Onebyone

a rotary cutter pushes the fabric ahead of itself when cutting. Always use the smallest rotary that will do the job. I use size 18mm for double layer of long cuts. It does make a difference.

tranum

1. Do hold the cutter straight up, if we aren’t conscious of that, it could be held at an angle & cause problem.
2. Quilters Select products are “the best.”
3. Found by making 2 cuts - from center to the top, then from center to bottom isn’t a bad plan.

toverly

I know it sounds weird but it works for me. Cut along the ruler not pushing against the ruler. Think of the ruler as a guide. Yes the blade runs against the ruler, but it doesn't push the ruler. Don't try to get that blade under it. It also helps to walk your positioning hand up the ruler, don't try to pin it down in one spot, it pivots, everytime.

dorismae904

I have a Creative Grids 6 1/2 x 24 Ruler and I like it very much. It has sticky things on the back which holds it in place while I am cutting long strips from my fabric. I see plenty of people mention Quilters Select rulers. Are they the same as Creative Grids? I also bought a package of True Grips at Hobby Lobby and put them on my 2 1/2 x 18 ruler. Worked out very well. I'm in the process of putting them on all my rulers that I use often.

Onebyone

Quilter's Select have a thin transparent type texture coating on the back. Somehow my small square one got in the washer. A warm wash with Tide rubbing against the clothes didn't take harm the coating at all. I let it air dry and good a new. You can buy Ordif grippy non slip ruler spray and it works great for non slip rulers. I use that on all my non Quilter's Select ones.

Onebyone

I got the name wrong on the spray. It's Odif Grippy Non Slip Ruler Spray. I got mine at Walmart.

Peckish

You can also use basting spray on the back of your rulers, it's very effective and you can still see through the ruler. It comes off with alcohol.

eparys

You can also use old fashion Rubber Cement - a light coat on the bottom near your cutting edge is clear and will not allow the ruler to slip. Learned this trick at a long arm class. For my longarm rulers I coat the entire bottom but for my cutting rulers I just put it in a few spots. Wen it looks yucky, it peals off easily ready for some fresh rubber cement.

Mazo

Thanks for all the tips!!!

I’m going to have to go through some trial and error here and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.

SherylM

You've already gotten a lot of great suggestions and I've tried most of them, but I want to throw one more out there. Using a hand weight on my ruler was a game changer for me, but my best go-to non-slip trick comes from Bonnie Hunter - I use NexCare Transpore transparent surgical tape on the back of all of my rulers and templates. It works great, you can see through it, and it's easy to remove.