Cutting a straight line

[MatthewD]

Okay I am about to drive myself crazy not being able to cut a straight line and then match up two pieces of a notebook cover. Does anyone have any suggestions about making pieces of a pattern the same... I don't know if I am just letting the pattern slip or something to keep having this problem..

[TomSwede]

I use a steelruler and utility knife to make straight cuts. Strop the blade of the knife first.

Don't rush with it and plan the cut, like make sure that your fingers on the ruler have maximum grip and don't get in the way when cut...could hurt;-)

I have masking tape on all corner on my cutting rulers to avoid sharp corners scratch leather and also the non-cutting side of the ruler is taped.

Tom

[Luke Hatley]

i use a Carpenters Framing Square....at least two sides are at a 90 degree to one another.

and i dont let it move...

[SmokinP]

Make sure when cutting you keep the blade perpendicular to the material. Maintain a consistent work angle and travel speed.

Going slow is the fastest way to do it.

As far as matching up, maybe you can make one piece a little oversize then trim after being attached?

[CitizenKate]

I also use a utility knife and a straight edge to make cuts like this.

To keep the ruler from slipping while I'm cutting, I place my fingers holding the straight edge so they touch the edge of the straight edge and the leather at the same time. If it slips even the tiniest bit, I can feel it, and adjust the blade angle before the cut goes stray.

Kate

[MatthewD]

thanks ya'll I guess I just need to practice more.... time to buy some cheap denim or something and just practice cutting out patterns

[tashabear]

thanks ya'll I guess I just need to practice more.... time to buy some cheap denim or something and just practice cutting out patterns

Practice on Playdoh or pastry dough -- denim will NOT feel the same. In fact, since it's a twill, it will react even more poorly and teach you bad, bad habits to compensate.

[hivemind]

For thick leather I also try and clamp the hide to the cutting table.

[moriver]

My wife put me on to a plastic (clear) ruler that's 24 inches by 6 inches. You can get them at any fabric store, they are used for laying out/cutting fabric. Works great for leather, you can see through it, easily cut parrallel lines etc, and it will not hurt you knife edge. I now have several in different sizes and shapes, handy as the pocket on a shirt.

[Rawhide]

My wife put me on to a plastic (clear) ruler that's 24 inches by 6 inches. You can get them at any fabric store, they are used for laying out/cutting fabric. Works great for leather, you can see through it, easily cut parrallel lines etc, and it will not hurt you knife edge. I now have several in different sizes and shapes, handy as the pocket on a shirt.

That's called a quilter's rule. these are great. My wife has about every size imaginable. Sounds like you knife may not be as sharp as it should be. When it's not extremely sharp, the knife can actually pull the leather and it will cut unevenly.

Marlon

Edited November 20, 2008 by Rawhide