I love being able to produce quilt blocks that are accurate and quilts that are easy to put together because all of the puzzle pieces fit! On the WRONG side of the fabric, I will draw my line down the center diagonally, which will be my cutting line. I’m hoping this post will help you build your rotary cutting skills, and cut madly accurate strips and squares! If you aren’t used to quilting on your domestic machine, be sure to start off with a small project. Hey guys! Measure the quilt from top to bottom through its vertical midpoint. I cut with the line on my ruler on top of the left edge of the fabric. Here is a compilation of the top 10 best fabric cutting machines for quilting reviews: 10. (Although if you have to use a seam ripper, this one is my favorite)! The different types you will learn is the bugle stitch that uses bugle beads, the stack stitch using multiple fancy beads, a…. Use these tips to add texture and element to your quilts. Recognize that you may be trimming into the seam allowance, thus cutting off points of angled pieces or visually altering the finished look of a block relative to the other blocks in the quilt. Read More. Borders made with crosswise grain strips are somewhat more stretchy than … I am rather persnickety when it comes to piecing so my response is biased a bit. Make sure the surface is large enough to hold the full size of the cutting … I hope you enjoyed last week’s video where we learned all about fabric. 5. We show you how. Welcome! Heather explains that it is more important to use what is comfortable for you and what gives you consistent results. Are they really? Now that you have a perfectly straight edge with a perfect 90 degree angle, we are going to cut a 4 1/2 inch strip of fabric. She then cuts a strip measured at two inches based on the mat gridlines and one cut at the same width based on the ruler gridlines to compare the two. In the survey answers, the question of how to achieve and maintain accuracy in these areas was asked many times. 1. […] my recent post on 10 Quilt Piecing Tips & Tricks to Improve Piecing Accuracy. Step 6 Unfold your strip of fabric. More Quilting Tips: Tips & Tricks for Picking Fabric for A Quilt. A quilting cutting mat is one of the most important of quilting supplies you will ever buy, as it can or break it when it comes to the accuracy of your cuts. Rotary cutting is a fantastic way to make your quilting quicker, more accurate, and more enjoyable. But for making just a few or making several out of a variety of fabrics sizing and trimming is the way to go. And I also love a new product that helps keep your seam allowance in check. Who says women don’t want appliances for Christmas? Have never thought of Quilt Piecing Accuracy and you have helped me a lot. Learn the many types of thread available as well as the many brands and weights of thread. Heather Thomas show you how to achieve this whether you measure your fabric using ruler gridlines or cutting mat gridlines. See many examples of quilts that contain accent beading and find out the appropriate time to add beads to your quilt. Silhouette CAMEO Wireless Fabric Cutting Machine . Compact cutting with incredible precision. Introducing the Halloween Haberdashery Quilt Pattern . Silhouette CAMEO Wireless Fabric Cutting Machine . Learn how to add different styles of beading to your quilts as well as how to hide your beading knots…, Heather Thomas teaches you all about thread while providing helpful tips and techniques for working with thread. The best fabric cutting machines for quilting should be easy to use, compatible with various software and must work with speed. She recommends using fabric with motifs that are easy to cut out to make a block, but also shows you how to use stripes, a bias cut strip, a border stripe and templates you may have made. I use several quilting techniques to get accurate piecing results. Using proper pressing techniques is another step that really makes a difference in quilting. Heather demonstrates the proper hand position to use when holding a quilting ruler, which is with a cupped hand rather than a flat hand. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Acrylic Quilting Ruler Accurate Patchwork Template Cutting Ruler DIY Talior Tool at the best online prices at eBay! You can expect new quilting cottons to shrink by up to 5% so many modern quilters like … I’ve used a lot of irons over the years, and I’ve finally found one that I absolutely love (link below). I made it early in my quilting journey and hang it on the wall where I walk by it all the time. The machines should also be portable and safe to use. May you enjoy the journey! This way, your block is eased into the accurate sashing strip. I take your test a square one step further and make a test square out of coordinating scraps, at the end of the year, I have a sampler quilt to donate. I’m back with another fun video in my Quilting 101 series. Using this proper cutting technique is not only a good way to achieve consistently accurate cuts it is also a safer way to use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter. If I’m making a lot of half-square triangles from one fabric I’ll use Triangle Paper which doesn’t require sizing up. Often this can help you catch mistakes early on which will lead to using your seam ripper less frequently. Understand, the point to any quilting ruler is achieving an accurate cut. This economical four-pack of rulers comes with a 2.5″, 4.5″, 6.5″, and 9.5″ square and will handle most of your square-cutting. Find out all you need to know about thread and…, Heather Thomas teaches you how to hand bead so you can add even more extravagance to your quilt. Lately I’ve been lax about measuring my units before assembling my blocks. You can, 9 Essential Pressing Techniques for Quilters here, my favorite iron–a real game changer–here, Find my post on Accurate Measuring and Cutting here, my favorite way to make Flying Geese units here, Moda Block Heads 3 Block 1 | Sew Along | A Quilting Life. This workshop will provide you with tips and techniques for more accurate patchwork and in the end, you’ll