Uneven fabric at the cutting table ????

[redcaboose1717]

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 ?

[Davidsgirl08]

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

[DCM]

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.

[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,

[Bubby]

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.

[redcaboose1717]

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.

[buckeyequilter]

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.

[Hulamoon]

There are ruler handles
The Gypsy Gripper

Hope you feel better

[Iris Girl]

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

[kelliedi]

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.