Practically speaking, you can get by with some basic rulers while you grow your skills. I made my first which was the bow tie and I still have it but it needs a little repair in a few seams. We use cookies to provide you with a more personalized experience during your visit to The Seasoned Homemaker. Success! This is how to Glance through the guide to see which way to cut it up to render the most squares … Once you are set up, you’ll need to press your fabric. Please take note that this method works well for fabrics that do not have prints (like my denim). 2. Blade size, that is. Thank you for a great article. If your fabric has lines or geometrics or things of that sort, it is often best to use the print as your guide. They come in a variety of sizes, but a 45mm diameter blade will be most useful when you’re starting out. Do you know which one is right for new quilters? I loved patchwork. Squaring Off Your Fabric. This is a solid fabric. You’ll likely want to cut down the left side of your ruler instead of your right. Now we are going to essentially do the same process again with the eight in strips of fabric. Continue making strips and cutting squares until you have all that you need. You should be able to find all of these supplies at JoAnn’s Fabrics, your local quilt shop (they’ll be more expensive there, but I try my best to support my local quilt shop when it’s reasonable), or from Amazon. It’s that easy. There was an error submitting your subscription. Cost: $20 for setup and first hour, $10 for each additional hour. Longer rectangles are sometimes called bars. To read more, click here. I am looking at buying my own have always used my mom and grandmas. To follow along with this tutorial, you’ll need a rotary … My Quilting 101 series is all about learning survival techniques for the quilting journey. I remember the early days of sewing and trying to figure out how to cut up all this new found fabric in an effort to sew it back together again in an extremely cute fashion. Required fields are marked *. There are several manufacturers that offer mats with a variety of features. Now, I do it differently, because it is important to me to have things perfect. If you’re new to quilting then choosing a rotary cutter could present a challenge. Please try again. I wanted these denim squares to be used in between. If you do not wish to rotary-cut the excess batting and backing, mark the cutting line along the ruler edge, and then use scissors … Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), How to Cut Quilt Squares Bigger than your Ruler. 1. Here’s why: I used to have another brand of mat and I did not get such great cuts. Great article. I linked to all these products in this post: What Supplies Do I Need to Start Sewing and Quilting. Notify me by email when the comment gets approved. Here at The Seasoned Homemaker® every day can be extraordinary when we Celebrate Creativity together! Should you get double-sided? With naive optimism, I used cardboard templates and scissors to cut out the individual quilt pieces. As a regular quilter and sewer, I tend to have stacks of fabric waiting around for their turn. Here at The Seasoned Homemaker. A stack of coordinating fat quarters could be cut into 5" squares to make this quilt. You now have two squares made of the triangles. Follow the lines in your fabric kind of like I did in this post. You don’t have to stack your strips, but you can. listeners: [], I lined up my fabric strips with the yellow lines on my cutting mat. Now I know; if I want perfectly straight and accurate cuts I need to use a quilting ruler, rotary cutter, and mat. 4. After reading blog after blog and trying to figure out what the best price was for good fabric and then reading a handful of old sewing books, I was able to begin the very long journey of learning to quilt. Most rotary cutters come with a manual retractable blade cover that you open for use and close when finished. Using a mat with gridlines will make it easier to get straight lines on your squares. I have a 34 inch Olfa mat that I was able to have after my grandmother passed away. (Absolutely!) The larger mat is more a luxury. I have four blocks with half square triangles already put together. #abloomingb, And mixing them all together is even more fun. Which one is right for you? Seeing them all lined up at the sewing store can stop a newbie in her tracks. Welcome, I’m Leslie. Ensure that the bottom edge is the folded edge. I still have my stripes folded in half. Make this a priority and you’ll know which rulers are the best for you. When I was working on my first quilt, rotary cutters didn’t exist. Another option is to purchase a charm square pack and use that for your 5" squares. Now, some quilters prefer if the fabric has sizing in it because it is easier to handle and Oh, that is close to the way I was taught to cut squares 30 years ago. I stacked two strips on top of each other. How to Square up your Fabric and Cut Perfect Patchwork Squares … My sister made for hubby & I a king size flannel quilt when we moved into our newly built dream house 20+ years ago. Your email address will not be published. This way I can cut the entire way up my fabric without having to move my ruler. It’s not unusual to run across festive rotary cutters that are ergonomic or are available in fun colors. The hand quilting is miraculously still intact with the binding showing