Marks are not so thin; 2. I use an OmniGrip ruler with a Lip Edge, which is great because it hooks onto the edge of the cutting mat to keep the ruler from slipping while you cut. Win! If you fit into that category – you’ll want to know more about the Quilter’s Slidelock™. If you are left-handed, work from the opposite side of the fabric, placing fabric and rulers in mirror-image positions. Some work better than others. If you have to fold your fabric because your mat is small…try not to fold more that once and keep the fold neat. Place the Stripology ruler over the folded fabric. Move the strips into the same position that the fabric had after you have finished cutting strips. They have bumpy textured dots spaced at regular intervals that do an excellent job of grabbing the fabric. He was amazed. You can get a square up ruler with a sticky film on the ruler. Acrylic templates can be slick, which is not a bad thing! I found with the rotary that tipping it on an angle causes the ruler to slip. Here’s a favorite quilting tip—apply double-sided transparent tape to your template to keep it from slipping as you cut. Our peel and stick fabric grip strips help keep everything in place with minimal pressure. 3. An Unexpected and Ingenious Solution for Sliding Rulers! After you cut your strips you can sub cut them as needed for your pattern. Both keep the smooth plastic rulers from slipping. It is made with a retractable system that keeps all your fabric in place. When you pick up the ruler after making a cut, the sandpaper grips stick to the fabric slightly. Attach gripping tabs to the bottom of rotary rulers to help keep them from slipping on fabric. Then put a square up ruler down on the fabric at the fold. Then, using your first cut as the new edge, align to cut the second side. I worked in a fabric store and have tried every product I could find to keep my rulers from slipping. This is a stay in place straight edge that will not slide. This is where I wish this ruler was tiiiny bit wider. There are also products to make the ruler less slippery (InvisiGrip, rubber dots or felt pads) that you can stick to the bottom of the ruler. I found this tip on Bonnie Hunter's quilt blog to make your rulers non-slip. I stumbled across this tip while browing the internet and thought it a great & affordable way to prevent your rulers from slipping. The safety shields only come in a 24″ size so I had my husband cut down an extra one to fit my smaller rulers: Cutting the Fabric. Keep the rotary blade flush against the ruler, cut away from yourself and down the right side of your ruler. There are some great tools to help prevent your ruler from slipping. It’s not pretty. It is clear so you can see through it but has a sticky side to place down on the ruler and on the other side a slightly bumpy surface to prevent the ruler from slipping. Rulers wear out! I know - I've had it happen a hundred times. Therefore, it has replaced my old Ones without non-slip. It has rubber snubbers and springs: The rubber snubbers are retracted in the normal ruler position, so the tool can slide easily across the fabric. Featuring double suction cups, the ruler grip works on clean, smooth surface rulers or templates. And a plastic cling film called InvisiGrip™. No more quilting ruler slipping on your fabric as you cut! Although it is not essential, I keep on my sewing table which simplifies quick cuts when sewing. Long Rulers. If you trim these down to 2mm wide and put them along almost the entire edge of the ruler, they would work a lot better. Simply cut the sandpaper into small squares or use a punch if you have one. Cut off any uneven edge on the right, then keep moving the ruler and cutting until you have turned the strips into the correct size of squares. Lastly, it comes in a very handy size, which isn’t huge, but it isn’t very small as well, so it could fit most fabrics conveniently. Small sandpaper dots (Fabric Grippers from Nifty Notions). Here are just a few tips we’ve heard about acrylic templates and rulers. Taking care of a rotary mat is simple and will make your mat last for years and years. See how to use the Omnigrid® ruler grip to provide a steady grip on your ruler and keep your fingers away from the rotary cutting blade, while you’re cutting fabrics for quilting, sewing and crafting projects. Choosing an Acrylic Quilting Ruler. You may have already noticed, and even tried, various fixes. You could also apply some optional products to the underside of the rulers that help prevent slipping.InvisiGrip™ is a clear cinyl cling product that can be cut and applied to the underside of rulers to create a non-slip surface. As with all Omnigrid rulers, this one was laser cut. Simply place the fabric on the mat, move the ruler to the position you need to cut a strip or square of your choice, press it firmly down and run the rotary cutter along the edge, using the ruler to guide you. Sliding it along the fabric … If you need to move your hand up your ruler, keep your cutter in position and “walk” your fingers up to the next position then continue cutting. For our example, we need to cut our strips 3¾”. Lift your ruler and move it to the next position. My first attempts at cutting fabric strips was quite dismal I must say – the ruler kept slipping and strips were not very straight which meant lots of fabric wastage. Secondly, the non-slip back will ensure that the ruler stays put while you cut. Not only does a non-slip ruler make for more accurate cutting, but it also is much safer to use. When you put it down on the fabric it will hold on to the fabric quite firmly. If I want to cut something and be able to slide the ruler as I cut, I just turn the ruler over to the other side. Ruler Gripper - Not only does this one look a lot like the cool purple phone I used to have in my Jr. High bedroom, but it also helps you ergonomically grip rulers. Over time the sharp edge of your rotary cutting blade can shave off the plastic of the ruler. If you don't have a ruler, you can cut cardboard to the size that you need. It’s a very clever tool. I have told friends they had to get some – and they love them. Hold your ruler very firmly to prevent it from slipping and causing an uneven cut. My personal favorites are Creative Grid rulers. The system has small rubber balls that will hold all your fabric when pressed down. If you’ve been quilting for awhile you probably have experienced what happens when rulers slide while you’re cutting. You do not need to be frustrated anymore there is a great product for you. The reader-submitted