Onebyone

That's the way I cut too. I can't imagine trying to cut on the left side of the ruler. And I took drafting for two years and am right handed. Never did like drafting that much and left it behind.

JustAbitCrazy

I have both Slidelock rulers, use them as much as possible for safety reasons. I quickly got used to keeping the fabric on the left side and cutting from the right edge. Not a problem at all. First you line up your regular ruler on the fabric, then butt the Slidelock against it. Remove the first ruler and cut along the right edge of the Slidelock, just as you are used to cutting. Easy. Accurate. Safe.

Onebyone

I don't do it that way at all. I put the Slidelock on the ruler and cut as usual. The ruler isn't going anywhere and you can't get cut with the rotary cutter. I bought the Slidelock when it wasn't available in the US, only Australia and it was called Rule Steady. This is the way it was shown to use it, by placing on top of the ruler. The US sellers decided the new way would be for better sales.

nativetexan

well i do put my long ruler on the end of fabric i'm cutting, with the rest of the fabric to my right. I could put the slidelock on the ruler and then cut. good idea if i get one. thanks.

SusieQOH

Native, have you ever watched Jordan's videos? They use one a weight like the kind for exercise. I have one somewhere and will try it out. Looks like a great idea.

lindaschipper

Having to use a 5 lb weight every time you need to make a cut is putting yourself in danger of hurting your wrists. Smaller weights such as 2 individual 2 lb weights is easier on your body. Use one weight on the left and right (east/west) of your long ruler.

janjanq

I have an old bacon press that I use to hold down a ruler, flatten seams, and hold down yardage when aligning and smoothing before cutting. Also use it for flattening machine embroidered freestanding lace items.

nativetexan

a bacon press. great thinking. I've never seen one but see where that could work. I do have two 3 pound weights I could use.

sewnclog

Donna and Matt Jordan of Jordan Fabrics almost always use a weight on the far end of the ruler for stability. You can see it on their youtube videos (I LOVE them)

donna13350

I use a 5 pound kettle bell on the far end of my ruler. It really helps with keeping the fabric from slipping. I used to dread cutting because no matter how hard I tried, my cuts were never accurate enough for me...now I love cutting! I wish I had a kettle bell 15 years ago! I have never had my wrist hurt from using it, as suggested, and I've had mine for 3 years now, and, like I said..I cut fabric a lot more now that I don't dread it.