Dear Geraldine,
I would love to hear your advice on accurate cutting and accurate seams.
I know this sounds like Quilting 101 but sometimes a refresher course is good for the soul.
I love your comments and your quilting community! Keep up the awesome work!
-Brenda from the Blog Comments
Dear Brenda,
Thanks so much for your comment- Know that I am listening to you all!
That's a fantastic topic for new and experienced sewers alike. I've been sewing since the dinosaur ages, but I have been known to get in a hurry on a project and get sloppy on both my cutting and seams.
As I have 'sew much' to say on these topics, I've decided to break it into two parts:
Today, I'm going to give you 15 of my top tips on accurate cutting.
If you'd like to download this guide, I've made a PDF for reference:
Top 15 Tips for Accurate Fabric Cutting
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Use Sharp Tools: Ensure your scissors, rotary cutter, and blades are sharp. Dull tools can lead to jagged edges and imprecise cuts.
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If You Haven’t Yet, Invest in a Rotary Cutter: Rotary cutters provide clean, straight cuts. (Make sure to get one with a safety guard.)
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Use High-Quality Cutting Mat: A good cutting mat provides a smooth and stable surface for cutting and protects your work surface from damage.
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Measure Twice, Cut Once: Double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes and waste.
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Straighten Fabric Edges: Begin by aligning the fabric selvage and straightening the edges to ensure a square starting point.
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Use ‘Grippy’ Rulers and Templates: Invest in clear, non-slip rulers and templates for accurate measurements and precise cutting.
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Utilize Cutting Marks: Marking tools such as fabric markers or chalk help ensure confident cuts and accurate shapes. (Don’t be afraid to mark fabric before rotary cutting too.)
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Consider Grainline: Pay attention to the grainline of your fabric and align your pattern pieces accordingly for better drape and stability.
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Cut Single Layers Whenever Possible: For precision, cut fabric one layer at a time, especially when working with intricate patterns or delicate fabrics. It’s not always about speed. And if you make a mistake, it won’t be with several layers.
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Pin or Use Clips: Secure fabric layers in place with pins or clips to prevent shifting during cutting, ensuring accuracy.
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Take Breaks: Cutting fabric requires focus and attention to detail. Take breaks to avoid fatigue, which can lead to errors.
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Keep Workspace Clean: A clutter-free workspace minimizes distractions and allows for smoother, more accurate cutting.
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Check Blade Alignment: Before cutting, ensure your rotary cutter blade is properly aligned with the ruler edge to maintain straight cuts.
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Use Templates for Repetitive Cuts: Utilize templates or mark rulers with colorful tape for frequently used shapes to ensure consistency and save time.
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Test Cuts: Perform test cuts on scrap fabric to adjust cutting techniques and ensure desired results before cutting into your main fabric.
I hope this helps everyone with cutting accuracy on their future projects. Stay tuned for next week when we talk about the second half of Brenda's topic: Seam Accuracy!
As ALWAYS, readers, I welcome your additional advice in the comments.
Happy sewing!
Love,
Geraldine
11 comments
It is always good to review different instructions. I always find something new and today was no different. Thank you!
Excellent – thank you so much for your tips! Great refresher and yes, I am printing out your tips for future reference. Thank you so much!
I never thought of cutting marks or templates. Also so many teachers say cut 4 or more at a time. I like 1 at a time and take my time. Thank you
Geraldine, thank you for the tip sheet, which is very helpful. I teach beginning quilters, so may I reproduce the sheet for my students?
great information