quilting tips and tricks are the best! Shop our entire line of quality quilting products today! Pros. Reposition your hand up your ruler so that you never cut beyond your hand position. "Glue small pieces of sandpaper on the backs of your rulers to keep them from slipping on the fabric when rotary cutting." My husband ended up cutting my fabric for me so there wouldn’t be wastage. Use Nexcare medical tape. Not a big deal unless you want the fabric to remain stationary so a second cut can be made. Never Slip your Rotary Ruler Again Boring subject I know, but let me tell ya - when you quilt and cut fabric as much as I do, nothing can tick you off more than when the rotary ruler slips a little on the fabric while you're cutting, and you end up messing up the cut having to start over and go through the entire slippage mess all over again. So measure the area that you're going to store your fabric in and decide what size ruler will give you the most rows with the least amount of waste. If it isn't straight square up your fabric again and cut again. No more aching hands, arms or shoulders. No More Slipping Rulers & Templatesincluding Mask Templates! What if I don’t have a ruler that is wide enough? No more finger walking. Here are what I hope are some helpful tips: Tip #1: So of course my first tip when cutting is to remember that old adage “measure twice, cut once”. Thirdly, you get a 1/2-inch seam allowance that makes the cutting of short strips and sashing a much easier prospect. I tried it and it really works. The TrueCut rulers not only provide precise measuring, but also solve one of the most common cutting frustrations: slipping and veering away from the ruler's edge. Line the folded fabric up on a line on your cutting mat. To use a quilting ruler, you need a piece of fabric, a cutting mat and a rotary cutter (for all but the Westalee ruler in this article). Our patented track and guide system prevent slipping and keep all of your cuts straight. When cutting smaller pieces it’s nice to not have to turn the fabric. Previously, they were made anywhere from 3 ½” to 6” wide and in several different lengths. To minimize slipping, use a more balanced pressure on you Omnigrid® ruler when cutting. Nothing worked until I found Grip Strips! This video has some great tips on how to take care of your mat. I know we have fine sandpaper in the garage all the time. Two-color marks; The strong quality body; acrylic; Multiple sizes to fit your needs; Comes with non-slip rings; Hole for hanging; Cons. When I set a rule I want to cut, I can move the fabric over on the cutting mat and the ruler does not move. Just make sure you cut it nice and straight and that will be an inexpensive substitute for a ruler. Press the ruler down firmly, take a short cut, if you have to make a long cut, stop and reposition your hand on the ruler before you keep cutting. When you cut your strip width, use one of the horizontal lines on your ruler to keep the folded edge straight. The instructions are written for working right-handed. Does your ruler slide when cutting? It came in a tape dispenser. Align the ruler to cut the first side. - Marti in Mexico One of the tricks is to place ruler on fabric, start cutting with rotary, stop and move hand forward on ruler without moving the rotary and then continue cutting. Are you having problems cutting multiple layers of fabric? Caring for a Rotary Mat. The TrueCut rulers not only provide precise measuring, but also solve one of the most common cutting frustrations: slipping and veering away from the ruler’s edge. In order to cut accurately, your ruler can’t slide around on the fabric in the slightest. Rulers The clear ruler should have sightlines, or markings to help you line up your fabric. Moving on to cutting the fabric. My favorite brand of ruler is by Creative Grids. Don’t cut any further than the position across from the tips of your fingers that are holding the ruler. With rotary cutters and straight-edge blades, slippage is the last thing you want, which is why this ruler eliminates that concern. As you get more comfortable and practiced with rotary cutting, you may not need to keep your pinky off the edge of the ruler and you may not need to adjust your ruler-hand position as often. Many types of grippers are available commercially, including clear versions that won't obstruct your view of ruler lines. I put three small 0.5″ squares on this 9.5″ square ruler and now it isn’t going anywhere at all. Cut your fabric into the appropriately sized strips. Ruler racks free up your workspace, and also keep your rulers from being scratched and faded. Check the first strip you cut and make sure it is straight. It’s always a good idea to use the lines on your mat to keep things nice and straight. We always get clever advice and nifty quilting hacks. You don’t need much to keep your ruler in place. I have found that the ruler doesn't move then. Then my husband needed to hand cut some vinyl for a decal business we own, so I gave him my ruler with Grip Strips. Put your rotary cutting ruler down on the side of the fabric. There are bi-colored markings on the ruler in case your fabric is odd-colored. Our patented track and guide system prevent slipping and keep all of your cuts straight. Also, a lot of dots are needed to prevent the fabric from slipping. A folded width of fabric will juuust fit so be sure to center the ruler so the rotary cutter goes end to end here. If the folded edge of the fabric is not kept straight and even, you will get strips that are slightly “V” shaped and a little wonky. One of the common types of quilting rulers is the long ruler. Tips. I have many students who struggle with the ruler slipping while cutting. And, it often results in wasted fabric as well as time. Using either the 30°, 45° or 60° angle, you can cut diamonds from a strip. InvisiGrip™ can be removed and reused without leaving a I purchased it in my local supermarket. If not, simply press down firmly on the ruler with your fingers, not the palm of your hand. TIP: Using a good ruler can make all of the difference in the world. I always call it walking the ruler with your hand. Easy to use, it attaches in seconds. They now make this quilting ruler up to 6 ½” wide, making it much easier to cut both strips and blocks. The non-slip material is fantastic. Quick math for equilateral triangles from a strip: Add ¾” to the finished size you want. Across this tip while browing the internet and thought it a great & affordable way to prevent from. 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