have over 50 quilt patterns to experiment with! Accurate rotary cutting is essential for successful quilts and quilt blocks. Work on a hard flat solid surface using a cutting mat made for a rotary cutter. Cutting Tips. Read on for more tips on organizing your own collection! The more we cut, the more we sew. You may also find that your fabric is longer than your cutting mat. You need to be very accurate when measuring and cutting your quilt pieces, or your blocks and quilt top will be all wonky and not squared up. Find the answer in the words Quilt Blocks. Jun 23rd 2015. Use the lines on your ruler to measure—let’s say you’re cutting 2-1/2″ strips. I hope you find a few good tips in the following list so you can experience that, too. Quilt Block Construction Tips. Includes buying fabric yardage, tools, and basics you need to know. Practice makes perfect, so use those fabric and batting scraps to make some practice quilt “sandwiches”. Share; Pin ; Email; More Projects You'll Love! Both come out at the same width, which shows that it is not necessarily important to use one set of gridlines over another. There’s no way to avoid that and they last a long time so it’s worth putting up with! Quilting it yourself can same some serious money, but pick these projects wisely. This stability is really useful for accurate cutting, so I prefer to leave the sizing in. Read More. Practice makes perfect, so use those fabric and batting scraps to make some practice quilt “sandwiches”. click here Decorate for Easter with classic pastels, eggs, & more! Printing a Rotary Cutting Chart for a block is done from the Design Quilt tab.. A quality cutting machine guaranteed to give amazing results. In the Jelly Rolls lesson, the Ripple Effect quilt pattern is one of 50 patterns included in the workshop. This economical four-pack of rulers comes with a 2.5″, 4.5″, 6.5″, and 9.5″ square and will handle most of your square-cutting. Look for tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. You can also print a rotary cutting chart by clicking the Print tool on the top toolbar, then choose Rotary Cutting from the menu. Here are five tips to help you cut successfully right away! Cut two border strips that match the measurement exactly, using the width you've already determined looks best with the quilt. Once you get in good quilt fabric cutting habits, you’ll increase the level of pleasure you’ll get from the quilt making process. Individual patchwork shapes can be sub-cut from strips as needed. I notice you use a lot of white fabric for your background piecing. Determining which way to press seams is so important, and the fact that you include that in your patterns is awesome! The machines should also be portable and safe to use. Rotary Cutt… This was a good article. Learn More. This topic is about rotary cutting fabric accurately so that your quilt pieces are all the same size and they come together easily and perfectly. Having the right tools makes any quilting job easier. Enter in your email and password to create a FREE account, Hand Beading on Fabric with Bugle Beads and Single Stitch, Stunning Quilt Background Fillers and Stitches. Back to Sewing & Quilting Supplies. Made of polycarbonate, unbreakable, unchippable & … Halloween Haberdashery Quilt Along: Cutting TIps. The fabric stays put, rotary cutter blades remain sharper longer, and the mat lasts a long time. OMG, that iron is going on my Christmas list for 2020! Using your rotary cutter, cut the fabric running along the side of the ruler to create a perfect straight edge. Instead of measuring your fabric from the guides on the cutting mat and sliding your ruler along making your cuts, use your ruler to determine where to cut as in the example in Figure 1. Mats: In working with different mats, I have found that the finish texture is very important. Cut multiple layers; Maximize fabric; Eliminate body strain This cutting machine allows you to be able to cut precise shapes without concerns of slipping or having to worry about fabric waste. I also have a post on Keeping Up with Block of the […]. Cutting remains more accurate with only one cutter blade. Having the right tools makes any quilting job easier. Our state-of-the-art machines are accurate, effortless, and 90% faster! Individual patchwork shapes can be sub-cut from strips as needed. I would add one additional tip, accurate cutting. A quality cutting machine guaranteed to give amazing results. Making a test block is another great way to ensure accuracy in your finished blocks. No, not always, but my quilt blocks are pretty darn close! Line up the 2-1/2″ mark on your ruler exactly on the edge of your fabric, using the grid on your cutting mat to make sure everything is straight and even. One of my favorite quilts has tons of mistakes. Carefully reading the pattern instructions from beginning to end before starting to cut or sew can prevent a lot of problems. This stability is really useful for accurate cutting, so I prefer to leave the sizing in. If you’re overly concerned about block accuracy it can spoil all of the fun. I'm Sherri, and I love all things fabric, quilts, and sewing. (Sally is a real pro at accurate piecing and has written several books on the subject.) There are 2 Videos. Learn More. And of course, accurate cuts are crucial to make your project exactly how you want it to be. Ask me how I know this:) When I was doing a lot of sewing for other quilters and designers I got in the very good habit of reading all of their pattern instructions before beginning so I wouldn’t waste one bit of fabric. 