X-ACTO knives are very commonly used by crafters, and are easily found in most craft stores and many superstores. If you don’t have one or don’t want to buy one, a box cutter will also work (as long as it’s sharp). If you use a box cutter, straight razor blade, or other extremely sharp object, use extreme caution! Craft knives such as X-ACTO knives have safety handles that can help keep you from cutting yourself. Never allow children to use sharp knives without adult supervision.
If you’re working on patterned paper, such as scrapbooking paper, make sure that the line you’ve created is aligned with the pattern. If your line is straight but askew from the pattern, the final product will look crooked. Adjust the paper as necessary. If you have sticky tack, place a small bit on either end of the ruler and press it onto the cutting mat (or work surface). This will anchor the ruler in place so it doesn’t move as you cut.
Don’t apply too much pressure with the knife as you cut. This could break the blade or create drag on the paper, making it tear instead of cut neatly. You can also cut from side to side, rather than pulling the blade toward you. If you do this, move the blade in the direction of your dominant hand (towards the right if you are right-handed, towards the left if you are left-handed). This will allow you to see what you’re doing.
If you have craft or kitchen shears, they may separate at a center pivot point. If you can separate your blades, this may be easier and safer.
Don’t press too hard with the blade or you could cause too much friction on the paper. This could end up tearing it instead of cutting it neatly.
If you don’t mind rougher edges, you can also tear the paper along the crease. This will give the edges of the paper a “fuzzy” look rather than the sharp line of scissors.
If you’re using a fabric like linen or cotton, using spray starch will give your fabric a bit more body and make it easier to cut. [2] X Research source
If you’re using a fabric like linen or cotton, using spray starch will give your fabric a bit more body and make it easier to cut. [3] X Research source
If you’re cutting fabric that has a definite pattern or direction, make sure your ruler is aligned with the pattern. Depending on the fabric, this may mean you need to slant your line rather than cut a perfectly vertical line that skews the pattern. You must use a metal ruler for this step! Plastic rulers will melt once you apply heat.
Use a sheet of 1/4" plywood as your base. Cut a piece about 10" wide and about 4’ long. (If your project is much larger, make the base longer to provide more stability. ) Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to form a “fence. " The fence should be a few inches wider than the width of your saw’s motor and should be as long as your base. Align the base and the fence at the ends and one long edge. Use wood glue and screws to glue the base and the fence together. Clamp the jig to the edge of a work table. If you don’t have one, you can secure a large sheet of plywood to two sawhorses and clamp the jig to the edge of that. Align your circular saw with the fence and cut along the base. This will trim any excess and make sure the jig fits your particular saw perfectly.
Place the “good side” of the wood face-down. Circular saws cut clockwise, which means that most of the splintering happens on the side of the wood facing the blade. [5] X Research source
