All About Accuracy: Part One- Fabric Cutting

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

1. Use Sharp Tools: Ensure your scissors, rotary cutter, and blades are sharp. Dull tools can lead to jagged edges and imprecise cuts.

2. 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.)

3. Use High-Quality Cutting Mat: A good cutting mat provides a smooth and stable surface for cutting and protects your work surface from damage.

4. Measure Twice, Cut Once: Double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes and waste.

5. Straighten Fabric Edges: Begin by aligning the fabric selvage and straightening the edges to ensure a square starting point.

6. Use ‘Grippy’ Rulers and Templates: Invest in clear, non-slip rulers and templates for accurate measurements and precise cutting.

7. 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.)

8. Consider Grainline: Pay attention to the grainline of your fabric and align your pattern pieces accordingly for better drape and stability.

9. 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.

10. Pin or Use Clips: Secure fabric layers in place with pins or clips to prevent shifting during cutting, ensuring accuracy.

11. Take Breaks: Cutting fabric requires focus and attention to detail. Take breaks to avoid fatigue, which can lead to errors.

12. Keep Workspace Clean: A clutter-free workspace minimizes distractions and allows for smoother, more accurate cutting.

13. Check Blade Alignment: Before cutting, ensure your rotary cutter blade is properly aligned with the ruler edge to maintain straight cuts.

14. Use Templates for Repetitive Cuts: Utilize templates or mark rulers with colorful tape for frequently used shapes to ensure consistency and save time.

15. 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