As quilters - we think the Basic Cutting Ruler is the best one ever. It is a handy size for many rotary cutting tasks. The 14 Inch length of this ruler makes it long enough to cut across fabric folded in fourths but short enough to be easy to transport to workshops. The lenght is great for sub cutting strips into squares or other shapes without having to clear everything else off our cutting table. The 8 inch width makes it easy to cut wider strips and borders. You'll enjoy the yellow 1/4 inch grid that lets you quickly see that you have the ruler placed correctly for sub cuts. The grid also makes it easier to find the correct 1/8 inch markings. Also includes angled lines for 30,45 and 60 degree cuts.
Item Number: R7840
Barcode Number: 072879078404
Instructions:
CUTTING STRIPS - We like to cut our fabric folded in fourths because it is easier to hold a ruler steady for a short cut - rather than a 20 inch long cut. 1. Begin with the fabric folded in half as it comes off the bolt. Hold the fabric along the selvage edges and align these edges. The cut ends of the fabric may be uneven. Check to see that the fabric hangs smoothly and adjust the alignment of the selvages as needed so fabric is smooth(Photo A). (You may find that you need to press out the center fold if the fabric was twisted as it was wrapped on the bolt.) Lay the fabric on your mat with the fold away from you. Bring the selvage edges up to meet the fold. Fabric will be folded in fourths with the side with two folds nearest you. Check to be sure that the fabric is smooth. Square off the end of the fabric. If you cut right handed - square off the left end. Square off the right end if you are left handed. TIP-I like to square off the end of my fabric at the same time as I cut my first strip with a method I call over cutting. First - I determine what size strip I want to cut - then I begin by cutting a strip that is wide enough to also include the uneven ends. For example - If I want a 2-1/2inch wide strip - I begin by cutting a 3-1/2 inch wide one. I leave the main fabric in place that has now been squared off. I pick up and turn the extra wide strip and trim it to the correct width - eliminating the uneven edges.I never have to turn my cutting mat or move the bulk of my fabric. Lay the ruler atop the fabric so it measures off the correct strip width. Position one of the horizontal lines on the ruler along the side with two folds. This helps ensure that you will make cuts that are exactly perpenducular to the folds and eliminates bowed or bent strips. Cut along edge of ruler. CUTTING SQUARES AND RECTANGLES - Cut a strip 1/2 inch wider than the desired finished size of the square or width of rectangle. Square off the ends of the strip. Turn the ruler perpendicular to the strip to make subcuts up to 8 inches wide. For rectangles longer than 8 inches - lay the length of the ruler along the strip - aligning the measurement for rectangle length on the cut edge of strip. CUTTING DIAMONDS - Cut a fabric strip the width listed in your project instructions. To cut 45 degree diamonds - begin by trimming the strip end at a 45 degree angle. Align one of the 45 degree angle ruler lines along a long edge of the strip. Trim end of strip along edge of the ruler. With the 45 degree angle line along one long edge of strip - align the measurement of your strip width atop the angled edge. Cut along edge of ruler. For example - if your strip is 4-1/2 inches wide - align the 4-1/2 inch line on ruler atop the angled edge. Cut 60 degree diamonds in a similar manner by using the 60 degree angle lines on the ruler. TIP _ When cutting diamonds - do a quick check for accuracy by folding diamonds in half to see that they are symmetrical.