Cutting help needed...

[Lorena M.]

I have 9 yards of background fabric for a quilt I want to make. I need to cut 2-1/2 inch strips for the majority of the patches I will need to cut. I usually get v-s in my cuts unless I am very careful to keep the fabric square. I have never worked with this amount of fabric before.

Should I cut off hunks to cut my strips? I though I would cut about 1 to 1-1/2 yard cuts then cut my strips from that.

Can I just cut off as I go from the 9 yards?

What would be the best way to proceed?

[Margo C.]

Anna, you WILL get the "V"s if you aren't really careful. In fact, it's easy to get the "V"s if you are cutting just 42" width of fabric. I can't imagine trying to cut a 9 yard strip and having it come out straight unless you cut a single layer at a time. :shock:

I would do the math to determine what size hunks to work with to avoid waste.

[Margo C.]

I would definitely cut in sections. Figure out how big to make manageable sections. example, 14 strips at 2 1/2" equals 35". So I would cut just a little bigger, then square and make your strip cuts from there. You could also rip at 36 or 37 and it should give you a straight across grain line to work with. Hope this makes sense. Another thing to consider is if your background is going to be used for the borders. That is usually best cut along the grain since the stretch is less than width of fabric. But thats a personal preference if the border isn't longer than 40 inches. I would choose the longest border, then cut/or rip at a longer measurement, square and cut the borders. Anything you don't use for the border could be cut into the strips needed. Hope you understand what I just tried to explain.

[Margo C.]

Before you cut anything, make sure and read through all of the directions. I have noticed that not all patterns tell you to cut larger pieces first! Make sure that you will have enough fabric for all the pieces needed, especially if you start cutting the nine yards into smaller-easier to handle-sections. Yes, it may require some math :wink: , but sometimes it is necessary as you do not want to run out of fabric. Then if possible, I would cut the fabric into smaller sections to get the 2.5-inch strips.

[Margo C.]

Before you cut anything, make sure and read through all of the directions. I have noticed that not all patterns tell you to cut larger pieces first! Make sure that you will have enough fabric for all the pieces needed, especially if you start cutting the nine yards into smaller-easier to handle-sections. Yes, it may require some math :wink: , but sometimes it is necessary as you do not want to run out of fabric. Then if possible, I would cut the fabric into smaller sections to get the 2.5-inch strips.

I would also add to this that if your are a visual person, use graph paper to plan out your cuts. A little preplanning, will save a lot of heart ache. example: use 1 sq.=1 ". Then you could figure out your manageable sections.

[Dawn S.]

I listened to a lecture by Mary Ellen Hopkins, and she said when cutting across the 42", don't! She said to keep it folded in half, and then fold it in half again, and she guarenteed you would not get a V! I have not been gutsy enough to try this, as my logic says I'm now going to get 3 Vs and waste fabric. But, she swore by this method. There must be something about folding it back upon itself that relaxes the fabric at the original fold, to help eliminate the V. I am still having a hard time visualizing this as the cure!!! Has anyone tried this method?

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Annis C.]

Yes, I double fold my fabrics quite often. I don't know if the results is much different than a single fold though. I just like cutting through 4 layers because it's faster. And I seldom get a V. But I am careful to keep the folds parallel and square up after a number of cuts as needed.

[Margo C.]

OK friends...This is how to avoid the dreaded "V" strips when you rotary cut a full width of fabric.

First of all, press your fabric well so that the selvages are parallel to each other and there is no fullness between the selvages and the middle fold on either side. Preferably, you fabric will be starched, but it's not absolutely necessary. It is necessary that it's flat and parallel.

Lay the fabric on your cutting mat with the folded edge away from you and line it up exactly with one of the horizontal lines of the mat.



Measure down about 11" from the fold and place a ruler horizontally across the fabric. If it doesn't reach to the other side, add another ruler so that the entire width of the fabric is absolutely straight across the horizontal line of the mat.



Carefully fold the selvage edges up towards the middle fold. You should be able to just barely see the horizontal line the entire length of this fold.



Carefully remove the rulers from inside the fold and start your vertical cuts from either the left or right side of the folded fabric. With every cut, check to see that the folds are still lined up with the lines on the mat. Ta-Da! No more "V"s!!

[Margo C.]

OOOOH, I like this Margo. Never thought to use the rulers.

[Annis C.]

Margo, using a ruler is a great idea, but I would probably not take the time to do that. I usually square up one end with the fabric folded in half first before doing the second fold and lining up the cut edges. As I cut the strips I make sure the lines on the ruler are straight on both folded edges. Removing the selvage edge first sometimes helps too.

[Margo C.]

I don't use the rulers either, Annis, but it makes it easy for beginners to see exactly what needs to line up and be parallel.

I've seen people (who should know better!) just fold it any old way and wonder why they don't come out with a straight strip! :roll:

[Betty J.]

Margo, You are a wonderful teacher. Great way to solve the problem.

[Julia L.]

Thank you to Margo,Annis and Cheryl,I feel like I got more than my money's worth just from reading the tips in this forum!

[Dawn S.]

I would also like to thank everyone! And, Margo thanks for the visuals! That is how I learn best.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana