Uneven fabric at the cutting table ????

I am really frustrated right now. First, let me explain that it's been about 4-5 months since I have touched my sewing machine, much less any fabric in my awesome stash.
The reason for this gap in sewing / cutting is due to being chronically ill. I have days / weeks that I am not feeling well etc. although this isn't a pity-party post here, what I want to know is :

How many of you get home from the fabric store ( or have ordered fabric ) and the cutting lines are so uneven it looks like the person cutting the fabric had no clue on how to cut fabric, let alone use a cutting table? ( maybe I am being too harsh here ??)
I just spent 10-15 minutes trying to even up a 1/2' yard of fabric ( I needed 2 two inch strips to make a pillow case ). While looking at the fabric I have in my stash, I was appalled at the uneven cuts.....had this fabric been brand-new, there would be a trip BACK to the fabric store ! In the fabric I looked at, I only found ( and I didn't look at all of the fabric, just the Pink color fabrics I have ) 5 pcs that were cut evenly !!

One other thing, I haven't used a 24" x 6 " ruler much.....is there a secret to holding them straight ? Are there any tools that can be purchased to "hold" the ruler in place ( other than your hand ? ) ??? My ruler is sooo slippery when you place it on fabric ! Of course you are now thinking I am a nit-wit.....but honestly I have only used a ruler like this ( I cut all my sewing patterns / fabric with a pr. of scissors.) I might also mention that I have slight weakness in my left hand )

In closing, I will also admit I just wasted 2-3 cuts ( 1/2-3/4 of a yard ) to cut "even" 2 inch strips !

IS there any hope for me to make quilts ????? Please, if you can share some ideas on how to use these rulers, it would be a big help ! Perhaps there's someone out there that has a few ideas / tricks that would help me out.

Thanks so much.

BTW....would it help me to use a smaller ruler ( such as a 5" x 5" )to get "used" to using a ruler of this type ?

My favorite ruler is 6x12 and yes it seems quilt stores are hiring less picky cutters lately where fabric needs to be straightened. They do sell many products for rulers....they remind me of shower handles but yes they exsist. I hope your pillowcases are a success

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.

There is a ruler out there - looks like a big square - that has slits precut into it and you just put your rotary cutter in the slits and cut away. I think the slits go up to the 2" apart. I think it is a June Tailor ruler? And I think they are expensive but it's an option if it would help with your cutting. I can imagine how frustrated you are. Wish I could cut them for you. Is there a friend nearby that can do that part for you and perhaps you could do something for her in return?

Hugs,

I have trouble with a 24" inch ruler because I bump into it and knock it out of alignment. When you are cutting it helps not to have your whole hand on the ruler. Keep two finger off the left edge (not on the cutting side) and that helps anchor your ruler. You can use the dots mentioned above and they work really well. I have been seeing quilters using a square of the rubber mesh shelf liner put under the left edge of the ruler to keep it from sticking.

Thanks so much for the quick response everyone !
I have seen the ruler with the "slots" in them......but first, I might try the dots you are talking about. Do any of you know the brand name of these dots ? Does Jo-Anns carry them ?
The suggestion to have someone cut my fabrics is something I might consider. I also forgot to mention that I was "absolutely" spoiled by my DH Terry ( who passed away in Nov 2002 ) ....This wonderful man cut all my patterns out, as well any fabric I might have trouble with, however, for the most part, I have been able to cut the fabric with scissors ( around the sewing pattern ) . I am sure that there's a friend or two out there that might help me out with this cutting dilemma, we could trade things to do.

I thought perhaps there was a ruler out there that wasn't so slippery that I was unaware of, that some of you might know about ( ???)

Again, thanks...you are all so sweet.

I know exactly what you're saying...I get so many uneven cuts.

As for the ruler, on my 6 x 24 I use the sandpaper dots on the back of mine. I would cut just fine until the last half of the fabric and then the ruler would move just a little. There are several products available for the back of the ruler. I have a 6 x 12 Omnigrip ruler that I also use and I just hold it.

There are ruler handles
The Gypsy Gripper

Hope you feel better :)

I have seen both sides of the cutting table as far as uneven cuts. There are some legit reasons. Sometimes the fabric is printed crooked and they may be trying to square it up..never really works.. hate when they cut a panel with out opening it flat...its never lined up and your always missing a piece. Also from being a fabric manager for so many years I have seen way too many customers try and straighten what they think from their angle is crooked after you start to cut...this either gives you a wonky cut or results in wasted time as the cutter must now realign it.

I have gotten a few crooked cuts from online ordering but always check and the goods are always replaced if I fee I can't deal with it...as was the case with a panel I bought was so crooked that the 4 outside corners pieces were wasted only got 4 pictures out of 8 so I called and they sent me a new piece and I also got to keep the old one.

I tend to use a 4 x14 ruler as my main cutting ruler. easier to control and my belly doesn't bump it when i get to the far end knocking it out of wack

Ok here we go....I have a gripper handle that i got at my menards in there bathroom section for 2 bucks. they are cheaper there than at Joanns or hobby lobby even at regular price. theses help me hold it. Then i have some of that puffy shelf liner on it that you can get at the dollar store to use for grip to help the slip on the underneith side.in a pince you can wrap packing tape backwards around the ruler too so the sticky side is out.

I like the one I bought from Harbor Freight: Search results for: 'suction'

I think if you use the 6 X 24 and you have a week arm/hand, the suction cup would be easier for you.

There are times when I use this ruler without the suction cups but I have to also walk my hand down as I'm cutting. If I don't the ruler will shift on me.

I have one of those rulers with a lip on it that snugs up to your ruler when cutting. (If that makes sense). I always use this one and like the way it stays straight. I don't know if they sell them anymore. If you have a Menards in your area, they carry the suction handle thingy in their bathroom accessory area. Works wonders and it's so much safer to have your hands and fingers out of the way. Not to mention they are sooo cheap there!!!

Everyone so far as some great ideas !
Do I need more than one of these ruler handles if I were to purchase them ?

I like the idea going to Menards. We have a Menards about 2 miles from my home, and I have an appt. today, and think I am also going to check out this idea too.....If I can save a couple of bucks, why not ?

I even thought about using the adhesive spray ? Anyone ever done that, or is it a crazy idea ?

Wow....this might be the way to go.....it's certainly a lot cheaper than the ones "made' for this that you would purchase at a fabric store.
We also have a Harbor Freight Store in our area, that's not too far from me either.

Thanks so much Vonnie !

Bubby, I think this is most of the problem with my ruler too.....when I try to "cut" the fabric with the rotary cutter, I seem to be "bumping" the ruler.....not only that, but it seems sooo slippery when placed on the fabric as well.

I love my 'June Tailor Shape Cut Plus' and has it definitely helped with accuracy. However, I've found that pressing the fabric before cutting is necessary. There always seems to be 'rumple' in every piece of fabric I buy. Even the good stuff! It's just not worth taking a short cut, and not press....
I'm still deciding if I'm a fan of the grip dots. They're great for the actual cutting, but a hindrance when sliding a ruler atop the fabric and getting to the measurement I need.
My cutting is a little odd, but I have seen one other person on YouTube cut like me.... PHEW!
There is such a HUGE learning curve in all of this. Trying to find what works 'just right for you' takes time and patience.
And a few off-cuts! I hope you find your way.
I'm still learning to find mine, and will for a long, long time. And that's okay. ;)

I like the Quilters Slidelock for WOF. Iris is right about some cutters, but sometimes bargain fabric or even seconds are so far off grain on the bolt that you have to pull the yardage from corner to corner to try and straighten. That doesn't always work.

These are the cheapest I have found. I am going to stop at Harbor Freight and purchase a couple to see if this would work. There was also a suggestion that Menards has them for under $3 as well. While I can find them online at Harbor Freight, I can't find the reasonably priced ones at Menards.

I am willing to try most anything. I am having so much trouble with getting the ruler ( which is plastic and very slippery. ) to stay put. The ruler brand I purchased was : EZ Ruler. The markings on the ruler are black ....

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Originally Posted by Hulamoon

There are ruler handles
The Gypsy Gripper

Hope you feel better :)

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you can go to your local hardware store, Walmart, Home Depot etc and get a safety handle that looks just like the Gypsy Gripper. They are usually in the bathroom section and they are used on the bathtub to have something to grab on to. They are much cheaper than the Gypsy Gripper and work just as well.

I have the Olfa Frosted Ruler 6 x 24". It is my go to ruler. It has a frosted coat on the back that prevents slipping. It has only solid black lines so it is easier for me to read and the frosting cuts down on the glare from the lights. Get it at Joann's and use a coupon. I actually have 2 of them because I misplaced my first one and bought another one.
Olfa Frosted Ruler ''The Essential''-6''X24'' at Joann.com

I LOVE Creative Grid rulers because they grip fabric well and have excellent markings. The 8.5"x24.5" is my favorite!
Creative Grids USA - 8 1/2" x 24 1/2" Rectangle

For cutting strips I like to use June Tailors Shape Cut Plus.

