If you're scrapbooking or quilting, sometimes a straight, neat cut line is all you need for every square you use. You will be disappointed when you find that the resulting lines are crooked or not perfectly straight. You can learn how to cut straight on paper, fabric and wood with tools you probably already have at home.
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Method 1 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines on Paper Using a Craft Knife
Step 1. Prepare the materials
Prepare a 12 inch (30 cm) or more metal ruler, pencil, paper and a craft knife. The cutting process will be easier if you use a cutting mat or cutting mat: it can be found in specialty shops that sell craft or craft supplies, on the mat printed straight lines and at the same time can protect the surface of the material being cut, so you don't end up with a cut. scratch the dining table or your favorite table that is used as a place to cut. Removable sticky tack special adhesive, can be used to hold the ruler during the cutting process.
- The X-ACTO knife is widely used by craftsmen, and is commonly found in specialty craft shops and other large shops. If you don't have one and you're not interested in buying one, you can still use a regular (sharpened) cutting knife.
- Be careful when using a regular cutting knife, knife or other sharp object. Specialty knives like the X-ACTO have a secure and sturdy handle, which reduces the chances of you getting hurt. Do not allow children to use the knife without adult supervision.
Step 2. Lay the paper on a flat surface
If you have a cutting mat, lay the paper on it. Make sure there are no lumps or bubbles on the work surface, as this will affect your cut.
Step 3. Use a pencil to mark the start and end of your line
Mark with thin lines or dots (so they can be easily erased) at the beginning and end of the line you want.
Step 4. Place the ruler on the paper
Align the ruler parallel to the marker line you made earlier in step 3.
- If using patterned paper, such as special scrapbook paper, make sure that the lines you make are parallel to the paper motifs. If you make straight lines that are not parallel to the paper motif, the result will not be good because it will look crooked. Adjust the position of the paper to produce a neat straight line.
- Place a small amount of sticky tack or special removable glue on each end of the ruler and glue it to the cutting mat or surface you are working on. This will keep the ruler from shifting during the cutting process.
Step 5. Hold the ruler with one hand and use the other to cut
Hold the ruler firmly on the work surface, or hold it with a sticky tack. Place the blade on the side of the ruler and start cutting slowly and carefully toward you. Repeat this step several times until the paper is perfectly trimmed.
- Do not press the knife too hard when cutting. This could cause the blade to break or it could pull on the paper, causing the paper to tear.
- In addition to cutting vertically towards you, you can cut from side to side horizontally. If you use the second method, move the blade towards your strongest hand (if you are right handed, move it to your right but if you are left-handed, move it to the left). That way, you can see the results of your work better.
Step 6. Delete the marker lines you made in step 3
If the line is still visible, gently erase it again. Do not press the eraser too hard against the paper, as this may cause the paper to tear.
Method 2 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines on Paper Using Scissors
Step 1. Prepare the materials
Prepare sharp scissors (do not use a special knife for children), paper, pencil and iron ruler. The cutting mat and sticky tack will protect the work surface and will hold the ruler in place.
Step 2. Place the paper on a flat surface
If you have a cutting mat, place it on it. Make sure the surface you are working on has no bumps or bubbles, as these will affect the cutting.
Step 3. Use a pencil to mark the start and end of the line
Lightly mark using lines or dots at the beginning and end of the line. Do not press the pencil too hard, because it will be difficult to erase later.
Step 4. Align the ruler with the line
Place the ruler about 1 millimeter below the desired line.
Step 5. Extend the scissor handle to its widest point
Be careful holding the scissors, don't let them hit you. Hold only the top of the blade.
If you have a craft knife or kitchen shears, you can separate the handles at the center point. It's best if you can separate the blades or blades, as this will make the cutting process easier
Step 6. Place the scissors on the side of the ruler
Hold the ruler firmly with one hand and use the other to cut. Pressing the blade against the paper, quickly pull the scissors along the ruler. Repeat this movement two to three more times.
Don't press too hard on the blades as this can create too much friction on the paper. This can cause the paper to tear
Step 7. Cut along the crease line you have made
Use the crease line as a guide, then carefully cut out the paper.
If you don't mind the edges of the paper not being very neat, you can tear the paper directly with the line as a guide. The result is paper with jagged edges
Step 8. Erase the pencil marks in step 3
If the line is still visible, gently erase it again. Do not put too much pressure on the eraser, as the paper may tear.