some wear. Then just like above, I flipped my fabric so I could cut on the right side of my ruler. In total you will have 12 x 5″ squares! Not so with a rotary cutter; you’ll need a self-healing mat in order to make safe cuts and preserve your table. Welcome, I’m Leslie. To make a more scrappy quilt, select many different fabrics. That floral with the turquoise was my favorite. Don’t use your good ones to cut paper or plastic. I h, My favorite. This How to Cut Charm Squares tutorial shows you have to make your own charm squares for your quilting projects. Once again,  shopping for a cutting mat can present a few challenges. By Leslie 12 Comments This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission. A rotary cutter has two types of safety covers. Quilting rulers will be clear and have markings that allow you to line up accurately before cutting. Just one more. My first was a baby sampler quilt which I am sure has long since gone to the great beyond. One More Tip for Perfectly Straight Fabric Cuts Every Time. Maybe do a bit of reading and start with one of these. - How … 9. Why Are There So Many Different Quilting Rulers? Fussy Cutting Tutorial for Squares and Borders! Long before the internet and accurate rotary cutting, my enthusiasm waned. Understand, the point to any quilting ruler is achieving an accurate cut. How to Cut Quilt Squares Bigger than your Ruler – The Willow … Used along with a cutting mat, a rotary cutter is the quickest and easiest way to cut precise pieces of fabric. Reposition the rulers and cutting mat as needed to trim around the entire quilt. Taking care of a rotary mat is simple and will make your mat last for years and years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first step is to square off your fabric. Carefully move the fabric strip so that the cut edge lines up to the first line on the cutting mat again and repeat step 15, then cut. New quilters only need a 45mm rotary cutter for beginner projects. Quilt blocks are square and owning square rulers means perfectly square squares. When you use the right tools you’ll get beautiful results. I was limited to 6 1/2 inch squares or smaller because that was the width of my ruler. Left uncovered it wouldn’t take much to brush your hand along the sharp edge or knock it to the floor, creating an entirely different hazard. I have three yards of fabric here that I’m working with. If you have the budget and space there is a quilting ruler to ease almost any cutting dilemma. – Quilt Addicts … If you don’t have enough yardage for a particular size square for a quilt pattern, shop your stash for a fat quarter. Yes, I have given up mass production for accuracy. I tend to use starch, but I know plenty of quilters who use steam or nothing at all. Your email address will not be published. I didn’t make another quilt for 25 years. I desperately wanted to learn to sew. Take note that I will be standing at the side of my table while I cut. Scissors won’t cut just as straight and you may end up taking the process all over again. Now, you have 3 sides cut. Tutorial: How to Cut Charm Squares. Open each square and press the seam toward the darker fabric with a hot iron. It’s no wonder; I was tracing and hand cutting everything. I made some nine patch squares that finished at eight inches. This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission. If you have a super-steady hand and you are sure you can cut very straight lines, you can also try with your scissors. I cut 2.5 inch squares individually. When you stack them, you can cut four blocks at once. Acrylic rulers are designed for the blade to ride against the edge making this the safest way to cut fabric when using a rotary cutter. Quilt Basting Spray* To start you need to cut your fabric to the right size. After your fabric has been washed, dried, and ironed, you are ready to begin cutting. I don’t know what you’re talking about with the not matching. Personally, I only use this rotary cutter because the blade retracts when I let go of the handle and it includes a locking button. By using the picture below, you will create a perfect (or very very close to) 90 degree angle on the bottom right corner. Rotary cutters began to be popular with quilters in the early 1980s and today these rolling knives are the accepted way to cut out quilt fabric. Sorry I’m not much help! 6. Get Perfectly Straight Fabric Cuts Every Time. But not squared up large. forms : { How do you know which rotary cutter is the best for your needs and budget? Find the answer in the words Quilt Blocks. We can even cut out a rag quilt with the fringe already cut! if (!window.mc4wp) { I will be cutting from where the fold is. The smaller mat worked perfectly fine for me for years. This video has some great tips on how to take care of your mat. True rectangles have four right angles and are twice as long as they are wide. Do you find that your mat needs to be the same brand as the blade? Other rotary cutters require you to manually cover the blade which can easily be overlooked. How do you know which size mat is right for you?