How to Use a Paper Trimmer

Paper Trimmer That Fits in a Binder

A paper trimmer is a valuable tool for many types of crafting and scrapbooking projects. The trimmer can be used to cut down or crop a photograph. It can be used to cut paper strips for quilling, paper weaving and card crafting. Paper trimmers come in many sizes. A good trimmer will have a guide and ruler capabilities made in to it. Once you have mastered how to use a paper trimmer, you will use it for many projects.

Instructions

1. 

   Familiarize yourself with the paper trimmer. Notice that there is a section that lifts up from the main tool. This is the cutting bar. Check out the small, sharp blade. Some paper trimmers have a rotary, or round blade.

2. 

   Place a piece of scrap paper on to the trimmer. Notice that there is a guide on the side for you to set the side of the paper against. There will be grid marks on the trimmer for you to align the paper on to the length of the trimmer base.

3. 

   Lower the cutting bar on to the paper. Some cutting bars have to be locked in to place for the blade to work. The cutting bar keeps the paper from moving out of alignment.

4. 

   Place your fingers or hand on the cutting mechanism and push down.

5. 

   Slide the blade mechanism straight down the length of the paper, cutting as you go.

6. 

   Lift the cutting bar and release the trimmed piece of paper.

7. 

   Practice on scrap paper until the cuts are straight and you are comfortable using the paper trimmer tool.

Tips & Warnings

• A dull blade can rip your photograph or paper.

Resources

• Trimmers