Cutting background fabric

[Karen]

I'm wondering if you cut out the paper pattern for the revised pattern as drawn by Barbara. Then lay the cut out pattern on top of your fabric rectangle to get the correct cut. Hope I've asked this question clearly.

[Helen W.]

I'm wondering if you cut out the paper pattern for the revised pattern as drawn by Barbara. Then lay the cut out pattern on top of your fabric rectangle to get the correct cut. Hope I've asked this question clearly.

Box2wood. That would work. I like to tape the paper template directly to the fabric with scotch tape I make the tape long enough so it also tapes to the cutting mat. Then just use your rotary cutter and ruler and make my cuts. Nothing shitts . Once you cut the first set of fabric rectangles your paper is in 2 pieces. At that point just use the left template side on the fabric rectangles and align ruler with the diagonal line and make the cut.

Easy way Barbara Black said is cut the rectangle size use a marker to mark the top left start of diagonal line and mark the point of the line on the bottom edge. Line your ruler up with those lines and make cut.
Helen W

[Nancy R.]

I'm wondering if you cut out the paper pattern for the revised pattern as drawn by Barbara. Then lay the cut out pattern on top of your fabric rectangle to get the correct cut. Hope I've asked this question clearly.

Another way to do it is to cut the rectangle along the diagonal line, then tape that to your ruler with the diagonal line (the line you will cut) along the edge of the ruler. Then you can just line the your fabric square up to the paper on your ruler and make the cut without marking anything or having to keep attaching the paper to the different fabric pieces.

[Helen W.]

I'm wondering if you cut out the paper pattern for the revised pattern as drawn by Barbara. Then lay the cut out pattern on top of your fabric rectangle to get the correct cut. Hope I've asked this question clearly.

Another way to do it is to cut the rectangle along the diagonal line, then tape that to your ruler with the diagonal line (the line you will cut) along the edge of the ruler. Then you can just line the your fabric square up to the paper on your ruler and make the cut without marking anything or having to keep attaching the paper to the different fabric pieces.

Rehak, So much easier. I have not started, making mine yet, but if I do paper piecing instead of appliqué. I will use your idea. HelenW

[Lynda H.]

I am a bit confused about the updated template for cutting the background fabric. Do I not use the 7" template and use the 7.5" template instead? I assume the 6" template is still OK to use? Thanks! :unsure:

[Barbara B.]

The 5.5" x 6" rectangle is for Small House 1, piece j.
The 5.5" x 7" rectangle is for Small House 2, piece j.
The 5.5" x 7.5" rectangles is for Small House 1 and 2, piece k.
Look at the box on the right of each page for that explanation.

[Alice S.]

I want to cut my borders out of the background before cutting the rectangles for the house blocks. I believe the width for the borders is 5 inches in width and the quilt is 69.5 inches square so 5 inches by 72 inches for safety sake. Correct? Thank you.

[Barbara B.]

I want to cut my borders out of the background before cutting the rectangles for the house blocks. I believe the width for the borders is 5 inches in width and the quilt is 69.5 inches square so 5 inches by 72 inches for safety sake. Correct? Thank you.

Wendy's instructions say to cut 7 strips width of fabric by 5" for the outer borders. That is about one yard. And the borders would be crosswise grain.

If you prefer to cut the borders from lengthwise grain, you are correct--cutting four borders 5" x 72" from lengthwise grain would be safe. Cut them exactly the correct size when your top is finished.

[Alice S.]

Thanks Barbara for a quick reply.

[Anne B.]

Hi everyone. I am not used to being part of a forum. My first BOM also. Apologies if someone has already added this note about freezer paper background.
I have just started making my small houses and have noticed that if you lay the background piece RS up under the roof section, as if ready to stitch, you can easily see if the fabric will cover the paper. The template is folded back on the fold line and if fabric can be see all around you are safe to sew, without having to pin and flip to check. It is easy to adjust the fabric up or down along the 1/4" edge by sliding along this edge.
I'm sorry I'm not sure how to add a picture of same, but hope this makes sense.
Thanks
Anne

[Sally R.]

I want to cut my borders out of the background before cutting the rectangles for the house blocks. I believe the width for the borders is 5 inches in width and the quilt is 69.5 inches square so 5 inches by 72 inches for safety sake. Correct? Thank you.

Wendy's instructions say to cut 7 strips width of fabric by 5" for the outer borders. That is about one yard. And the borders would be crosswise grain.

If you prefer to cut the borders from lengthwise grain, you are correct--cutting four borders 5" x 72" from lengthwise grain would be safe. Cut them exactly the correct size when your top is finished.

I think I saw somewhere that you would give estimates for the amount of background fabric for using two different fabrics, but unfortunately i haven’t been able to find it. In particular, I want to use one background for the Mariners compass and small houses and a different one for larger houses and border. I see here that the border requires 1 yard but need to know the other measurements. Hopefully I wasn’t mistaken when I thought you had calculated these options.

[Barbara B.]

MarySally, here is the Topic about two different background fabrics, from way back on December 6. Scroll down to the first post on the Topic:

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/bom-2021-color-my-world/9285-how-to-use-two-different-background-fabrics

[KiwiHeather]

It took me a while to really understand this different cutting plan for the background. So pleased I am using a batik, so my mistakes can be corrected. This new cutting plan is a game changer. Just label your cut pieces! How do I know this! And, I love this construction method. Totally addicting. And so much fun. Thankyou, Barbara, you are so generous with your time, expertise, and patience.