Anyone else have trouble cutting paper straight?!?

Question

Another of my inane, but sincere questions. :)

I find it NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to cut any type of paper straight. Whether it's a photo from a group of photos, a piece of paper for a craft, or a sheet of wrapping paper -- I rarely ever cut straight! I've had this problem since I was a kid. I'm 34 now, and with all the cutting "practice" I've had as part of daily life, you'd think I'd no longer have this problem. Wrong! :(

The only explanation I can think of is that my left eye is slighter higher than my right eye. I noticed this years ago in photos taken of me. No one seems able to see this by looking at me, but in photos it becomes obvious. You can laugh if you want (I know this all sounds odd *grin*), but I wondered if the eye thing could be the reason?

If not, why else do you think I have such a horrid problem cutting anything straight? My mom certainly doesn't have this problem! (And no, there's nothing physically wrong with my hand or arm).

Thanks for your help! :)

Lots of good answers! :) Some were amusing, some practical, and some mixtures of both. My 4 faves (for what it's worth) were Wolfareeen, Madame M, Trivimp and Coolchic277. BUT I'm only able to pick one of you as the "Best Answer". Sorry! I do appreciate you all, however. :)

Answer 1

(-: I'm not very good at it either -- but doesn't it add a charming, homemade look to all your crafts?

Hah, I didn't think so! When it's important to cut a straight line, get a metal ruler, a cutting mat and a cutting knife (like an exacto). Measure from a straight edge, and measure TWICE to make sure you are accurate. Then measure twice from a different spot on the straight edge, and do this a third time. Draw a line (with the ruler) to connect the three dots. Keep the ruler firmly in place, then cut with the exacto knife.

Good luck! It's a hassle, but sometimes it's worth it.

When it's not worth it, a pair of pinking shears (with the zig zag edges) will hide a slightly crazy line.

Answer 2

I don't think it's your eyes, it's just a matter of coordination & practice. You might want to invest in a paper cutter -- the guillotine-style ones can be pricey, but I got a rolling-blade cutter at an office-depot type store for about $25. Makes things much neater.

For wrapping paper, fold the ragged cut edge underneath (like a hem) before you start taping. Your gifts will look great.

Answer 3

HAHA yes all the way, i always thought i was such a perfectionist or something, because the paper always was off-straight. then i'd cut part of it to straighten it but it would make another part of it uneven and I end up cutting way more than I had planned on in the first place. I also can't draw straight lines, even with a ruler, because they will be straight, but diagonal, if you know what I mean.

Answer 4

Hello there Where you're going from long hair to the opposite extreme of really short hair, I would do it gradually. Getting it done in 2 or 3 cuts, as you said, would allow you to control what really happens and exactly how short you go and allow you to get used to the fact that your hair is getting drastically shorter. I choose this option because when I was younger I had gorgeous, long hair, and made the spontaneous decision to cut it off one day at the hairdressers. I cut it up to my shoulders. At first, I loved the weight of my hair being gone, but as the days went by, I really started to regret cutting my hair shorter. To this day, I'm still growing it out, and swear I will never cut it short again. This isn't to say don't cut your hair at all, but I think the smarter way to go about it would be to gradually cut it shorter, in 2 or 3 hair cuts. Best of luck!

Answer 5

It has nothing to do with the positioning of your eyes, if it did you would probably be bumping into everything and barely be able walk in a straight line even.

It helps to first visualize the path you want to cut. You should also "aim high", that is look further ahead to where the scissor is going to be.

Answer 6

I suppose depending on what thickness you are trying to cut but try folding it where you want the cut and then run your fingernail over the fold and then turn the fold the other way and run your nail over it again on that side and you should then VERRRY carefully tear it Along the fold or put it along the sharp edge of a draw or bench and tear it, works well for me.

Answer 7

I cannot cut paper straight either but i never really thought about it much. I just always thought it was because i wasnt a very artistic person. I don't think it's your eye...but i'm not a doctor so...

Answer 8

your mom probably have very long experience through "training".but if you want the quick solution be prepared to pay for it. buy the special purpose paper cutter. It's a little heavy but it pays dividends. My dad has one now and i'm using it. i'm only 15. but just be careful when you use the cutter.

Answer 9

Wow I thought I was the only one that couldn't cut straight! Get a scotch paper cutter, they cut nicer and straighter supposedly.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Visit: www.topline-creations.com\lisette
for tips on cutting your paper, it helped me, I bought a cutter that could hold any size project and cut a straight line from here to florida...lol Hope it helps.