favorite ruler for six years now and they still work great. Recently came across them again and now have them on all of my rulers.

Once in frustration, I ran a glue stick (the craft kind) along the edge of my ruler. Be sure to let it dry before using it. The glue is acid free, and after it is dry, it doesn't come off on fabric. I have been using it for several weeks like this.

In a Pat Speth class (Nickel Quilt lady), she mentioned that she used to use the sandpaper dots but they scratched the other rulers. She now buys the cheap rubber shelf liner at the Dollar store (don't use Rubbermaid - too thick) and cuts a little piece to place under the ruler when she is cutting fabric. The ruler no longer scoots, you have to pick it up and move it. Works great. One package of shelf liner would last forever. She had a piece that was about 1"x2" piece for her 5" square ruler and maybe a 2"x6" for her long ruler.

A super inexpensive solution is surgical tape, The textured kinds they use for ivs availabe in drugstores.

I like the OmniEdge rulers; one end has a lip that 'hooks' onto your mat.

I was recently gifted some Steady Betty ruler things. They are strips of Steady Betty fabric that stick on the ruler. You can cut them to the size you want and stick they on the ruler. I've just started using them and they work great. The only draw back is that the ruler won't slide at all and you have to pick it up to make even slight adjustments. I just have to get use to the process.

I use sandpaper dots but in a pinch I have used a small dot of hot glue.

Sandpaper dots. Love them and put them on all my rulers.

The sandpaper dots are the best.