1. Don't you hate it when your strips have "elbows"? Heather shows a variety of different rulers and mats and explains how no matter which one you choose the most important thing to ensure is that you are cutting straight lines. With so many different brands, types and styles of quilting rulers and mats available on the market today it can be difficult to know what is the most accurate to use. The more we cut and sew, the more scraps we have. I have two posts on this topic, a video, and a favorite iron I can’t say enough about! Restitch blocks, making sure to use accurate 1⁄4" seam allowances. Another reason to pre-wash is because new fabric shrinks slightly when it’s washed for the first time. No more eyeballing! You are able to cut multiple layers at a rate that is 90% faster than traditional cutting devices, while also getting a consistent, accurate, and stable cut every time. Then I draw a line 1/4″ from the center line- these will be my sewing lines. The more we cut and sew, the more scraps we have. I especially like to press pre-cuts before cutting to remove wrinkles. You can have a perfect 1/4″ seam, but if your pieces are a thread or two too small, your block will be small as well. Thanks for the tips and reminders. Scissors and rotary cutters are so passé. Remember to cut on different areas of the mat so you’re not always cutting on just one line. Then, use the Super Easy Seam Guide Setter to sew consistently accurate scant 1/4" seams. Get Motivated and Finish Your Quilt Projects. I think the first rule my grandmother shared when teaching me to quilt was: “Measure twice; cut once.” It sure has been a good adage for me to remember, and I can’t tell you how many times my mistake was the result of not following this advice. Cutting Fabric into pieces to create quilt blocks requires accurate cutting. 1. Hello! Hello Quilting Friends! I’m really bad at reading the pattern all the way through before I start!! Includes buying fabric yardage, tools, and basics you need to know. Thank you Rhonda. You can expect new quilting cottons to shrink by up to 5% so many modern quilters like … I almost always size up and trim down three different types of block units: half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, and now flying geese. Thank you for these great tips. Most quilt patterns require this seam allowance (unless specified otherwise). Decipher Your Quilt - Accurate Cutting and Seam Allowances We are going to start the Decipher Your Quilt series today by discussing Accurate Cutting and Seam Allowances. Olfa is the brand that I recommend over any other. Find out about “Echo” quilting and how to tackle new filler stitches. How to Cut Fabric with a Rotary Cutter for Quilt Making [Very Details Fabric Cutting Techniques] Focused on Accurate Cut Quilt Pieces 2. So here are some tips to help you when working with your rotary cutter. Heather Thomas teaches you how to effectively add excitement to your quilts through beading. Scissors and rotary cutters are so passé. When it comes to cutting fabric for quilting, one of the most important things to have is consistently straight lines. Once upon a time, we cut out the pieces of our quilts with cardboard templates and scissors. Quilt blocks are square and owning square rulers means perfectly square squares. Peg Spradlin introduces several unique techniques for adding background fillers and stitches to your quilts. Plus, you should cut while you stand for the best accuracy in cutting your quilt pieces. No more slipping! Want to be a better strip cutter? Most quilters find it easier to cut straight strips this way. And of course, accurate cuts are crucial to make your project exactly how you want it to be. 45+ Beginner Quilt Patterns and Tutorials. Measure the quilt from top to bottom through its vertical midpoint. Find out more about it here: Aiming for Accuracy Booklet. Look for tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. I feel like I also learned a lot by doing this that in turn made me a better quilter. Win, win, win! There are lots of helpful suggestions here. Borders made with crosswise grain strips are somewhat more stretchy than … Now that we have a strip of 4 1/2 inch fabric, we need to square the ends. One drawback is that a brand new one has a funny smell when you pull it out of the package. It is very simple to learn and she teaches you using only five basic stitches. There are 2 Videos. Measure block components as you sew, and match sizes with the stated size in the pattern. Open seams also result in a much flatter quilt and an easier quilting process. Quilt fabric cutting should stay a creative and straightforward part of the process of making a quilt. Mistake-proof and slip-proof 12" and 24" acrylic quilt rulers you already have with the Quilt Ruler Upgrade Kit by Guidelines4Quilting. Rotary cutting long strips of fabric is the starting point for most rotary cutting tasks used in today's quilt patterns, especially strip-pieced quilting projects. Find an APQS retailer in your area or learn more about our longarm quilting machines today or join us at our next Road Show or at the next Quilt Show. The best fabric cutting machines for quilting should be easy to use, compatible with various software and must work with speed. When cutting fabric using our rulers and mats, we often are taught to lay out our fabric and make our cuts by using the guides on the mat along with the measurements provided. How to Cut Quilt Pieces Accurately. However, there’s a plethora of cutting mats on Perfect for quilters of all levels making cutting fabric with a rotary cutter stable, easy, and accurate. Connectable with Guidelines Ruler Connector. Don’t overthink this. Learn how quick and easy it is to make quilts using pre-cut strips and squares. The trick is using your ruler and cutting mat the right way. See examples of fun fillers as well as learn many of the terms for specific stitching fillers. My exact setup includes this kitchen island from IKEA with a 25” x 40” piece of plywood on top (a guy at Home Depot cut it for me) and this cutting mat perfectly placed on top of that. If you want to change the size of a quilt, avoid adjusting the border only. She recommends using fabric with motifs that are easy to cut out to make a block, but also shows you how to use stripes, a bias cut strip, a border stripe and templates you may have made. First of all, you want to make sure you are sewing with an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance. Most mats have increments of measurement up to 1/8 of an inch. Another I’m doing is that I’m always measuring my blocks at the end and see if they are indeed the correct size.