I love to quilt--love picking out fabrics, putting them together, and the sewing process, but I absolutely hate measuring and cutting fabric. Does anyone know of a product that you can just line up on the fabric and cut strips out of?? My strips for log cabin quilts always end up being crooked.
2006-10-10 10:18:59 · 3 answers · asked by mamabear84 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
I bought my mom an Alto's Quilt Cut system for Christmas. We'd seen it at some of the larger quilt shows and thought it was wonderful. It IS good, but there are some problems - namely storage and price.
Also, here are some hints to help with cutting the fabric (using any ruler and mat).
1. Fold the fabric so the grain is straight. If you don't do this, you'll have V shaped strips. Iron the fabric so there aren't any creases, fold it in half and line up the selvage edges, then hold it up and shake it gently to see how the bottom folded edge sways. You can tell if it's crooked - just slide the front layer of fabric left or right (always keeping the selvage edges together) until it is smooth. Then you can start cutting. You'd be amazed at how many fabrics are put on the bolt crooked. I've lost nearly a quarter of a yard with some of the cheaper fabrics.
2. Put some Omni InvisiGrip on the bottom of your rulers. It is a clear plastic that adheres to your ruler and keeps it from sliding on the fabric. It makes a HUGE difference.
3. Cut the strips a little larger than you need, sew a round of your log cabin, then press. Trim the excess to make a perfect square exactly the size it should be. Sew the next round, press and trim. This way you'll have perfectly sized blocks without worrying about perfect strips and perfect seams.
2006-10-10 12:34:48 · answer #1 · answered by swbiblio 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you go to walmart or a craft store in the fabric section they have a plastic piece with ruler measurements marked on them like a large ruler and the large plastic like ruler. They also have a cutter that you hold with a round blade to cut with. I'm not sure what they are called. I have the set and love it. You can buy it together as a kit or you can buy each piece separate.
2006-10-10 17:35:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
can't sew a straight seam I can't either
2006-10-10 17:37:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