quiltsRfun

I’ve used a couple of large, heavy weight cans from my pantry. Don’t know their actual weight but they do the trick.

sandy l

How come we can quilt for years and sometimes such a simple idea has us "now why didn't think of that before?"

ArtsyOne

I've been using the 5lb weight since I saw a video a couple of weeks ago. It makes a huge difference! Thanks for posting this tip so that others can benefit.

StephanieR

I still somehow manage to make my ruler slip even with the 5lb weight on the end. I'm just talented that way.

But it has drastically reduced the number of slippages I've had and if I slow down then I can reduce it even more. I wonder if I work on a lower surface where I'm more over my work if I could reduce the slippage even more. It's so frustrating to ruin good fabric.

gramajo

I agree with cenpaqltr that the Quilters Select rulers have greatly reduced the slippage I have with my rulers.

Jordan

Thank you for that great tip. I have seen Donna of Jordan Fabrics use a 5 lb. weight a couple of times but have not tried it yet. Might have to make a trip to the 2nd hand gym equipment store.

Kitsie

I found a clear non-slip grip tape and use a 1/4" inch of it VERTICALLY down the side of my ruler from top to bottom just inside the 1/4" mark.

I may be OK with 5lbs for one or 2 cuts but not as a general use. Using the Slidelock on top of your ruler is really great, too. BTW,they were invented in Australia and they were made to press down on top of the ruler, not to replace it. Try it!

mrsg730

I too saw the 5lb weight on a video and have been using and have certainly noticed the difference

Pudge

Two ways I improved (immensely) rotary cutting skills. The first was to change the height of my table, it was too high and I was stretching my arm awkwardly to reach the end of the ruler, even if I moved my left arm up the ruler. The second was to purchase a 3M sanding block (about $8 from Lowes') which is made out of a lightweight plastic and has a handle that raises my hand up and away from the cutting blade (safety first) and also a wingnut attaching screw on each end of the board. The board is 3 1/4" wide, perfect size. I attached a strip of kitchen drawer liner (sort of sticky) to the bottom of the sanding board and each end of the strip is attached from the top by the wingnut. I use the board to hold my ruler and I can move it higher up on the ruler if I need to without any slippage or movement of the ruler.

Onebyone

I use a Quilter's Slidelock on the top of my ruler. It isn't moving a smidgen. I bought it for safety but it holds the ruler to the mat like a magnet.