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WORKSPACE AND COMFORT

Here are a few lines to print and then practice on with the cutter and scalpel. This exercise will help you master the technique of paper cutting, understand the differences between the two types of knives, and find the most comfortable position.

Directions

Make two photocopies of the exercises on the left or scan and print them twice on 160 g paper. This will allow you to practice with the cutter, and then with the scalpel. Use the cutting mat.

Hold the sheet in place with your other hand, ensuring that hand is not in the way of the knife.

Start with the cutter to cut the straight lines: place the metal ruler along the line to be cut. Hold the ruler down firmly. This will help keep both the paper and the ruler in place. Slide the cutter along the edge of the ruler to cut the paper.

Cut out the other shapes. Use the metal ruler and cutter on the straight segments and large curves. Use the scalpel on the small curves.

Try varying the amount of pressure you put on the blade when cutting the paper. This will help you determine your preferences.

More tips

When starting out, it’s normal to tense up. You may feel as though you have to press down hard to cut the paper. Blades have been known to bend or even break under the pressure of your hand! It’s better to go over the paper with the knife several times than to press too hard. Over time, you will learn how to conserve your energy and become more efficient.

Take a break regularly, every hour, to rest your wrist or whenever you feel tension building up. It’s important to remember to keep your wrist supple and relaxed so you will be more comfortable as you are cutting.

A common mistake

When you start out, a common mistake is to interrupt the cut too soon, or else cut too far. For best results, it’s better to interrupt the cut and then add another cut to finish it.