Rebecca_S

Make sure your pressure on both the ruler and rotary cutter goes straight down into the fabric rather than sideways. If I am working with a long ruler I hold it down with both my hand and the elbow of the same arm to keep it from moving.

Go slowly!

Use the thinnest lines you can and check for each ruler type where the cut should be, if the line is on the inside or outside of the mark.

Onebyone

I don't cut with a ruler and rotary without the SlideLock for safety. I haven't found a fool proof way to use get perfect cuts one after the other with a ruler and cutter. I bought the Go and every cut is the same.

Geri B

..this sometimes is the root of all evil!

Sewnoma

Do you know why you're off? If you know what your specific issue is, let us know and we can offer specific suggestions.

If you're not sure how/when/why you're going wonky, it's time to get a friend to watch you cut OR slow way down, look at everything you're doing, and measure after every single cut and try to figure out where exactly you're going wrong. If your cuts come out perfectly doing that, it could be just that you're going too fast and missing it when you're a little off. (Been there, done that!)

Weezy Rider

I can see where starch would help if you are cutting, but my problem is I can't see the edge of the fabric under the ruler!

I've had to resort to taping fabric down on a line on the mat so I could line it up. I have a Martelli mat on the yellow side and still can't see. Not using Omnigrids but the other brand with no color marking. Also have the Quilters Slidelock.

Fixing lighting. Have to find a gooseneck that fits the track over the cutting table.

tessagin

I have tried and it works for me. Non skid shelf liner a narrow strip (1/2"x6") helps. Lightly starching of the fabric works also.

ghostrider

There are so many reasons why cutting can be inaccurate enough to make a noticeable difference in finished quilts. The very best way to track down the cause is to have someone else watch how you cut using your own cutter, rulers, and mat. Chances are it will be a very simple solution that needs no new 'equipment' or drastic changes to your method.

You could ask for help from a friend who also quilts or from someone at a local quilt shop, but there's really no way to be sure of what's causing the problem without watching you in person. In the long run, it would be faster, cheaper, and more beneficial.

Many shops now have classes that include how to cut accurately. That might be a good option, too. Best of luck to you.

KalamaQuilts

A lot of it starts with the fabric prep. Cutting from fresh new smooth fabric seems like a no brainer. But new fresh fabric may both shrink and grow when you get around to ironing your blocks.

The other is knowing the perfect spot for the 1/4" seam allowance on the machine you are using. I probably have at least 50 9 patch blocks in the scrap bin, from working out that seam over the years, not much scrap value, but experience value, priceless.

QuiltnNan

the wider lines on some of the rulers is just why i love the laser cut lines on my fluorescent rulers... wish i could find more of them... i recently googled and they don't seem to be made anymore.

wesing

I had the same trouble of not being able to distinguish the fabric under the lines on my ruler. Now I place the ruler so that the tiniest sliver, maybe 2 threads, are showing under the opposite side of the measuring line. My pieces are a bit oversized, so I had to add another click to my needle when sewing, but my patchwork comes out the right size.