I'm a beginner and I've been wondering how most people make or cut squares, especially when larger pieces of paper are used for more complex models. I feel my ability is a bit limited by the inaccuracy of the papers I've been using.
None of my end results have an exact 90-degree corner, although I've got no cutting board and I've heard professionals say it's good to accurately cut. I've been on a serious search of different ideas and techniques, for example, I have seen Sara Adams video, all to no avail.
It's really frustrating to know that everything I do seems to be off the grid. Please if you have any idea you could share, don't hesitate to drop your comments.
I feel your pains.
I normally use a steel ruler of about 50 cm long and an Exacto knife. I have no cutting mat but I'll consider getting one though.
Who's got any idea of how to create an exact 90 degree without using a cutting mat?
If you do not possess a cutting mat, use a glass since you'll still need to cut against something. Get a big cheap glass to do your cutting nicely. I have a desk with a glass top on which I make my cutting.
As regards the 90 degree angle, start by creating a square template from something strong but thin and use it as an overlay against your paper to mark out accurate corners before cutting.
I personally use different method from one I have read on the thread so far using a very sharp but small Global paring knife.
1. Fold a straight edge on a piece of paper; make sure it is along a crooked or non-straight edge. Let it be about an inch wide and label it "Side A"
2. Slide your cutting blade into the folded edge and move it along the folded edge away from yourself to avoid being cut. Endeavor to place your hand firmly on the paper or you can use a paperweight. I guess the best way is to have the folded edge on the vertical with the cutting blade positioned away from where you stand.
3. Create a 90 degree by folding the piece horizontally from the straight edge on the vertical and ensure that the straight edge obtained is perfectly lined up to itself. Use a minimum of an inch to allow you get a decent cut and label this side "B"
4. You can now turn your paper 90 degree with your original horizontal edge i.e. side B becoming your vertical edge. Carry out step 2
5. To create side C repeat step 3.
6. Follow step 4 again, but on side C. with this you'll have 3 straight and sharp edges at 90 degree to each other.
7. For the last edge, on the 3 completed edges do a diagonal fold in order to get a square. This last fold will create where the last edge should be i.e. side D
Follow the same step as you have fold and cut the other sides to get a perfect square.
I've tried Winfreyjish's method many times as explained, and I discovered it's the way, although I have attempted to create a square with it but am always inaccurate and I always ended up getting an impact square.
Anyone with another idea?
I think I am on the same page with Winfreyjish, I often get my mom to do the cutting for me with a ruler and a mat. This is because I can't get a straight cut using a ruler and I trust my mom with it. She is a kindergarten teacher she cut a lot of stuff pretty well.
Winfreyjish, thanks to you for the tips. I'll try it out and get back to you if I encounter any trouble getting it done.
Please let more suggestion roll in. Thanks
I use a paper cutter like those used in schools. Alternatively, I have had almost as good results using a carpenter's square. If you have a rectangle with true 90 degree corners, you can fold one side over to align its edge with the edge of an adjacent side, bisecting the angle between them. Cut off the single thickness of paper that protrudes from the double-thick triangle made by the fold and the remaining triangle will unfold into a perfect square.
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