Originally Posted by
TexasAda
I cut a lot of homemade bias tape, which is simply regular fabric cut at a 45 degree angle, in precise widths such as 1 3/8". I use a 24" long clear plastic ruler and a rotary cutter. However, it's hard to keep the ruler firmly in place so that the cut strip doesn't end up with uneven widths. I have seen suction cup handles you can temporarily attach to rulers, i have seen sheets of some kind of anti-slippery stuff you can adhere to the underside of the ruler, and i have seen adhesive dots with the same idea. However, rather than spend money and time waiting for an online order, or spend even more time shopping in a brick and mortar store, I came up with what I consider an excellent solution.
You know that rubbery, lacy, open pattern stuff you buy in rolls to put on shelves or drawers to keep things from sliding around, such as picture frames or other knickknacks. It's quite cheap.
I had some Scotch poster mounting tape on hand. It's got adhesive on both sides and comes in a roll with backing paper on one side. I cut four 1" pieces of the tape and four matching size pieces of the rubbery anti-slide stuff, and attached them to the underside of my big plastic ruler.
What a joy it is to be able to hold the ruler with one hand and the rotary cutter with the other, and have the ruler stay in place almost as if it's nailed down.
Maybe I'm overly proud of my little idea but it's cheap, effective and brings me joy. Hope somebody else can benefit.