Quilting 101, Lesson 4- Cutting Fabric
Hello again, fellow quilter! So you've got your tools and your stack of beautiful fabric and you’re ready to create your first quilt. Or maybe you’ve made a few quilts but are looking for some tips to speed up the cutitng process- either way, you're in the right place!
In this tutorial, we'll go through the process of cutting pieces for a quilt, including a recap on the tools you'll need, as well as some nifty tips for speeding up the process and ensuring accuracy. So grab your rotary cutter and let's dive in!
Recap on tools you'll need (if you would like some more details on tools, I have a whole post here):
Cutting mat: Protects your work surface and helps you make precise cuts without damaging your tools.
Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter is like magic for quilt cutting. It's sharp and makes cutting through multiple layers of fabric a breeze. However, if you prefer using fabric scissors, they'll work just fine too (but I highly recommend a rotary cutter)
Clear acrylic rulers: Rulers are essential for measuring and guiding your cuts. Opt for ones with clear markings, making it easier to align your fabric accurately.
Step-by-step cutting process:
Do I need to pre-wash my fabric?: This is personal preference- I never do and I did a poll once and most people don’t. It does slow down the process as you need to press your fabric after washing it and fabric can fray.
Read the pattern: Understand the quilt pattern and identify the pieces you need to cut. Some patterns may have specific instructions on fabric orientation, so pay attention.
Prepare your workspace: Clear your cutting area and place your cutting mat on a sturdy, flat surface.
When cutting with fat quarters: cut selvages and square the fabric: Trim off the selvages (the finished edges of the fabric) as they can cause distortion. Square up the fabric by aligning it with the mat's lines and making a straight cut on one side.
When cutting lengths of fabric: In most instances, the fabric is folded in half (selvage to selvage). Leave it folded when you are cutting.
Measure: Use your ruler to measure and mark the required shapes and sizes according to the pattern.
Cut with care: Hold your rotary cutter or at a comfortable angle and cut along the marked lines. If you're cutting multiple layers, use firm pressure to cut through all layers smoothly.
Organise the pieces: As you cut, keep the pieces organised based on size and shape. It will save you time later when you start piecing the quilt top together.
Width of Fabric (WOF) and sub-cutting
You may see a pattern referring to cutting WOF and/or subcutting.
If the pattern calls you to cut strips that are WOF, you would cut in the following way (assuming your fabric is folded, which is how most quilting fabric comes):
I recommend always cutting with your fabric folded- so the below photo is just to show you exactly what the Width of Fabric is:
If the instructions tell you to:
“cut strips that are X” x WOF then subcut into X sized pieces”
(eg cut a strip that is 5” x WOF. Subcut into (8) 5” x 5” squares), you would do the following:
Tips for speeding up cutting:
Stack and fold: Save time by stacking multiple layers of fabric and folding them neatly. This way, you can cut multiple pieces at once. Just ensure the edges are aligned before cutting. Start with cutting two or three fat quarters at a time and you can eventually work your way up to 6 (or more!)
Use templates: If your quilt pattern involves repetitive shapes, create cardboard or plastic templates. Tracing around templates on the fabric will speed up the process and maintain consistency.
Strip cutting: When possible, cut long strips of fabric instead of individual pieces. Later, you can subcut these strips to get the desired pieces. This method is super efficient!
Ensuring accuracy:
Measure twice, cut once: This age-old rule is a quilter's best friend. Double-check your measurements before making any cuts to prevent costly mistakes.
Align fabric properly: Make sure your fabric is smooth and flat on the cutting mat. Wrinkles or folds can lead to inaccuracies.
Secure the ruler: When using a rotary cutter, press down firmly on the ruler to keep it from slipping. Safety first – avoid cuts that you didn't plan for!
Go slow and steady: Rushing through the cutting process can result in uneven edges and inaccuracies. Take your time and cut deliberately.
Check for squared edges: Before cutting, ensure that the fabric edges are squared up. If necessary, use a rotary cutter and ruler to trim off any jagged edges.
There you have it! Armed with the right tools, a bit of patience, and these cutting tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a fantastic quilt. Remember, quilting is an art, so enjoy the process and embrace any imperfections – they add character! Happy quilting!