jj1150

OMG .... I was just sooo excited to finally get a few minutes to try out the Apple Core Template (from Etsy.com) and my new smaller rotary cutter (recommended).

I have a 5 inch template, and want to use a 6 inch charm pack from Kaffe Fassett (gorgeous ~ in blues/aquas/purples).

Sooo, I thought that just maybe I'd better practice first. Whoa!!!! Is there a LEARNING CURVE to use the rotary cutter on the Apple Core template???? I was all over the place with my cuts And, of course, even marred the new template.

Are there brands of templates better than others??? It is a heavy plastic, about 1/8" thick and very sturdy. Was less $$$$ than the brand-name ones in stores.

So, do I just need to PRACTICE??? Or is the better way, to trace around with a pencil and then cut with scissors???

HELP!!! I so wanted to get a chance to see how these sew together!!!

jody

Tartan

I just bought Invisigrip for the back of my ruler and it makes them less slippery. You could try that on the back of your template to make it less slippery or any other of the non skid methods from QB members. I find that if I put my smaller cutting Matt (6X10) on top of my big one, then I can turn the little one as needed for changing the cutting angle. Any template that you have to cut around the entire circumfirance is tricky unless you can spin it on the cutting matt, UNLESS you are lucky enough to have the rotating cutting matt.

jj1150

Tartan .... it's NOT that the template moved on me ... it's like I was an inexperienced driver going around a curve!!! lol

I could not even seem to cut NEXT to the template, and then I was cutting AWAY FROM the template!!!! All jagged

I am sooo disappointed, as I thought this would be a quick, easy fun quilt to make!!! I have had no problems using a rotary cutter when cutting blocks for my rag quilts .... and I guess I thought this would be just as easy!!

Guess I'd better go practice!

jody

ckcowl

what size cutter are you using? i use my 18mm one for curved templates fairly successfully= it does take some practice - use some scraps & only 1-2 layers of fabric at a time- after a few trials you will get the hang of it...then you will wonder why it was so hard at first----do you remember the first time you tried to use a rotory cutter? my first time with a straight ruler was not so straight-or easy- i have found if the cutter is too large though it is easier to just trace around the template then cut out the shapes- you really do need a small cutter for curves.

jj1150

ckcowl ... I bought one with a 28mm blade (Fiskars) .... but I did notice that JoAnn's had a smaller one than this!!! Well, IF and when I get a coupon, maybe I'll get the smaller one and try that!

And I did try using just 2 layers ... then went to one!! Yikes!!! Sure need to practice.

But right now, I am *trying* to get our space BR cleaned so I can turn it into my sewing room ... almost there

Where in northern MI are you??? I am near Bay City/Saginaw/Midland .... by northern, do you mean in the U.P.????

jody

virtualbernie

Try turning the cutter around--sometimes the little "screw" that attaches the blade to the handle won't let you get close to the ruler.

franc36

I, too, am having trouble learning to use an 18 mm rotary cutter. Does the fact that I am left handed make a difference? Probably I am just a slow learner. I usually just give up and use my 45 mm cutter.

Peckish

I had problems, too. I found it easier to trace around the template on a piece of fabric, then layer the fabrics about 4 deep and cut on the lines.

Of course, after I bought the apple core die that goes with my Accuquilt Go, it's MUCH easier now!

Jan in VA

That's what I do also......draw on the fabric piece using the template, then cut on the line with the tiny rotary cutter when I remove the template.

Jan in VA

rush88888

i think you need to switch the blade to the other side. try that and see if it works better for you.