You might want to try this tip - Quiltville's Quips & Snips!!: Stop The Slippage!
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXZp1aRbf0...xcaretape1.jpg

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Originally Posted by redcaboose1717

Everyone so far as some great ideas !
Do I need more than one of these ruler handles if I were to purchase them ?

I like the idea going to Menards. We have a Menards about 2 miles from my home, and I have an appt. today, and think I am also going to check out this idea too.....If I can save a couple of bucks, why not ?

I even thought about using the adhesive spray ? Anyone ever done that, or is it a crazy idea ?

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One day, I decided to spray the back of my ruler with adhesive spray....just to see if it would work. It did.....too well. I had to peel my strips off after each cut, realign everything, cut again, peel again....etc. So....a tiny little bit of spray goes a loooong way. I found that some of the ultra stickiness went away if I pressed the sticky side to the carpet or a towel first b4 putting it on my fabric. Another thing I tried that worked was using a bit of Elmer's washable glue.....just run the glue stick across the back of the ruler at each end. I still pressed it to the back of the towel to remove some of the stickiness & just make it tacky. I liked the result of this experiment better than the spray. Not saying it isn't crazy tho....:icon_heh:

There's a pricey set of rulers at Quilting Tools for No Math Quilting, Accurate 1/4" Seam Allowance. Non slip quilting ruler with Fabric Guide. Guidelines4Quilting designs and manufactures quilt tools for accurate piecing and cutting. Our Finished Size Quilting system lets you make q that are absolutely wonderful. First, they're uber-accurate because they were designed by an engineer who figured out that 1/8-inch is close but not precise enough for perfect piecing. Second, this same engineer created clear stripes that run down the edges of the rulers and transfer your downward pressure to these edges. Result? Those rulers ab-so-lute-ly do not slip!!!

Here's the good news, now you can buy these edge grippers and put them on your own rulers. They're amazing. I encourage you to order a set of two.

Best of luck!

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Originally Posted by quiltingtrish

There is a ruler out there - looks like a big square - that has slits precut into it and you just put your rotary cutter in the slits and cut away. I think the slits go up to the 2" apart. I think it is a June Tailor ruler? And I think they are expensive but it's an option if it would help with your cutting. I can imagine how frustrated you are. Wish I could cut them for you. Is there a friend nearby that can do that part for you and perhaps you could do something for her in return?

Hugs,

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I just ordered the Shape Cut Plus Ruler last night from Nancy's Notions. This one has the slits every 1/2 inch and I'm hoping it'll help me with cutting my fabric.

When I am able to afford these, I will order them!

Martelli-Cutting System-Part 2-Rulers and Cutting Mats-martelli2502 - YouTube

I always buy more than I need because there is so little control over the straight of grain from the bolt. As for cutting - I generally pay attention at the cutting table so I don't get short-changed.

My fav ruler is the F &P 8x14.... It's much more useful than my old 6x12 .m love it..

I have Clear Grip (made by Sew Easy) on the back of my rulers and find it helps a lot. Mine came from my LQS. This is what it looks like:
Sew Easy Clear Grip

I have an O'lipfa ruler...it isn't the newer guard called O'lipfa. I was in the LQS and I asked if they still made them, they knew about them, but said they haven't seen them available to purchase. Anyway, it is a 24" lip edge ruler made by OLFA. You hold the lip at the edge of your rotary mat and it holds the ruler straight. If you could find one of those it is super helpful.

It is still available:

Amazon.com: O'Lipfa 5-Inch-by-24-Inch Lip Edge Ruler: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Check it out, I love mine so much I may order another one (mine is old)

I hate wonky fabric too! grrrr. It just amazes me that they can't cut a straight line, or one even close! And they cut exactly what you ordered, leaving no room to straighten out the uneven cut.

My sister swears by the little rough dots she's put on all her rulers. Another friend decided to give away all her rulers and go with OmniGrip stuff. It's OmniGrid's version on non slippery rulers. She loves them.

Martelli has a really neat rotary cutter, the ErgoCutter. It looks weird but it is easy on the hands. Click on the link and click on a product to read more and see the video about them. You might want to buy one. We sure don't want you to give up on quilting!

I hope you get healthy and avoid anymore illnesses.

Creative grid rulers are the best but unfortunately i can't afford all that I want. For those thst are not creative grid i use the clear first aid tape on the bottom of the ruler in various spots. I can still see through it and it helps with the slipping. I did not like the dots you can buy because if i wanted to nudge the ruler a little it pulled the fabric.

