So much to cut, so little time! I wanted to share a few tips on cutting out quilts today (or TOMORROW or THE NEXT DAY)!
1–PRECUT.
a) PRE-WASH. Get fabric ready. Much of the newest quilt fabric doesn’t have to be pre-washed because it shrinks and fades minimally. However, if it has intense color, is going to be paired with white or light fabric, or it’s slightly “hard” finish, I always pre-wash, using Shout Color Catcher sheets. Sometimes, when dealing with something like batiks or over-dyed fabrics, I wash it several times. I also pre-wash any piece that has been stored with lots of folds. (If you have kids or grand-kids, the used sheets are great to cut up for collages–I give mine to the kids’ room at at art gallery.)
b) PRESS. Good idea. I don’t always do this, but at least you should fold the fabric properly, lining up the edges, and smooth it out.
2--PREPARE TOOLS.
a) 6″x 24″ ruler . I realize there are still a few quilters who use scissors, but we’ll leave them in the 20th century and assume you use a rotary cutter and ruler. A serious quilter needs a 6″x 24″ ruler because it reaches all the way across the 22″ folded fabric. We generally cut strips ACROSS that width. Smaller rulers are convenient, less bulky, for the smaller pieces made from the strips but not strictly necessary.
b) ROTARY CUTTING MAT. Although you can make do with a smaller mat, you really need a 24″ mat. I’m sorry they’re so expensive, but they sometimes go on sale. Watch for coupons. (https://love-sew.com/collections/catalog has one on sale right NOW [Oct 26, 2024]. Sometimes JoAnn Fabrics has a coupon.)
c) STICKY NOTE PAD (optional). If you have multiple strips the same width, try “marking” the measurement with a couple OF STICKY NOTES on the measuring line, making it easier to see. (Also great for notes to yourself–use a pin or clip because they won’t stick to fabric.)
d) GOOD ROTARY BLADE! By “good,” I mean titanium. The steel ones don’t last as long–trust me! I’ve wasted money on them. The best I’ve found are from thefabrichut.com. I indulge in lots of them when they’re on sale. Also, if you cut a lot, you might invest in a sharpener. I have a handheld one that’s cranked, but there’s also an electric model available–a bit pricy, but maybe Santa could bring you one!
e) CHANGE BLADE??? NO, I do not change with EVERY project because some projects are small. However, you’ll know when the blade isn’t cutting as easily. I then mark it with a “magic marker” as “OLD” and set it aside to sharpen.
3–LINE IT UP. Generally, cut along a grain line unless you’re cutting bias. I always start by cutting off the far right edge to make sure it’s square (note that my edge is serged before pre-washing). Some people also like to cut off the selvedge–I don’t bother, but suit yourself. Remember to always measure with the RULER lines, not the mat.
4–DO NOT SLIP. I suggest holding little finger on the fabric and the others on the ruler to keep it from slipping. You can also buy little stick-on grips for the back of the ruler. STOP! KEEP HAND IN PLACE AFTER CUTTING, and pull off the strip here, or remaining fabric usually, with your other hand. If a few threads didn’t get cut, and it needs to be re-cut, you’ll already be in place. (If this happens too frequently, go to #2e above.)
5–MAKE THE CUT…straight down with pressure. Many quilters suggest standing, which is a good idea when cutting a lot. However, you can cut from a seated position IF you remember to hold the cutter so that the blade is straight up and down. ..AND apply pressure. A knife or blade doesn’t cut by itself! You must push it. Put your shoulder into it. (If it’s too hard to do, go to #2e! Also, there are some different styles of cutters you can experiment with that might be more comfortable.)
6–STAY ORGANIZED.
a) I heartily recommend Wonder Clips for holding different sizes or colors of strips and blocks. You can clip on a sticky note to mark the size. Wonder Clips are widely available, but check around because the prices vary hugely. I’ve gotten a good deal from thefabrichut.com, but I’ve also bought them as specials from other places. I use them all the time now. The larger size holds a bigger stack of fabric. (One cool point is that because they’re metal, they can stick on my magnetic pin cushion, magnetic cups or be picked up off the floor with my magnetic telescoping wand.)
b) Gather up the cut pieces in whatever way pleases you. You can consider bags, boxes, bins. This really depends on the size of the project, what you have on hand, and the room you have. I’ve used everything from large ziplock bags to shoeboxes to specially dedicated plastic bins. MadamSew.com even made some little zip bags, called binder pockets, with grommets to fit in a notebook for small items, but they are sold out at the moment. https://madamsew.com/collections/organization-storage You could probably find something similar in the notebook section of Walmart or office store, but I like that these are clear.
What’s next? You know the answer. Thread up the machine and sew!
Off to go sew, Libby