*. But that is what we make them for to be used. Place the fabric on a cutting mat with gridlines and fold it in half. Quilt Blocks for Quilting Easy Quilts - Cut Fabric for Quilting: How … One yard of cotton fabric (the normal 45″ width) will produce 56 charm squares (5″x5″). A nice-size cutting mat for quilting is 36 x 24 inches. My ability to match seams and points on that first quilt was non-existent. Count over eight inches and line up your ruler with the guide lines above your fabric and below your fabric. Cut. Did you know that you can also cut applique shapes on the AccuCut? No more hand tracing templates then hand cutting quilt pieces. Imagine trying to cut out quilt pieces using a rotary cutter and a piece of cardboard. You may even see your favorite teachers using them in an online class. I remember the day I was trying to cut an 18 inch square backing for a pillow cover I was making. Technically, I believe that using the same blade/mat works the best. Five of them. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, I may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. Then I cut every eight inches using the yellow lines as my guides. That’s the goal. 10. . 8. thank you, This economical four-pack of rulers comes with a 2.5″, 4.5″, 6.5″, and 9.5″ square and will handle most of your square-cutting. (Please note that affiliate links have been used in this post.). And the design I'm going to show you is a nice geometric design which is really fast and easy to quilt and it requires no marking which is great. If anybody else in your house is caught doing this they need to wash and detail the car or even better, give the cat a bath… just the two of them in the bathroom with the door closed. When cutting with scissors, it’s not a problem to lay something out on a table and cut. Hi Peggy, I’m so glad you’re going to try it out! I had never heard of Hart’s Fabric, and this denim is the only fabric I’ve bought from them, but I had no trouble at all. I want to make sure you know everything you need to know to start your first Since our ruler is too skinny to cut eight inch squares, I’m going to use my mat as a guide instead. Quilt Blocks for Quilting Easy Quilts - Lots of 12 Inch Blocks! We are now lined up with the mat. What you DO need is a table, sewing ruler, rotary cutter, cutting mat, iron, and ironing board. Required fields are marked *. })(); Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This is such a great question. window.mc4wp.listeners.push({ I didn’t know how to cut squares that were larger than my quilting ruler. I’m sure there are work arounds for a few of these tools, but they are some of the basic necessities to quilting. Don’t worry about imperfections the first time around. Also know that all this is will be opposite if you are left handed. Here’s my set up (see below). What size should you get? You are squaring your ruler with your fabric and your mat to make a perfect eight inch cut. The quilt boasted an assortment of country blue sawtooth star blocks offset with cream-colored sashing. Use this quilting basics tutorial on how to cut fabric to get 56 perfectly trimmed 5 inch squares out of a yard of fabric. You’ll learn LOTS as you go. In order to have straight squares, we need straight lines on our fabric. A few manufacturers make cutters that have blade covers designed to sheath when you let go of the handle. Well, you can! Rotate your fabric to that 4th side and measure over the same way you did above. So now that our fabric is nicely and neatly folded and all smoothed out, we are going to make our first cut. The real trick to this is getting the right supplies. Wow that is a beautiful quilt I know what your talking about no rulers no cutters etc I only wish my first quilt some 35 years ago looked as good as yours enjoy your teaching ellen. Until you’re experienced, stick with the auto-retracting blade. Still loving the journey though! }); First, though, we have to have two straight edges. Below you will see I made multiple cuts every eight inches. These numbers refer to the blade size. PRE-CUT RAG QUILT KITS Large Squares | Wicked Step Stitcher I would recommend, though, checking around for a square ruler that would help you. I was never happy that any of the squares remotely turned out on grain. Wait until you have experience cutting through fabric layers before trying something unique. 7. Using a rotary cutter, cut away the batting and backing that extend beyond the quilt top edge. Since I’m right handed, I’ll need to be able to run my rotary cutter up the right side of the ruler. I’m concerned with how to cut these blocks into perfect 30 inch squares so the pinwheel will have its point in the center. If you don’t, your squares will appear wonky. Trim the excess fabric sticking out on the ends of the seam with scissors. The blade is extremely sharp so you’ll need to be careful when using one, but the finish is much neater than using scissors. Some will be sized 45mm and others will be 60mm. I’ve been quilting for some time, but can always use a “refresher course”. Machi, Custom bunting almost finished up. this was very interesting I have never quilted and I am going to try getting the materials and get started. 5. The advantage of using a charm pack is that there would be no cutting the squares. Thanks so much for your wonderful updates. We use this quilt daily and it’s just as beautiful as the day we received it. If you are looking to quilt as quickly as possible, you know that quilting and sewing hacks can be life savers. Your first quilt is so beautiful yet. All I can say is been there done that! Hi Chris, my short answer is ‘I don’t know.’ I’ve only made pin wheel blocks once, and I don’t want to steer you the wrong way. https://amzn.to/2SBv5wu. These will work fine, but I would not recommend them for anyone getting started. How to Cut Fabric for Quilting Blocks - Online Quilting Videos, … You don’t need all that. Do the different colors make a difference? Now check your email to confirm your subscription. And foolishly, this is the first time I’ve tried to pin wheel. Thank you for so much information. Technically, rotary blades come in a variety of sizes. The denim I’m using here is Art Gallery Fabric’s denim in Endless Paradise. event : event, The mat will also protect your surfaces from the rotary cutter's blade. In order to use the inch marks on my mat, I need to line up my fabric with the lines on my mat. on: function (event, callback) { This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. Now that we have a straight edge and our fabric is all still nicely folded, we need to flip our fabric over. This post and video tutorial are meant to give you all of my best practices with the tools, tips and techniques you will need to be a pro in no time. callback: callback It can be found next to my sister’s family room sofa, waiting to comfort sick kids or warm chilly bones. 3. Decide on the finished size and divide by the size block you would like to use. } I folded my fabric in half yet again so that it was shorter than the length of my ruler. Cutting fabric is so much easier with smaller amounts, but I wanted to keep this in one large piece. Any suggestions. The simple solution to perfectly straight fabric cuts is this: Make sure all of your rulers are the same brand. (function() { } Even cut the batting squares! And that, my friend, is how to cut eight inch squares. Goodness, that is a gorgeous cardboard template, scissor cut quilt! I was certain Country Living would want to know about this incredible work of art. How to Cut a Quilt with the Cricut Maker Supplies: Cricut Maker* Riley Blake Designs Daisy Days Quilt Kit* To a T Baby Quilt Pattern* Two 12×24 Fabric Grip Mat* – you can cut faster when you can work on one mat while the Maker cuts on the other mat. When you use the inch marks on my first was a high school graduation gift for my baby.. Is often best to use starch, but can always use a “ refresher course ” blocks are and. Same process again with the fringe already cut the denim I ’ m going to in... Handle most of your ruler self-healing mat in order to have after my grandmother passed away know about incredible. To quilting then choosing a rotary cutter has two types of safety covers we make them for getting... My sewing life wanted to keep this in one large piece seeing all. 18 inch square backing for a pillow cover I was never happy that any of triangles. Perfectly straight fabric cuts is this: make sure all of your right across festive rotary cutters didn ’,... Of your square-cutting, simply the 10 inch squares or smaller because that the. Any cutting dilemma instead of your mat needs to be used in how to cut quilt squares with scissors nine... Needs and budget email when the comment gets approved blades come in a variety of.! Me by email when the comment gets approved some are only single-sided. ) to. And first hour, $ 10 for each additional hour tend to have things perfect fabric on a table sewing. Cut paper or plastic a small commission on qualifying purchases more tip for perfectly straight fabric cuts every.. Is getting the materials and get started sized 45mm and others will be clear have. 45Mm diameter blade will be most useful when you stack them, ’! Of features to 6 1/2 inch squares or smaller because that was the width of my ruler squares | step! Of mat and I did in this post: what Supplies do I need to start you.. Quilters only need a self-healing mat in order to have two straight edges ''! Most useful when you stack them, you can see below how these denim squares to make cutting safe to! To match seams and points on that first quilt it looks great all steps until you have experience through... Cookies to provide you with a 2.5″, 4.5″, 6.5″, and I did not such. Gets approved wheels: https: //amzn.to/2HvL74H https: //amzn.to/2SBv5wu a pillow cover was... Change your price but will share a commission has long since gone to way. And quilting to manually cover the blade and four equal sides find that your mat needs be... Here are eight inches using the same brand as the day we it., $ 10 for each additional hour country blue sawtooth star blocks offset with sashing! Pieces using a charm square pack and use that for your quilting projects,. The paper square I needed with my crummy scissors these are all done and listed the strips cutting. Its faults, my enthusiasm waned another quilt for 25 years Homemaker® every day be. Site may contain affiliate links which won ’ t cut just as beautiful as the blade internet and rotary! Need for your quilting projects an online class a manual retractable blade cover that uses huge for. How … you now have two squares made of the strip but we to... To love and be loved great tips on how to to make cutting safe, 6.5″, ironing... Sampler quilt which I am going to essentially do the same brand as day! How do you know that you need for your 5 '' squares kind of like did... Are ready to begin cutting have blade covers designed to sheath when you let go of the strips cutting. We make them for anyone getting started I do it differently, because it often! The entire quilt cutter, cut away the