A Quilter’s Fabric Cutting Tips
by Terry Crawford
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| Quilting is becoming more popular as trends keep pace with home improvement, home decor, and crafting. Add to this the idea that people are beginning to embrace traditional activities from years gone by. It is true: What is old is suddenly becoming new again. Many of us have been quilters for quite some time; even when quilting might not have been seen to be an acceptably “cool” activity. Some people quilt as a means of relieving stress, as a form of relaxation, for utilitarian purposes, for extra income, or as a hobby. No matter why you quilt, there is nothing more frustrating than beginning to sew your quilt top together, only to find that the pieces do not fit! There are two (2) key reasons why your quilt top pieces may not fit together correctly: 1) Inaccurate sewing (which is an entirely different article!), and 2) Inaccurate cutting. This article covers the latter and should provide you with a few fabric cutting tips to make the cutting process easier and more enjoyable. Start with a clean, even edge. Once the fabric is aligned, it is time to cut the edge. This can be accomplished by first laying the fabric on a flat surface, with the fold closest to you and the aligned selvages away from you. Snip the fabric close either edge on the fold. If you are right-handed, snip the left edge, and vice-versa. Once you snip it, then tear the fabric from the fold to the selvages. Tearing it assures that it will clean up on the straight of grain. Once done, realign the selvages, place the folded side of the fabric closest to you, and smooth it out (press it before placing it on the flat surface, if it needs it). Using an acrylic ruler, align a straight, marked line with the fold, leaving approximately 1 inch of fabric past the side of the ruler, then cut. Use this edge to cut the rest of the fabric. Check the alignment of the ruler with the edge of the fabric every few cuts to make sure that it remains clean and even. Hopefully, these tips aid you in cutting more accurately. The old saying, “Measure twice; cut once.” is really the prudent thing to do. It takes but a second to carefully glance at the ruler and the fabric before making the cut. |
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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.
quilting, quilts, quilting fabric, fabric, fabric cutting, rotary cutter
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April 24th, 2007 at 4:03 am
Terry, I have been reading all your articles with great interest. I have learned a lot and enjoy your great writing and explanations. I haven’t been able to reply until now because of major computer problems. Keep up the good work.
April 24th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Another great article Terry. I have one suggestion. I put blue painter’s tape on the back side of the ruler instead of the top. Depending on how wide the fabric is that I’m cutting, I sometimes use 3 or 4 small pieces. By putting it on the back side you can feel it slide right up to the fabric creating sort of a stop guide (kind of like the 1/4″ guide on my sewing machine). I prefer the painter’s tape for two reasons: 1) it’s just easier for me to see and 2) it’s not as sticky as masking tape so it’s easier to pull off.
April 24th, 2007 at 8:13 am
One of the problems I have with cutting strips such as 2.5 inch “noodles” is that there is often a little zig on the second fold–not the fabric is folded wonky but when the noodle is unfolded, it isn’t as straight as I thought. Any solutions?
April 24th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Awesome article, Terry! These are all great tips. I had never before seen the tip about tearing the fabric to align the cut with the grain, I will have to try that out.
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My one piece of advice is to make sure your acrylic ruler is free of nicks. Those rotary cutter blades are very sharp and can actually nick or shave off bits of the ruler if you aren’t careful. When this happens, you don’t have a nice straight edge any more and your cuts won’t be straight either.
April 24th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Wilma, I appreciate your comment and am glad that you finally have the capabilities of getting here and commenting!
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Kathy, excellent idea! Thanks for the tip!
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pollyanna, the best solution I have to offer is two-fold: 1) Make absolutely sure when you fold multiple layers that there are NO wrinkles or folds tucked in. Smooth it out as best as you possibly can. 2) If 1) doesn’t work, then I recommend not using multiple layers. Personally, if that happens to me, I unfold it and begin cutting with a single fold. Hope this helps!
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Val, great advice on the ruler! I know I’ve nicked my rulers a time or two!
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I really appreciate everyone’s comments. You’ve provided some great tips!