I have rulers that have a lip on one end, the lip hooks on my cutting mat and does not let the ruler slide. Not sure what I would do with them.

wondeful ideas!! I've been walking my bit 6x24 ruler about 1/3 at a time and now I see these cool products!!

Here is one that caught my eye - No slip ruler JUST the width of the strip you want to cut.

I have the June Taylor Shape Cut Plus but... you also need a smaller rotary to fit in those tiny lines (and I've seen my lines wave) cuz the plastic isn't all that "sturdy" --- If I won the lotto lmao Oh heck I'd have someone DO all the cutting but also those neat Accuquilt Cutters (pretty pricey when starting out).

That said, yep tried a bit o spray basting, it works but has it's own set of issues... The dot... Well sometimes I DO want to move my ruler *sigh*

Now that I saw the rulers in special width that grip the fabric -- hmm next holiday is Valentines wonder if that is a "sweet" enough present :-)

Good luck, really practice, practice and more cutting practice makes it better :-)

Off cuts - At some stores they GIVE you a bit extra so you can at least get the FQ size after squaring up, not a the "big" stores... The larger yardage I get there are other issues (maybe not squared up but a 10 yard piece seamed about 8 yards into it!!!)

You'll find your groove, let us know which option(s) you try and how you like or don't each one too!

:-Debbie

My problem is..they cut it straight but when I pre wash the fabric...that is when it gets wonky. If I match up the salvage edges, it doesn't create a even fold. If I make an even fold, the salvage edges are wonky. So the fabric has shrunk to some point in some way...dont' understand it, but I just make an even fold and cut from there. That is why I dont' understand it when people say they don't pre wash yardage...if it shrinks in a pre wash, it is going to shrink in a finished quilt.

I want to thank everyone who has posted on this thread so far ! You have given me some great ideas, you really have.

Believe it or not, I came up with a NO cost idea on how to how secure the 6"x 24" EZ Ruler I have !!! Here's what I have done, and it works like a charm.....and the best thing it didn't cost me a single thing !

I was thinking about stopping at Harbor Motor Freight to get a couple of those Grabber Handles ( there are several different names for these things. Anyway, after cleaning up my sewing room in the afternoon, I suddenly had an awesome idea for my dilemma ! YAHOO !! As I walked out of my craft /sewing room, there sat my Big Shot die cutting machine !! I suddenly wondered that, due to the fact that the Big Shot Die Cutting machine is sort of heavy, if it would "HOLD" the ruler in place so that I could cut my fabric(??? ) Well, I quickly decided to try it. This is what I did for those of you who are having the same dilemma !!

As I said, I set up the fabric and placed the EZ Ruler on top of the fabric. I then placed the Big Shot machine on "TOP" of the plexi-glass ruler ( in the middle ) .....Taking my rotary cutter in hand, I quickly sliced through the fabric....Presto ! It worked !!

I was so happy I didn't have to go out into the holiday shopping crowds yesterday !!! Yay ! I wanted to take a photo of this for everyone to see, but I am having a problem with my iPhone, and need to take it into my iPhone provider.

I hope this helps those of you who also mentioned you were having the same problem !

Snippet,
Do you ( or anyone else as well ) know where the rough dots were purchased by your sister ? Even though I think I found this awesome idea on how to secure the fabric underneath the EZ Ruler I have, it always helps to have a back up or "Plan B" just in case.

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Originally Posted by redcaboose1717

Snippet,
Do you ( or anyone else as well ) know where the rough dots were purchased by your sister ? Even though I think I found this awesome idea on how to secure the fabric underneath the EZ Ruler I have, it always helps to have a back up or "Plan B" just in case.

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I think she got them at JoAnn's

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using a strip of shelf liner to keep your ruler stuck to your fabric. Just cut a small strip of the rubbery shelf liner (any brand) and place it between your fabric and ruler. The fabric won't budge.

I don't use it all the time, but I use it frequently when doing long cuts (more than 10") because that's when my ruler tends to slip most.

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Originally Posted by Kateskloset

It is still available:

Amazon.com: O'Lipfa 5-Inch-by-24-Inch Lip Edge Ruler: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Check it out, I love mine so much I may order another one (mine is old)

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oooh - this is my favorite! And I have the 36" long as well. But I do have to watch them on the longer pieces. So I think maybe the nexcare tape at the top is the answer. Thank you everyone for all the great ideas and especially thank you red caboose!! PS, I'll be praying for your autoimmune disease. I get very sick and achy from dairy and other foods and tho I'm sure I'm not as sick as you it does impact my quilting.