quiltsRfun

One of the problems I had when starting (and still do at times) is the ruler slipping. Those sandpaper dots help with that. Also, most of the tutes will give suggestions on how to hold the ruler so it doesn't slip. I've seen several suggestions so you just need to try them and see what works for you. As others have said, practice on old sheets or something similar. Then check to see if your cuts are straight and the strips are uniform width.

quilttiger

Great tips! My problem is same as the quiltsRfun's problem - rulers slipping or not staying in place, especially the long ones. Large clamps found in hardware stores, etc. are great in keepin the ruler in place. I usually put one at the end of the ruler and place my hand further up the ruler before using the rotary cutter. Works great for me.

happyquiltmom

Creative Grids rulers don't slip, they have grippers built in to the backs of them. I agree about the large cutting mat. Your cuts will be most accurate if you fold only along the original fold.

teacherbailey

If you can't find the sandpaper dots, I made my own once.....I cut squares of rough sandpaper that were about 1" square and then rubber-cemented them to the bottom of my big clear ruler. They work great and if you ever want to take them off, just do, and then rubb the rubber cement off with your finger. (More squares or dots are better than less, BTW!) I cut up to 8 layers at a time but I'm pretty experienced at this.

illinois

The article from the Quilting Board this week is on getting started and how to fold the fabric, etc. Can you find it? Of course, it isn't like watching a tutorial but it's a good one.

oldtnquiltinglady

The best thing that ever happened to my world of quilting is that funny looking tool with suction cups on each end and a holding thingy in between (two cups upside down with the suction underneath, I can't remember the name of them and my sewing room is way outside and too cold to go find it right now); I use it for everything I cut out now. I got it at a booth in the last Paducah show I went to. I think I have even seen them at Jo Ann's.....

kaylfordsollimo

The absolute most important thing about using rotary cutters is SAFETY! The first thing I insist that my students form as a habit is to never ever lay that cutter down until you know that the blade is closed. And, if you feel unsure about your strokes, I would recommend a safety glove (a la Fons and Porter). Another good safety device is a ruler handle (attaches via suction cups) or a guard.

kaylfordsollimo

These devices are also available at hardware stores under the disguise of portable shower handles (at a much less expensive cost, too). Watch the Harbor Freight ads for a variety of sizes of suction cup handles.

Sierra

I have never been able to find a product to keep my ruler from slipping. I've tried sand paper (pulls the fabric if I'm not doing it perfectly), strips of colorless tape didn't do a thing, those soft round circles you put under vases so they won't scratch furniture helped a little, but wore out after a time.

My husband was the one who freaked out about the rotary cutter (which I couldn't do w/o!). He bought me a long plastic wedge (looks like those things they put on highways to keep oposing traffic from crossing over, but only an inch or so high). These wedges have adhesive already on them and you take off the protective film and place it down onto your 6x24" ruler. If your rotary were to "jump" it would hit this wedge. You can get these anywhere that they sell quilting supplies.

Another thing he got me was "that funny looking tool with suction cups on each end and a holding thingy in between" mentioned above. It doesn't have any ruler etched on it, but I saw a man demonstrating it at a quilt show and he simply used the regular ruler to mark the cutting line (on the right side for right handers) and put this straight edge up against it on the left side, removed the ruler and sliced! This last gadget has a very high handle and nothing can slip as long as you press down on it.

Also, getting a large self-healing mat is a must in my book, too! Have fun.

carolynjo

Also, if you are going to cut strips, get a strip cutter mat. You merely place the blade in a slot and run it down the fabric and you have an instant strip without getting near the fabric with your fingers. Do be careful and ALWAYS close the cutter after EVERY cut. Never lay it down without closing the blade. (I used to charge my beginning students 50 cents every time I caught them leaving their blades open. They learned fast.)