You can also purchase little sticky dots that are a little bit rough like sand paper. Stick the little dots on the underside of your rulers - the side that will touch the fabric. I put them on each corner, then in various places in the middle. They help grip the fabric when you put pressure on the ruler. If cutting is a problem for you because of your hand you might want to look into the automatic cutters - you can get a lot of different shaped dies for them. Good luck - I have had a few bad cuts, too. I try to watch when they are cutting the fabric and most of the time I've been fortunate that they are accurate.