Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
measurely challenged >

measurely challenged

measurely challenged

Thread Tools
 
Old 11-16-2010, 12:15 PM
  #11  
Power Poster
 
amma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Default

Keeping your blade straight up against the ruler is necessary :wink: If your wrist/hand turns in/out you will get a wobble in your cut.
Try setting up your fabric and ruler so that you are cutting in a forward motion (the ruler is vertical to you)
I find sometimes that when I cut with my ruler horizontal to me, I can get wonkier cuts :wink: :D:D:D
amma is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 01:05 PM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chapel Hill
Posts: 1,086
Default

All good suggestions so far. Take it slowly and it does take practice. I like the sandpaper dots for stability - I also found that I like cutting on my ironing board (big board) as the height is better.

Cheers, K
CorgiNole is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 01:16 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
EasyPeezy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,458
Default

You can buy some Invisigrip to stick to your rulers. No more slippery rulers.
Also, try to position your hand on the ruler so that your pinky is just outside
the ruler. That keeps the ruler in place.
EasyPeezy is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 01:21 PM
  #14  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chapel Hill
Posts: 1,086
Default

Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
Also, try to position your hand on the ruler so that your pinky is just outside
the ruler. That keeps the ruler in place.
Good point - I've also seen the recommendation to use the narrowest ruler you can - so if you are measuring 2 inch strips, use a 2 -4 inch ruler, not a 12 inch ruler. The pinkie off the ruler does work - seems to stabilize it, so there isn't as much slippage.

Cheers, K
CorgiNole is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 04:00 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: montana
Posts: 620
Default

always have a sharp blade. roll the cutter along, you don't need a lot of pressure. actually, one layer is harder to cut because it can slip more easily. are you using the 45mm ruler?
the 60mm is great for several layers but harder to control with only two or one layer. always cut away from you. side cuts, horizontal cuts for the other side, etc. can get you in trouble--not just bad cuts, but dangerous. ruler size to suit cut size is an excellent suggestion. use a 12" long ruler whenever you can, not the 24". practice cutting 1 1/2" strips & then you can use them later on a strip quilt. won't matter if they are a little wonky. I will improve !
smitty is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 04:08 PM
  #16  
crt
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 87
Default

Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
You can buy some Invisigrip to stick to your rulers. No more slippery rulers.
Also, try to position your hand on the ruler so that your pinky is just outside
the ruler. That keeps the ruler in place.
Ditto!
crt is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 04:23 PM
  #17  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Default

I find that my ruler tends to slip when I don't have good leverage. Standing over the ruler works best for me. I also do not try to do a full range cut in one motion. Instead, I firmly hold the lower half of the ruler and cut about half way, then I walk my fingers up to hold the upper half and cut the upper half. For really long cuts, I even distribute the weight into thirds.

When I need 4 strips @2.5" each, I cut one strip at 4x2.5=10" I trim the 10" in half and each 5" in half again. This seems to help with getting wonkier as I go.
MadQuilter is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 04:28 PM
  #18  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: High Entropy Zone
Posts: 1,247
Default

I'd like to add:
1. Make sure you are cutting from a height that works for you. Sometimes people think they can accurately cut sitting down. I can't.

2. Use your ruler to measure and not your mat. Mats are rarely accurate.

3. Always use the same ruler (or at least brands) for your cutting. There are differences.

4. Don't use those clear silicon dot things to stick on the bottom of the ruler. You just end up with wonky cuts from where the fabric stretches around those (ask me how I know). Sandpaper is a better option.

I'm sure other people have some more advice as well.
lab fairy is offline  
Old 11-16-2010, 05:08 PM
  #19  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: indiana
Posts: 1,379
Default

the best remedy i have found is the j t shape & cut ,worth it's weight in gold to mefor the diff.it's made
dar
dar627742 is offline  
Old 11-17-2010, 04:05 AM
  #20  
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 35
Default

I agree with all of the great advice that you have been given. The one thing that I found is that I have to stand for all cuts!
Popcorn is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ditter43
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
8
05-30-2010 01:58 PM
FunkyMonkey
Main
27
05-23-2010 10:57 PM
Lisa773
Main
47
03-30-2010 03:46 PM
MadQuilter
Pictures
29
01-12-2010 03:07 PM
CindyBee
Main
23
05-17-2009 04:14 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter