Wow, you are braver than I every dreamed of being. Since the cutworm must encircle the stem I just used two Popsicle sticks - one on either side nice and close to the stem. I've also made cutworm "collars" out of tar paper/toilet paper tubes/paper towel tubes or whatever I had on hand.

Your idea seems far better than my methods. Thanks!

Some of that super sticky goop called maybe? tanglefoot, painted on the paper collars would trap them.