trouble cutting multiple layers

Feb 23, 2010 12 Replies

Many years ago I dislocated and broke my left wrisit. I almost lost my hand. I have a few limitations but not many. Currently I am having trouble when I do alot of rotary cutting of multiple layers of fabric. The way I have to place my left hand on the the ruler is a major problem for weeks after doing alot of cutting. Anyone have any ideas to help avoid this? I looked at the gripper handles, but again the way you have to apply pressure will give me the same result.....OUCH


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I tried multiple layers - once! (And I don't have a dodgy hand >g

Ah, yes, as I've said before: "Rotary cutters: the perfect way to quickly and accurately cut all the sashing strips for a quilt precisely 1" too short."

Fortunately I was able to get more of the sashing fabric. ;-)

Dragonfly

You may want to look into the Alto Quilt Cutting System (NAYY). I have not personally used this but have seen it demo'd. A fried purchased one recently. She's watched the video but last time we spoke had not used it yet. Seems like the hot tip as it clamps the fabric down for you in any number of ways (straight; diagonals) and you simply need to run your cutter along the ruler edge. It's pricey

- @ $200 if I remember correctly. But considering your situation, may be well worth the $$. I'd definitely like one for myself particularly for the multiple layers but I think I need to go back to work before spending that much on a quilting tool!

Kim in NJ - waiting for more snow to arrive tonight!

That sounds like the Accu Quilt. My aunt got one. She says it is physically too difficult for her to operate. (I guess it takes a little muscle and pressure). She makes lots of log cabins, so I can see why she would want one. But I never was interested. I like the cutting process, so I didn't care much about automating it.

Sherry

I've had some success with these ruler grippers. This way, you can just press down on the 'handle' and don't have to flatten out your hand.

The Gypsy Grippers - The Gypsy Quilter Products

rusty

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catnana had written this in response to

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: Rusty, I think you may have something!! It truly may be the way I flatten my hand out that causes the pain afterwards. My local sew & vac does have one of the grippers and she said I could try it before I buy it! May have to go see her today! I'll let you know. THANKS!

rusty wrote:

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catnana had written this in response to

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: Patti, Thanks for the reply! I am actually cutting multiple strips for a rag rug project to match a quilt.

Patti wrote:

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catnana had written this in response to

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: Kim, Thanks for reply! I was truly thinking of that system as well. I have trouble justifing the cost but we will see. Rusty suggested the gripper and with the difference in how you hold it compared to laying your hand out on the ruler it may work. If not I will have to go check one out a a local shop. They should be able to demo and allow me to try it. Still would be interested in what your friend thinks of hers! Thanks again carol

AuntK wrote:

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Rusty, is it good to also have those wee sticky sandpaper dots under the ruler to help it grip the fabric and therefore less worry about sliding? just a thot as i was reading thru here. j.

"rusty" wrote ... I've had some success with these ruler grippers. This way, you can just press down on the 'handle' and don't have to flatten out your hand.

The Gypsy Grippers - The Gypsy Quilter Products

rusty

There was an article a while back in Quilters' Newsletter Magazine about a quilter who had had a stroke, so she was lacking in strength on one side of her body, she used heavy weights to hold a ruler in position.

When you say multiple layers, how many do you mean? How many layers can you cut before it's too many?

Have you taken other steps to make it as easy as possible, perhaps investing in a 60mm rotary cutter, the blades are expensive, but you can save it for when you really need it, rather than all cutting. Also, make sure you are cutting at the right height, on a good quality board, with a ruler that isn't working against you. Also, just depending on exactly what you are cutting, you can find that you need to exert more force on the ruler because only one small section of it is resting on the fabric, so sometimes it's helpful to places extra fabric, perhaps bits you've already cut to support the ruler, rather than trying to just press hard on one small area.

Have you tried using a rotary cutter with your left hand? I have on/off problems with my right thumb, so if I want to finish cutting, I have been known to set my rotary cutter up for left handed cutting and do it that way. There are several different types of rotary cutter out there, which have you use your hand at different angles, so I could get one that didn't require me to squeeze with my thumb, I just haven't got round to it, because it's not a problem all the time.

Cheers Anne

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