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bkay2000

Ruler problems

10 years ago

While cutting my 9 patches for the disappearing 9 patch, I realized that my ruler moves (Fiskars). (That accounts for some of my errors.) I pulled out the big square ruler I used for squaring up and it doesn't move (Creative Grids). It has these white dots on the down side that make it "stick" to the fabric.

Is there a solution, or do you just replace it?

bk

Comments (12)

  • 10 years ago

    There are several solutions so don't throw it away. They are all like that. I buy a package of the little adhesive dots that have sandpaper on one side. You can get them at Joanns usually. You just stick a few around the ruler and you won't have that problem any more.

  • 10 years ago

    I put the little sandpaper dots on mine, too. Not perfect, but if you are careful they work well.

  • 10 years ago

    Nexcare medical tape from the drugstore

  • 10 years ago

    Yes, what they said. :-)

  • 10 years ago

    I used some Invisigrip but still had some slipping. Will look for the tape.

    Theresa

  • 10 years ago

    The sandpaper dots work but what works best for me is to move my left hand down as I cut. If I'm cutting anything wider than about 8", I start cutting from the top and when I'm about half way, I walk my left hand down and continue cutting.

    Vasu

  • 10 years ago

    Ooh, Vasu, you should cut the other way! It's dangerous cutting toward yourself!

    Donna

  • 10 years ago

    My squares were 13 1/2" and my Fiskars ruler is 6 x 24". At some point, while splitting those nine patch squares, I realized it was moving on me. Then, I realized it was very difficult to keep it from moving a bit. I went back to the squaring up ruler to finish and it seemed to help.

    bk

  • 10 years ago

    Rubber cement on the back side of your ruler will work too, though eventually it will collect dirt and/or rub off.

    You can also use hot glue. Rub the tip of the glue gun around when applying it so it isn't put on like a thick snake.

    Most of my rulers have a thin clear rubber/plastic sheet, cut to size, that sticks to the ruler. I don't remember what you'd call it, but you can buy a sheet and cut it up to stick (like static) to your rulers.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Jennifer: could that be what used to be called 'contact paper' (the thing you're saying was cut to size)?

    PS: agreeing w/ MsMeow: Vasu: cutting towards yourself is a really, really bad idea & I always see folks recommend against doing it. I'd guess you'll get both a better cut & better leverage cutting away from yourself.

    Also: not sure everyone knows this, but when using rotary cutters, you'll get better cuts if you doing it while standing up rather than sitting, just so you know.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    lmontestella~ Contact paper was the term I was thinking of when I typed, but that's not what this is. This is like clear vinyl (maybe) that clings to the ruler...isn't sticky.

    And just to confess, I know that you're suppose to cut away from you... but... gasp... I cut towards myself too! I have much more control when coming towards me. I think having control is wise, so I cut in whichever manner I have more control. (I AM particularly anal about always, always, ALWAYS closing the rotary cutter when I set it down, though. And about always hanging it on it's hook on the wall when I leave the room.)

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Jen, I think the product you are talking about is called Invisigrip. I have it on a couple of rulers, but I still have to keep a firm hand on the ruler.

    Theresa