I hold mine like a steak knife if that's any help, with my forefinger extended down the cutter towards the blade. This is how I was taught my by art teacher, so I guess it's one of the right ways to do it!
Charlie.
P.S., it's also like a type of tennis grip that not many people use.
Does anyone know of a site that shows how to position these things properly? Or can someone explain it? I have one of the FISKARS cutters. Are there any brands considered more ergonomic than others?
Howdy! If it feels fine to you, go with it. However, having been instructed by a couple of experts in physiotherapy and a couple of medical field quilters who have re-designed the cutters (they did demos at guild and in the lqs), I have learned that it could create more stress on that set of tendons and muscles and nerves that go thru' the hand into the wrist if I put my finger on top of the handle of the cutter and apply pressure. Reports are that this also contributes to the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. For me, I find that grasping the handle of the cutter (mine's an Olfa) gives me the best control of the cutter.
Ragmop/Sandy--speaking for myself (and looking at those instructions in quilt books and on websites that show "proper" cutting technique )
I've been cutting today - so far, 200 half sq triangles and 108 squares for a set of stars, and it isn't my hand or arm that hurt, it's my shoulder! I must change the blade on the cutter, but I'm sure that's not the whole problem!
Grrr! Why do I always manage to invent a whole new twist on a problem?
Are we still talking rotary cutters here?
Suzie B
-- "From the internet connection under the pier" Southend, UK
For a set of stars you say? Are you standing or sitting while you cut? Is the work surface at the proper height for you? I find that standing to cut at kitchen counter height ( 36" ? ) is the best for me and my back and shoulders.
Dee in LeRoy, NY ( I love stars!)
I've been cutting today - so far, 200 half sq triangles and 108 squares for a set of stars, and it isn't my hand or arm that hurt, it's my shoulder! I must change the blade on the cutter, but I'm sure that's not the whole problem!
Grrr! Why do I always manage to invent a whole new twist on a problem?
-- Kate XXXXXX Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
Hey, Suzie - take it anyway you want!
Giggle!!! Yes.
Melissa in NJ :)
-- and the "Boos Hounds" (Bear, Bits, and Lexus) and Maxi (aka Witch Kitty with a "B"), Kenobi (aka "Kitty Wan Kenobi"), and Salem (aka "Salem the Yak")
Quilt Something for Yourself! Adopt a Racing Greyhound!
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Giggle!
Melissa in NJ :)
-- and the "Boos Hounds" (Bear, Bits, and Lexus) and Maxi (aka Witch Kitty with a "B"), Kenobi (aka "Kitty Wan Kenobi"), and Salem (aka "Salem the Yak")
Quilt Something for Yourself! Adopt a Racing Greyhound!
-- Remove STOPCRAP to reply
Kate: For SnW, or any project with more than 6 layers, I strongly recommend a GIANT cutter ... 60 mm blade. I indulged in that for a SnW class because at the time I was in intensive therapy for the shoulder problem. That was one of the best moves I've made! I do take care to NOT use it for just a few layers ... as the blade is costly to replace I want to use it where it counts. In fact this reminds me that I could use my JoAnne Store Coupon for a blade packet.
PAT > These are for my friendship star swap - 17 pairs to mail out!
I want to give a big virtual {{{{HUG}}}} to all of you who responded to my post on incorrect use of the rotary cutter, and offered suggestions and ideas.
It seems you were RIGHT on.
I stopped using it last week, to give my hand a rest as suggested. And
-- you guessed it -- with>I started getting terrible joint pain in the top knuckle of my index
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