My go to tools are my rotary cutter (am now using the small 28mm due to arthritis), my Omnigrid mat (prefer it over the thin Olfa mat) and all my acrylic rulers and squares in most sizes. My great aunt taught me to cut out templates from cardboard, but I switched to rotary cutter as soon as they became available. Yes, there were the days when the rotary cutters, mats and acrylic rulers did not exist. I seldom pick up my scissor anymore except to clip the thread ends on my piecing.
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You've all given me several things to consider. Shopping is going to be fun. I checked out the June Tailor tools and watched a few of her videos. Its fun to watch and see the different ways that people do things. Thanks for all of your suggestions so far.
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I have a 5"x18" ruler that is my go to ruler. If prices are a little steep, my go to place to buy is garage sales and estate sales. You can purchase them for a couple dollars.
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I have a nice variety of tools but the thing I need most is space (and someone to clean my house wkile I quilt).
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Slidelock - holds the fabric down all across the WOF, no need to scoot your fingers/hand up and down the ruler!! http://quiltersslidelock.com/
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If it is in your budget, I highly recommend an accuquilt cutter. They have a range of cutters. The dies are amazing. I have finished 2 quilts since getting mine and have not had to square them. They come out beautiful. My other 2 favorite tools are Tailor Shape Cut ruler & a long tweezers (from my serger to help guide curved pieces). Go to accuquilt .com and check out their sales and I have had good luck picking up some dies at amazon. It really is my favorite quilting investment. I should go to work for them as I am always singing their praises since getting mine for Christmas.
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I have recently "upgraded" to the Martelli rotary cutter and the Martelli cutting mat and would highly recommend both. They are pricey so register at their site and wait for their sales to purchase. I also would not be without the SlideLocks now that I've learned to use them properly. Deb Tucker's tools are also pricey but worth it. All of these items have increased my accuracy and decreased "oops" moments, frustration, and "do overs". I believe they have paid for themselves when I consider ever-increasing prices for fabric and patterns and the time I've wasted over the years fiddling with stuff to "make do".
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A very useful tool for me is a pair of tiny embroidery scissors. I put a sm adhesive hook on the side of my sewing machine to keep them close. I make a point of always returning them to hook after use. I keep another pair in front of me on my work table. So much easier than frequent picking up larger scissors.
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I'm with JudyKay >>the thing I need most is space (and someone to clean my house wkile I quilt).<<
I have the rotary cutter and mat with a ruler and Kaye Wood's Starmaker 5, 6 and 8. I'm fascinated by 5 pointed stars, and I'll probably get the 9 or 10 degree ruler to make the spiral quilt. |
Originally Posted by sewbizgirl
(Post 7089155)
If all you have is a mat and the cutter, no wonder you are not happy with it. Get a latex ruler, maybe 3 x 18 or 6 x 24 inches, and use that on the mat with your cutter. There are many online videos that demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter and ruler. It's so much faster and more accurate than scissors!
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