Cutting fabric with ruler

[redcaboose1717]

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 ?

[Doloris]

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.

[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.

[a1angiem]

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!

[redcaboose1717]

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.....

[Racing Nana]

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.

[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.

[madampolo]

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.

[madampolo]

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.

Excellent tip! I especially like the dual one.

[Pandabear]

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.