Measure and Cutting
 

Hi I hope I'm in the right place!

Anyway I was wondering if anyone could give me tips on measuring better and cutting straighter. I always seem to measure off and I recently created a disaster book project because of it. Another thing is I seem to not be able to cut straight anyone have any tips on how to improve on such techniques?

I wish there were some magic formula to answer your questions.:)

The only advice I have is tried and true. Like I've heard carpenters and woodworkers say, "Measure twice - and cut once." I always check and double check when I am measuring something, and usually write it down, not relying on my sometimes bad memory.

About cutting straighter, sometimes it depends on the paper trimmer you are using, and how it works. I know people complain about all kinds of brands of trimmers "not cutting straight", so the trimmer itself could be your problem.

Again, though, take your time and line up your paper carefully on your trimmer, hold your paper firmly in place as you cut.

I'm currently using the Making Memories Precision Trimmer and I like it a lot. It has a grid for lining up your paper, and a self sharpening blade. It retails for about $50, but I used a 50% off coupon and got mine at Michaels.

Here is a link to info on it if you are interested:

Craft Critique: Craft product reviews, crafty news and crafting events!: Making Memories 12" x 12" Precision Trimmer

Posted at the same time!


Most paper-crafters end up getting some sort of paper trimmer to cut all of the straight lines rather than use scissors.

If you don't have a paper trimmer then you can use a sturdy straight edge like a ruler and use a craft knife to cut along the edge of the ruler.

If you do have a paper trimmer then make sure your card stock if up against the top edge evenly. Even the teeniest little gap will cause you to cut the cs crooked and you won't really notice it until after you fold the cs.

Not knowing exactly what cutting tools you have though my best advice is to take your time. Don't be in too big of a hurry to cut anything.

If you don't have a paper-trimmer such as one like this:

Fiskars 12'' Premium Portable Paper Trimmer*: personal paper trimmers*: scrapbooking tools*: scrapbooking*: Shop | Joann.com

Or maybe one like this:
Tonic Studios Paper Trimmer 12" Large Base Product Detail -- CreateForLess

I HIGHLY recommend that you get one as soon as possible.They are indispensable!

I use a triangle when I cut my paper. It helps me keep my paper straight and not move.

I saw a tip and video on Amazing Paper Grace website for making straight cuts. She used a triangle ruler. You can go to her site and see the tips it is listed under Becca Bits. I rushed right out and bought a triangle ruler. Sorry that I cannot provide a link to the site. I am a new here and the system won't let me do that.

Can someone please tell me where to buy the large eyelets or grommets that are often used on tags and mini albums. They look almost the gromments that were denim jackets and pants years ago. I am not sure that I know what a grommet is but the item I am talking about is more substantial than the cute eyelets that you buy at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Thanks.

I feel your pain vieya, I can't cut a straight line even when it is printed there for me...and I have all kinds of trimmers, straight edgers and scissors LOL Drives my hubby crazy, so he does all my cutting for me on the important stuff.

Cutting straight
 

I'm a sewing enthusiast, too, so I use my rotary cutter and a ruler with a cutting mat. I can be pretty exact using that method. I know a lot of card makers precut their mats for squares, rectangles, etc, but I glue mine to the mat color I want and then use the edge of the inner square to measure for my mat. It usually works great. Hope this helps :)

Welcome to SCS. And thanks for posting about the Becca Bits for using a triangle ruler (it sounds intriguing). I haven't watched it yet but will when I can use sound. Here's the link:

Becca Bit: Making Straight Cuts � Becca Bits � Amazing Paper Grace


Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee

I also use a triangle to measure with although I don't cut with it as it is plastic and it is possible to end up shaving a bit off the edge without meaning too. Having drawn my line, I cut using a metal ruler that has a strip of cork along its length so it doesnt' slip. I never use the grids on my cutting mat as I find that the lines are too thick to be accurate enough.
Hope this helps!
Stephanie

I gave up on using my trimmer to cut straight. I use my Cricut, Design Studio and the George and Basic Shapes cartridge whenever I need to cut rectanges, squares, etc. for card bases or whatever. Probably a lot more time consuming but at least I know I'm going to get perfectly square corners and straight cuts. :)

I swear by my Tim Holtz Design Ruler and a scalpel. The ruler is clear has grids marked on it, So you can line it up to any distance you want, and a metal edge you can cut along. Because of the grid, you can make sure it is square to any edge. It also has the midpoint of the ruler marked, and measurements out from this, along one edge, and normal measurements on the other.

Not all CS is straight and I've been through several trimmers that were not straight at the top. It took a certain company a long time to be believe me...and only then after many schools from a Chicago account complained of the same thing.

Also, your handle can be loose.

I finally broke down and ordered a Genesis. I had spent much, much more in trimmers over the yrs and wasted CS.

But a triangle ruler is def on my list to buy. It can only help w/ tired eyes!