Method 3 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines on Paper Using Folds
Step 1. Prepare the materials
The tools you need for this technique are scissors or a craft knife, paper and your hands. This technique is better for stiff paper because it will be more resistant when folded firmly.
Step 2. Fold the paper as you wish
Place the paper on a hard surface and press firmly along the crease you made. This fold should be very strong and clear, as it will serve as a guide during the cutting process with the scissors.
Step 3. Unfold the paper
Fold the paper back in the opposite direction to the crease line. Press the paper fold firmly.
Step 4. Cut along the lines
You can use scissors or a craft knife along the crease line. Cut slowly and carefully along the crease line.
Method 4 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines in Fabric Using a Rotary Cutter
Step 1. Start with a clean, wrinkle-free cloth
You can iron the fabric to remove creases and creases. The wrinkled fabric will produce jagged edges even if you try to cut straight.
If using linen or cotton, a few splashes of starch will make the fabric easier to cut
Step 2. Prepare a place for cutting
Place the cutting mat on a flat, level and stable surface with adequate lighting. The cutting mat will help you cut the fabric in a straight line and will also protect the work surface from being scratched. You can get cutting mats at stores that sell craft supplies.
Step 3. Align the fabric with the cutting mat
Use a horizontal line to make sure the fabric is straight. Place a metal ruler on top of the fabric and align it with the vertical line on the cutting mat.
Step 4. Double check, cut once
Double check the location of the ruler on the fabric before cutting. When you're satisfied, use a rotary cutter (similar to a pizza wheel, but used for cutting fabric) to cut the fabric along the sides of the ruler.
Method 5 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines on the Fabric Using an Iron and Folds
Step 1. Start with a clean, wrinkle-free cloth
You can iron the fabric to remove creases and creases. The wrinkled fabric will produce jagged edges even if you try to cut straight.
If using linen or cotton, a few splashes of starch will make the fabric easier to cut
Step 2. Place an iron ruler on the fabric you want to cut
If you have a cutting mat, use the lines on the base to make sure the ruler is straight across the fabric.
- If using fabrics with certain motifs and patterns, make sure the ruler is parallel to the pattern or motif. Make sure you cut according to the motif and pattern of the fabric.
- You 'must' use an iron ruler. Plastic rulers will melt when exposed to heat.
Step 3. Fold the fabric onto the ruler
If you have an ironing board that is lined with fabric, pin the fabric to the ironing board to keep the fabric from shifting. Or use your hands to hold the fabric.
Step 4. Use an iron to secure the crease along the ruler
Move the iron back and forth repeatedly while pressing the iron slowly. The metal ruler will hold the fabric and create straight folds.
Step 5. Unfold the fabric and cut along the crease
Place a ruler on one side of the fold to keep the scissors or rotary cutter from shifting. Gently cut along the crease line.
Method 6 of 6: Cutting Straight Lines in Wood Using a Circular Saw
Step 1. Create a tool for your saw
The process is quite simple, and you can use this tool any time you are cutting wood.
- Use a 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick piece of plywood as the base. Cut with a width of 25 cm and a length of 10 cm. (If the project you're working on is larger, you can build a longer base to make it more stable.)
- Cut a piece of plywood with a thickness of 18 mm for the 'fence' or retainer. This fence should be a few inches wider than the width of your chainsaw and should be as long as the baseboard you made in the previous step.
- Align the base with the railing or retainer at the end of one of the long sides. Use wood glue or screws to hold the base and fence together.
- Clamp the tool to the edge of the workbench. If you don't have one, you can hold the large plywood on the two easels and hold the tool up by the edges.
- Line up your saw with the fence of the tool and cut it parallel to the base. This will smooth out excess wood and make sure the tools match the saw you are using.
Step 2. Use a pencil and mark parallel to the ruler on the wood
Mark the wood to be cut on the back: this is to avoid breaking at the front of the wood.
Step 3. Place the wood and tools on the easel or workbench
Align the tool with the lines that have been made. Hold the tool on the wood.
Lay a good piece of wood down. The saw cuts clockwise, so the part that often breaks during the cutting process is the part that is facing the blade
Step 4. Align the saw with the tool fence section
Move the saw away from you firmly and slowly along the tool. You will get a straight piece of wood!
Tips
- Do not rush! The only thing you need to cut is the required material. Moving the blade carefully and precisely will allow you to cut the material well without injuring yourself.
- Use a metal ruler for better results. A plastic ruler can be used, but the blade can scratch the side of the ruler.
- Make sure the ruler does not shift during the cutting process, or the resulting line will not be straight.
