|
I absolutely LOVE mine. It's so much easier to cut strips instead of having to move your ruler all the time. I have several.
|
I have the pro and the one in 1/2 increments and no longer dread having to cut strips, squares or rectangles.
|
Originally Posted by schwanton
I have the June Tailor mat. I had difficulty with my larger rotary cutters but my smaller cutter went through with no difficulty. I recently used mine for cutting binding, sashing and strips for pieced blocks. If you put your hand on the right spot, the mat does not slip. You can also put the little pads underneath to keep it from slipping. Once you get the hand of it you will not go back to a regular ruler for cutting strips.
|
Sorry did I miss something? Is this a mat or a ruler we are talking about? I have never seen a slotted "mat", but do have the slotted ruler, I have a lot of trouble with it, I think because I must tilt the rotary blade unconsciously, so I just end up using the quilt cutter 2 or the ruler with a ridge from grace most of the time.
|
Couldn.t quilt without mine!! Have had mine for several years. It is so quick and accurate cutting strips, squares etc. Persevere and you will wonder however you managed without it!! Make sure your cutter is really sharp!! :thumbup:
|
Originally Posted by janb
I bought a slotted cutting mat, (the lines are cut thru the clear plastic mat) and have had no luck using it...anyone know just how? Do I use the ruller also? Please help.
|
I have had mine for a while. I didn't know it came in more than one size. I must have the big one. Used this afternoon to cut several 1.5" strips into 1.5" squares for the 1.5" square swap I am in. It worked better than I thought it would. Didn't have to keep moving my ruler after each cut, only had to count over 3 spaces (1/2" inch for each space) and before I knew it I was done.
:-D |
Love mine as well and use it often. Folding the material twice as mentioned earlier. I have the larger size and it is getting a hang of "trimming off" on the first cut. Placing the rotary cutter can be tricky. Try widening the cutting area placing the cutter then let all fall back in place before you start the cut. Good Luck!!!!
|
Hmmmm! How interesting to read all the comments. I thought it was only for fleece blankets. I learned something today and I thank all of you.
|
I have a hard time using mine too. I think because I keep running my cutter into the edges of the slot. I don't seem able to maintain that straight line.
|
Originally Posted by thimblebug6000
This sounds alot like the June Taylor rulers not mats.
|
There is a new June Tailor ruler, called the Shape Cut Pro Ruler. It measures 20" X 23". It only has slot increments of 2 1/2", and "accommodates full width of fabric." So, sounds like if you're into making your own jelly rolls, this might be of interest to you. It's kind of pricey, so I won't be purchasing it any time soon. I have nothing to do with June Tailor or her products, but I'm all for anything that will make fabric cutting easier. Here's a link to the company's web page. They have far more things than I thought they did, including projects and how to use their products.
http://www.junetailor.com/Index.htm Enjoy. Holly |
If you look at the Eleanor Burns "Quilt in a Day" show, there is a section on a cross - stitch pattern quilt. She uses the tool, and the material slips a bit for her too. I think you would need to clamp it in place to make it accurate when cutting.
|
I'd never seen this one before, although I do have the one for HST. This would be an awesome tool to make jellies.
|
I have 2 and use them often for stip cutting. You do not need another ruler. Hust hold it carefully and place the rotary cutter into the teardrop at the end and hold the plastic cutter steady and cut through to the next teardrop.
|
Originally Posted by akrogirl
I LOVE these things. I am hopeless at cutting with a regular ruler, but these are a quilting lifesaver for me. CoyoteQuilts gave you some great tips, and that is pretty much how I use mine. It really is worth persevering with this particular tool until you get comfortable with it.
I like them so much that I have bought every variation I could find, including the super large one. |
Originally Posted by livenlearn124
I agree that once you get the hang of it.. you will use it all the time.
I can't imagine cutting strips without it. |
Shape cut pro (the real big one) cuts in 2-1/2 inch increments and is 20 x 23. That is great, except when you want a 1-1/2 inch strip, so I got the one that cuts in 1/2 inch increments. Waited until I had a 50% off coupon from Joanns and also got free shipping for the big one, they didn't carry it in my Joanns store. But used a 40% off coupon at the store for the smaller one. Have had them about 6 months and love them. Oh, BTW I have also seen the smaller ones at Michaels.
|
Originally Posted by nursie76
Shape cut pro (the real big one) cuts in 2-1/2 inch increments and is 20 x 23. That is great, except when you want a 1-1/2 inch strip, so I got the one that cuts in 1/2 inch increments. Waited until I had a 50% off coupon from Joanns and also got free shipping for the big one, they didn't carry it in my Joanns store. But used a 40% off coupon at the store for the smaller one. Have had them about 6 months and love them. Oh, BTW I have also seen the smaller ones at Michaels.
|
I LOVE mine, but it is a 1/2" one, not a 1/4". I find that I have to put my finger down on the plastic next to the slot I'm using to stabilize it.
