ShapeCutter Hints and Tips

The templates have a right and wrong side for cutting. One side is beveled the other is not. When cutting make sure that the beveled side is facing your paper. An easy way to make sure your template is correct is to look at the Fiskars logo. If your template is correct you will be able to "Feel" the logo and read it. If you have it upside down the logo will be backwards and smooth.

Hold the template firmly with one hand and the Shape Cutter in the other. (Tip; be sure the plastic tip (not the blade) is against the template design. Some people have a tendency to rest the plastic tip on top of the template, as a result the blade never touches the paper) Start with something simple, an oval or a circle. When you mastered those move on to Diamonds and squares. (tip; Always start on a straight edge, never in a corner) After some practice you will feel confident to move onto more difficult shapes such as flowers and letters. (tip; If the blade is pointed towards the template you will leave a small cut in the frame of the design. If the blade is pointed towards the design you will leave a small cut in the design. In order to avoid this try to make your blade parallel with the edge of the template. There are times when you will point your blade one way or the other on purpose. For example, when you are cutting letters such as R, you will cut out the small inside circle first. You want a smooth cut to the outside frame so point your blade to the inside before you start. When cutting the outside point your blade toward the template. In this way you make sure the letter has clean edges all around.)

When you do larger designs or borders you will notice that the Shape Cutter has a tendency to tip toward the side where there is not template. This is easily corrected by exerting a little extra pressure with your thumb to keep the Shape Cutter level with the template. (Tip; when cutting a border you can place another template along side of the template you are using to keep the Shape Cutter even.)

ShapeCutter and Fiskars are the property of Fiskars Brands Inc. Logo used with permission.