How do you keep them from slipping on the fabric when trying to cut with the rotary cutter? Currently I only have the 2 1/2" square one and it moves no matter how careful I try to be. Thanks.
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How do you keep them from slipping on the fabric when trying to cut with the rotary cutter? Currently I only have the 2 1/2" square one and it moves no matter how careful I try to be. Thanks.
I think that learning how to cut without your ruler slipping just comes with practice. Keep your pinky finger on the hand holding the ruler on the fabric and up against the ruler. Also Joann's sells some little sandpaper dots that stick on the back of your rulers to help keep them from slipping. Don't give up! :icon_wave:
For future ruler purchases check out creative grid rulers. They have gripper areas embedded into the back of the rulers. Great rulers! You might try putting some masking tape on the back of ruler to keep it from slipping.
Once I learned to do this, my cutting got much better (sorta':icon_happy:)Quote:
Originally Posted by baskets4deb
I just solved that problem...those little corner patches of course, don't work as they only hold the ends...not the middle and the ruler doesn't lay flat.
Get some fabric first aid tape... at the dollar store... and get the clear kind, and put that on the back of the templates. Works like a charm! Watch where you put them so you don't cover commonly used measurements, like if you use 2,1/2 alot....make sure you put the tape the length of the ruler, but right below the 2,1/2" line. That way, you not only see the measurement line, but also get a little enhancement from the tape. If you cover that 2,1/2" line...it is a bit hard to line up that line with the fabric. Or...put the tape at each end, and once in the middle. I have put this tape on all my templates and rulers and it sure works great...no more slipping.. to the point that a few times, I have grumbled...that is isn't moving and I need to move it just a little! But it is the best.
Another advantage...you can tear this tape in half lengthwise, and put it on the templates if you need a thinner area covered. Or... cut little squares out of it and put them where you want. I can't recommend this tape enough. It has not let me down once since I started using it!
I use sort of a Vulcan Live Long and Prosper method to hand placement. I put my thumb, index and middle finger on the ruler, then butt the straight end of the ruler against my ring finger. The ring and pinky fingers are on the mat to keep the ruler from moving.
I slide my hand up the side of the ruler when cutting a long strip of fabric.
Someone mentioned rubber cement on the back of the ruler.
Try slip grip it's a clear plastic that you put on the back of your rulers just cut to size and it will have a better grip you can get them @ any JoAnn's or craft shop I think the Missouri Quilt Company sells them look under notions hope this helps I just doubled checked it's called (Invisa Grip by Omnigrid)
I use a piece of that rubbery (is that a word) shelf liner under my ruler. Helps a lot to keep it from moving.
Another product that helps, but is costly is the Quilter's Slidelock. Check it out at the quiltersslidelock.com
I have one of these as well, but more often just use the shelf liner.
I bought some clear ruler grips at a show and they work great, they are about 12" long and I put 2 on ea side of my 6x24" ruler so they run the length about 1/8" from outside edge and no slipping. Before that I tried clear surgical tape but it didn't work nearly as well as the (more expensive of course) gripper solution. They are called Grip Strips by Guidelines 4 Quilting, 11 strips in pkg for $9.95.
I have the clear grip stuff on my ruler - it's called invisigrip. You can get it at your LQS or a big box like joann. It's great!
Ditto the advice from Coffeebreak. For a couple of dollars, I got some cloth first aid tape from Walgreens (it's white and kind of see through) , put pieces on the back of some rulers to try this out, and it works like a charm. The little box of tape has maybe a lifetime supply of material to keep rulers from slipping.
I had the same problem, ruler slipping no matter how careful I was.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kajenkids
I bought Prym's Invisigrip. LOVE IT! No more slipping anymore
I find that the smaller the ruler is, the harder it is to keep in place. I like using my 6 x 24" ruler most the time. All the other advice here is right on. Just wanted to add that it might be that you are using the most challenging size.
I have found the smaller the ruler the worst it slips. I use my large omnigrid rulers for all my cutting because they are so large and because of the weight tend not to slip as much. You can also purchase stick on grippers for the ruler so they will grab the fabric and it won't slip.
Wow! Thank you ALL so much. I feel victory coming on. I haven't sewn in years and only clothing when I did. Never used templates and always cut with scissors. I found this site by accident and oh my goodness. It sparked a fire and I have an itch to stitch. I'm just blown away by everything about this site and the friendly atmosphere in the forum. Thank you again and have a fabulous day/weekend.
Welcome to the forum. This is a great place for motivation, inspiration, advice, and support. We'll look forward to sharing your projects with you!
I have also a omnigrid ruler 6"x24", and it is moving really bad. I will try as mentioned the cloth first aid tape, but i will also try this double sided tape and add some very fine sandpaper :)
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