Try using three fingers on the ruler and two fingers on the table to steady the ruler. I only cut 10 or 12 inches at the m ost at a time, before I move my hand, but this system keeps the ruler from moving. Marylou

I still only cut one or two layers at a time.

Four at the very most.

If I have a mess-up, it's less waste!

the best way to keep your ruler from moving in to litely spray the back with a spray adhesive you can always remove it with rubbing alcohol and it works great for a long time

That is what I used to do when I first started quilting. At that time I didn't have to work so I put my card table in front of the TV with a cup of coffee and the most I would ever cut at a time was four layers. Those were the best quilts. Everything had to be perfect . . .do you know the feeling?

In my last class, the gal showed us a clear quilting tape (has kind of a blue tint to it) that you can just use on the bottom of the ruler. You will feel the difference immediately because the tape causes a bit of friction. It is much easier to control the ruler with the tape but you still have to apply pressure.

Another thing that this teacher pointed out is to NOT plan to hold the ruler in the middle. She holds the ruler on the first third and cuts the first 1/3rd then moves her hand up to the middle cutting some more, then moving the hand up to the end and finishing the cut. It really helps to control JUST the part you are cutting.

Besides the ruler slipping, it might be the way you are stabilizing it with your hand and fingers and how you are using your cutter.

Be sure to keep your little finger draped over the edge of the ruler to help keep it steady and press down on the rotary cutter not pushing it into the ruler at an angle making it slide too. Hope that makes sense.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

quote //p.s. I agree with QKO about getting some cheap fabric to practice on. It's also a good way to get rid of some worn out or out dated cotton clothing. Cut it up, throw it away, no money lost, experience gained. Just cut the seams out first and use flat pieces of fabric. //quote

If it's good cotton clothing, why throw it away after you cut it up? Save it for quilting!! That's what our ancestors did!

I use the little round sand paper discs on all my rulers and that ended my problem. You can buy them at JoAnns or any quilt store.

I am a real fan of clear plastic first aid tape. (I use NexCare brand)
When I used sandpaper dots they were always in the wrong place. With the tape you can see through it. It is flat so it doesn't raise the ruler up like the clear plastic gripper dots. It is also cheap and easy to use. <G>
Practice is the real key to getting comfortable with the cutter/mat/ruler combination. You might see if a more experienced quilter could watch as you cut to give suggestions.

Have fun, relax,
Pati, in Phx

It works. I did it. Just be sure to use the finest sandpaper you can so you don't wreck your material.