maryp

had the same problem when i started using one. not putting enough pressure on it as u cut. just keep trying till u get the hang of it

nunnyJo

a new blade will help and if you are still uncertain, get yourself a pair of gloves made for cutting.

Rose Ann

It sounds like you are easing up on the cutter when it nears your hand so you won't cut yourself. Get a glove to protect your hand and you will beable to concentrate on cutting fabric and not worry about cutting your hand.
Happy quilting!

GGinMcKinney

I know it shouldn't matter, but I have taken the blade off and turned it around, inside out. It worked better. Probably had a nick I guess.
I too have had more than one blade loaded. When I take it off and turn it I can see how many blades are on.
I didn't hold the cutter properly at first. Seems the first finger should be extended. Someone else can probably explain better.

Scissorman

If you're using those inexpensive, generic blades, that could difinitely be the problem. I know that a lot of people are purchasing blades from discount retailers. First of all, they're supposively designed for cutting carpets. There's absolutely no quality control, most of them are made out of recycled steel, they cut unevenly, and they will eventually destroy your expensive mats.

Happy Quilting,

Scissorman

teacherbailey

I use a lot of pressure when I cut, probably more than I need to BUT it works for me. Also I stand up so I lean directly over the fabric so I can get a lot of pressure on the ruler (just added sandpaper grips to it, who knew how much difference that would make????) and I cut quickly. Again, I've been using a rotary cutter since they originally hit the market and I know what works for me. You may have to get some inexpensive fabric like a flat sheet from a thrift store or whatever, and just practice cutting until you get comfortable.

grandjan

Sounds like you have a nick in your blade.

Sandra in Minnesota

Mine was skipping, and found out I had two blades in, instead of one!!duh!

Dooneygone

Since you said that you were so afraid that you were going to cut yourself, could the pressure on the cutter be changing due to you changing it for fear of cutting yourself.

I have poor vision and I was always afraid of cutting myself, so I bought one of those handles with the the suction cups to hold the ruler on the material while my fingers stayed way away from it. It is great and I no longer am nervous when cutting. I paid about $16 for mine but I saw them at Menards the other day for about $6 or 8 dollars.

FroggyinTexas

Even new blades can and do have nicks that you can't see, so don't be too quick to think you are doing something wrong. You are right to be careful. The blades are sharp, but not really any sharper than a good scissor blade. froggyintexas