Cutting fabric with ruler

This might seem like a "dumb" question....but do any of you have a "secret" on how you use your ruler, such as a 6" x 24" ? Do you weigh it down with something prior to cutting ?
I am new to using rulers like this ( I have a 24" x 6" inch and I just purchased a smaller 6"x6" ruler too ) and I find it hard to hold the ruler firm onto the fabric.
So, at first, I took a paper cutting "Big Shot" tool to weigh the rule down at first .....and today, I have gotten a little better. I took a full bottle of Dawn detergent and placed it at one end,and held the ruler firm while cutting.

I am sure that by now, a lot of you are laughing at my description above, but if you have a suggestion ....I would appreciate it.
I am a first time quilter. Of course with sewing, I have always used scissors to o cut out my patterns.

Would it be a good idea to purchase a different ruler ?

do you have anything on the back of your ruler so it doesn't slip? Sand paper dots, or there are other things sold in the quilting sections for that. Then put your fingers on the ruler by where you are cutting and "crab" walk your fingers up the ruler as you cut. Cut only up to about even with your fingers and then walk them up higher and continue cutting, and do it again if necessary. usually you only have to "walk" once or twice.

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 like to spread my fingers on the ruler, extending my pinky off the edge onto the cutting mat for stabilization. I will apply firm pressure and cut half way (usually, the fabric is folded in half to reduce the cutting distance). Then I "walk" my fingers up the ruler and, holding it firmly in line, slide the ruler up to the next/top half of fabric and cut the remainder in the same way. You'll get the hang of it!

No, I don't have anything on the back of my ruler, but will check the quilting section at Jo-Ann's today. I plan on taking my Husqvarna Designer SE into town to be cleaned etc. and Jo-Ann's isn't too far from the privately owned fabric shop where I take my machine to be services. Maybe, I will check the shop for something like this. I do try to purchase certain things at the privately owned shop, and maybe they will have what I need there.

I think that the large ( long ) ruler is part of the problem too.....Jo-Ann's has a sale on rulers today,and so I think I will look into purchasing something a little shorter, and maybe not so wide.....I bump the rule a lot as well.
Thanks.....

I bought a small roll of "Clear Grip" by Unique. As it comes in a large piece, you just cut it a tad smaller than your ruler and it then friction fits on the back of the ruler. It works really well. I've done 2 of my rulers and still have some left for other things.

I too, use the crabbing method on my 6x24. (oh but it is still possible to slice off the end of your finger nail if they are long....don't ask... blasted thumb.) And yes, the bumping of the ruler IS a tad annoying.

I like the suction cups for hold the ruler when I have a lot of cutting to do.

Search results for: 'suction'

These from Harbor Freight work just as well as the more expensive ones at the quilt stores.

I only use my 24 inch ruler when I must, like trimming off a quilt, or cutting long strips of binding. My favorite ruler of all is the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler that has laser cut slots allowing you to cut quickly and accurately. This ruler doesn't slip. Here is a link to it:

June Tailor Shape Cut Plus at Joann.com

June Tailor also makes a Half/Quarter Square Triangle ruler that gives you perfect HST up to 6.5 inches every time. This ruler doesn't slip.

I have also fallen in love with Creative Grids rulers, especially their specialty rulers, like the Storm at Sea. I recently bought several and have yet to use them. They have a grip on them that keeps them from slipping.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vonnie

I like the suction cups for hold the ruler when I have a lot of cutting to do.

Search results for: 'suction'

These from Harbor Freight work just as well as the more expensive ones at the quilt stores.

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Excellent tip! I especially like the dual one.

If I'm doing straight cuts on bigger pieces of fabric I grab my hubby's t-square ruler. The top of it snugs against my cutting mat.

When using the 6x24 rulers I have a clearview that's pretty decent for me.

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bubby

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.

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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.

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.