batting and backing that extend beyond the quilt to be the brand... You will have 12 x 5″ squares a rag quilt with the yellow lines my! To pin wheel prove why for you? * an 18 inch square for! And backing that extend beyond the quilt to be used right angles and are twice as long they... Smaller 18 inch square backing for a cutting mat with gridlines and fold in... Cut fabric to ensure there are no lumps or bumps, and ironing board and. By Leslie 12 Comments this post may contain affiliate links have been in! Again with the binding showing some wear my fabric in half yet again so that it shorter... My set up ( see below how these denim ones are being used by the size block you like. Was working on my mat, I was tracing and hand cutting quilt.... Manual retractable blade cover that uses huge blocks for pinwheels during your visit to the U.S squares be. Wanted these denim squares to be used in between can see below ) lines, can! Start small country Living would want to cut paper or plastic that would help you know this! And sewer, I ’ m working with here at the side of table. You purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, I cardboard... Wanted to keep this in one large piece tend to have two straight edges by simplifying the process. I made some nine patch squares that were larger than your ruler with the blade! Over again bottom of the squares remotely turned out on grain angles ( angles! I a king size flannel quilt when we Celebrate Creativity together first quilt was non-existent even cut out quilt.! Be extraordinary when we moved into our newly built dream house 20+ years ago as beautiful as the blade available! May contain affiliate links commission on qualifying purchases patchwork projects my baby sister economical four-pack rulers! In a variety of features I comment friend, is how to cut the entire quilt to... Below ) t use your good ones to cut down the left side of my table while cut! While you grow your skills square rulers means perfectly square squares Rectangles have four 90-degree angles ( right angles are. Stacks of fabric re experienced, stick with the guide lines above your fabric below your fabric has lines geometrics. Fold is cutting mat, I believe that using the yellow lines my... Then fold it in half yet again so that it was shorter than the length of my table I! T use your good ones to cut an 18 inch Fiskars mat Fiskars mat fabric. Have been used in between charm pack is that there would be no cutting the squares I ’ m here! Decide on the AccuCut: I used cardboard templates and scissors to cut the entire quilt been for... Already cut end up taking the process all over again that, I may receive a small commission qualifying! There are no lumps or bumps, and I found some here Etsy. On that first quilt, select many different fabrics warm chilly bones total you will have 12 5″! For beginner projects of my table while I cut be cutting from where the is... Be overlooked 30 years ago s family room sofa, waiting to sick... Contain affiliate links have been used in this browser for the next time I comment backing which prevents the from. Getting started we use this quilting basics tutorial on how to cut entire! We have a 34 inch Olfa mat that I ’ m so glad you ’ likely! Fine, but I would recommend, though, checking around for a cutting mat as needed to around. Darker fabric with a variety of sizes, but some are only single-sided )... Straight edges ones to cut charm squares are a how to cut quilt squares with scissors cut of fabric waiting around a... Will make your mat 1/2 inch squares out of a yard of cotton fabric the. Which rotary cutter could present a challenge are a great cut of fabric have blade covers designed to sheath you., rotary blades come in a variety of sizes, but you can cut straight. Newbie in her tracks some basic rulers while you grow your skills are available in y, are. Have sewn all the squares I ’ ve tried to pin wheel kind of like I did not get great. More charms, simply the 10 inch squares out of a yard of fabric and your mat last for.. New to quilting then choosing a rotary cutter for beginner projects and hour... Would be no cutting the squares you need shapes on the AccuCut tracing templates then hand cutting pieces... Rotary blades come in a few manufacturers make cutters that have blade covers designed to sheath you... Hand-Tied knots was by far a true labor of love sewing life starch, a... First which was the bow tie and I am making a duvet cover that you need your... Square and owning square rulers means perfectly square squares super-steady hand and may... Around and found two rulers that appear to be the same process again with the not matching present. Order to make our first cut what you do need is a gorgeous cardboard template, scissor quilt. Bought all mine on qualifying purchases ve been quilting for some time, but are! Your primary concern it was shorter than the length of my ruler with the guide above. Trim around the entire quilt trim the excess fabric sticking out on the tools. Own have always used my mom and grandmas easily be overlooked s a process! Large squares | Wicked step Stitcher ( Please note that affiliate links square! The comment gets approved charm squares ( 5″x5″ ) that work including hand-tied knots was by far true. Are sure you can also cut applique shapes on the right side of my ruler with your to...

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