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  1. #11
    Oleg's Avatar Oleg is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Cutting fabric with ruler

    First time I used the 24x6 ruler was to cut layer cake squares in half; the very first square my hand with the rotary cutter went halfway up the block and then swerved off to the right. Ruined the right side of the block. One day I went into a Joann's on the way back from visiting friends south of here, and walked into a huge quilting dept sale. I bought the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler at 40% off. It's my favorite ruler and try to use it all the time. Makes perfect cuts each time. I've gotten much, much better with the regular ruler, but it's not my preferred method at all.

  2. #12
    Sharyn J's Avatar Sharyn J is online now Senior Member
    Missouri Star

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    Default Re: Cutting fabric with ruler

    I have sandpaper dots on some. They DO need to be replaced occassionally. Cutting little squares of rubberized shelf liner or a piece of the non-skid mat that you use underneath an area rug also works very well. The rubber-like surface really works well and the ruler will not budge. However, if you need to adjust the ruler, you need to pick it up gently to move where needed. I use a long narrow strip under the 24x6 ruler and an tiny little square under my 2 1/2" square and also under the tiny templates from MSQ.

    I recently ran across a link using Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape, which is found in the section of the pharmacy near the bandaids and gauze. It's cheap but I haven't picked up any yet. It's worth a try.

    Scroll down on this link and observe how her hand is positioned on the ruler. I always have 2 fingers off the ruler but position your other fingers on the ruler. Walk your fingers up the ruler as you need to continue cutting. Also, I recommend that you pick up a Clutz glove if you're new to rotary cutting and having problems with the ruler slipping.

    Quilt Along Series: Cutting Fabric - Make and Takes

  3. #13
    Joan@DebtofGratitude's Avatar Joan@DebtofGratitude is offline Senior Member
    The Guild President

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    Default Re: Cutting fabric with ruler

    Quote Originally Posted by Bubby View Post
    When you place your ruler in position place your hand on it but leave one or two fingers off the edge of the ruler and on your fabric to help anchor it. I don't put the flat of my hand on the ruler because they can stick together and it moves my ruler when I move my hand. I use my fingertips.

    It helps if you have something on the back of your ruler to keep it from sliding. There are little sandpaper rounds with sticky backs you can get at quilt shops for this purpose. I also read a tip recently to cut a small (maybe 4x4 inches) piece of rubber coated shelf liner and put under the edge of your rule for traction (the edge opposite the cutting edge). If your feel like you need a handle for your ruler they are available at sewing/quilt shops and stick onto your ruler with suction cups. Cutting against a ruler takes practice.

    I have trouble with the 6x24 rulers because I bump them when I bend over to cut the far end of my fabric. There are shorter rulers that I like better.
    I use the sticky shelf liner and love it! Works like a charm. The only downside is it really STICKS, so there's no nudging your ruler into place. You really have to lift it up to move it. But I can cut a full 24" with my hand pressing down in the middle with no slippage when I use the shelf liner.
    Joan, aka the Unaquilter

    "I've never been to heaven, but I've been to Oklahoma."

    Learn more about me and my quilts at my blog:

    http://debtofgratitude.wordpress.com/

  4. #14
    Simply Quilting's Avatar Simply Quilting is online now Senior Member
    Missouri Star

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    Default Re: Cutting fabric with ruler

    The dots with sandpaper are great for rulers. I even put them on the Bias ruler as I was cutting a couple days ago. When you put on the sandpaper dots, be sure to watch where you put them so none of the line you need.

    And another thing is not to use a ruler any bigger than you have to. I try to avoid using my 24" if I can.

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