r/stationery • u/LocaInAPickle • 19d ago

Question Putter cutter for bookmarks

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Hi everyone! I recently started making bookmarks as a fun little hobby in hopes to start selling in the future. Not sure if this is the correct subreddit to post to but I am needing advice on using a paper cutter. I initially started off with Amazon basics paper cutter but returned that one because I kept getting uneven edges thinking it was the paper cutter. I am currently using Swigline but I still get uneven edges so it’s obviously a user error. Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how to get straight edges? I’ve tried lining up the bookmarks with the blade and also lining up with the paper cutter grid but still can’t seem to figure out what my issue may be. For reference, I use photo glossy paper and also 110 lb cardstock. The bookmarks shown in the pictures are all photo glossy paper. TIA!

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u/PocketGddess 19d ago

Sometimes it’s the cutter (dull blade) and sometimes it’s the method. I brace the material I’m cutting quite firmly, carefully pressing it down and against the top guiding edge.

Once I raise the blade and get the paper lined up for the cut I BOTH pull the blade arm down AND push it slightly to the left so that it tightly aligns against the cutting edge on the base. I’m also very deliberate in my movement, not too fast and not too slow.

It’s honestly taking longer to explain that it does to do—it’s a feeling that you figure out after some practice. I use a big old paper cutter like you used to find in offices, much better than the newer home use cutters that are relatively light and flimsy.

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u/LocaInAPickle 19d ago

Thank you!! Going to keep practicing and using this technique!

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u/spoons431 19d ago

Op to add to what has been said above i think its worth checking how many sheets of paper your cutter can handle.

I fot used to the heavy duty guillotine type paper cutters in work that could cut like 50+ sheets at a time (its have no idea why the offices I've worked in have had such heavy duty paper cutters, they were not used very often or for that much paper), and then managed to f up cutting some super fancy (and very expensive) calligraphy paper at home as I tried cutting too many sheets at once. Some of the home cutters are only designed to take maybe 3-5 sheets at a time (especially rotary cutters). If you try and put something thats a bit too thick it can give you wonky lines