I wouldn't cut strips without it. It makes strip and block cutting a breeze. |
I have one and I'm leery of using large pieces of fabric, you have to be very careful when you fold the fabric or you get zig zags. I only use mine for short strips with one fold. It makes cutting the strips for strip quilting go super fast.
|
Originally Posted by janb
I bought a slotted cutting mat, (the lines are cut thru the clear plastic mat) and have had no luck using it...anyone know just how? Do I use the ruller also? Please help.
|
i PURCHASED THIS MAT A WHILE BACK BUT SORRY TO SAY I CAN'T GET THE HANG OF IT. IT WAS QUITE EXPENSIVE. SORRY THAT I CAN'T HELP.
|
hey gals and guys are you talking about the shope cut ruler? I would be lost without mine froggy
|
Originally Posted by hobo2000
I found some some clamps at Harbor Freight and I use those on my circle slot ruler. I clamp the ruler & fabric to my cutting board in 2 places. They hold really well and I make all of my cuts perfectly.
|
Also when folding your fabric in 1/2 to cut be sure to iron the fold on each fold. This will keep the line straight.
|
Originally Posted by patdesign
Sorry did I miss something? Is this a mat or a ruler we are talking about? I have never seen a slotted "mat", but do have the slotted ruler, I have a lot of trouble with it, I think because I must tilt the rotary blade unconsciously, so I just end up using the quilt cutter 2 or the ruler with a ridge from grace most of the time.
|
Originally Posted by thimblebug6000
This sounds alot like the June Taylor rulers not mats.
|
Originally Posted by wildyard
I have a hard time using mine too. I think because I keep running my cutter into the edges of the slot. I don't seem able to maintain that straight line.
|
I love mine, all my strips are the correct width. It also saves a lot of time.
Originally Posted by grammyx5
I have used this type of mat for strip cutting and it works well for me. The key for me is to carefully place the rotary cutter in the "tear-drop" shaped opening at the bottom of the mat and then move the rotary cutter up the opening. Once you get use to using it I think you may find that it can save a lot of time cutting strips because you don't have to move the mat for each cut.
|
Originally Posted by janb
I bought a slotted cutting mat, (the lines are cut thru the clear plastic mat) and have had no luck using it...anyone know just how? Do I use the ruller also? Please help.
|
Thank you ladies, after I discovered that I had a cutting board and not a "cutting mat" the whole thing got much clearer. Please excuse my gaff...Love you all
|
Originally Posted by CoyoteQuilts
I fold my fabric in 1/2 twice on the selvage---fold selvage to selvage then the fold to selvage (just like when cutting with regular ruler) still making sure that the fabric isn't twisted.
place the bottom line along the final fold of fabric with the uneven cut edge of fabric just past the "0" line. cut up the "0" line to get your first straight edge. If you want 2 1/2 inch strips cut up the 2 1/2 strip slot. If you are looking for squares or rectangles you then turn your mat 1/4 turn, place the line on the fabrics cut edge and cut our fabric in the correct slot. I don't cut triangles with this ruler. I find that I have to hold the ruler firm to the fabric one slot over from the one I am cutting. My rotary cutter moves the ruler just a smidgen to open the slot for the blade. Just like any ruler if you start with this one finish with this one. If I am making a complete quilt it really doesn't matter if all of the blocks are off a 'smidgen', but if it is for a swap then I use something else. Good luck. I know it took me awhile to get the hang of this ruler, but when I remember to use it my cutting is so much faster. I would like the bigger one, but make do with the one I have because of price. |
Originally Posted by drivingsusan
I can't even imagine such a cutting mat!!
Will be interested in what comes next!! |
I have one of these and it is my go to ruler. I have used mine so much that I have gnawed up the little teardrops at the start.
|
I have one & use it all the time. Love it. Like the idea to clamp it as you have to be careful it doesn't slip. I put flat rubber grippers on the corners that helps.
|
To katiebear1 I found a book online (Amazon) by Darcy Ashton, called Darling Little Dogs, (Thirty Five small dog breeds for Applique) Couldn't find the avatar you mentioned to see if it was applique.:)
|
I use this ruler when making fleece throws. I lay two pieces of fleece on my table and make sure they are the same size. Then I use this ruler to make 4" fringe all the way around the throw. Makes this step go very quickly. Then you just need to tie your fringe and your throw is done. Very quick and easy. I am making three of these for Christmas gifts this year.
|
I am fairly new to quilting, but I love my June Taylor slotted ruler. I have a 87% chance of cutting my strips straight now! (I just made up the percentage, but I have tried cutting 2 1/2 inch strips without it. I can't do it.)
And, yes, I have torn up the little tear drop openings, but I am okay with that. Just makes it easier to fit the blade in the next time. :) My sister has been quilting for 12 years, and she tells me that sometimes you just have to buy a new one, but so far I don't see that in my future. |
I have one of these, have had it for several years, I have never used it . Guess, I bought it because it was on sale, never found any patterns for using it.
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:42 PM. |