Accurate Cutting? Need some help
02-25-2012, 05:27 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 564
Many good tips here!
I've seen many references to "the correct table height", but no definition of what that is, exactly.
The answer, of course, is different for everyone, since we are all different sizes. The best cutting height is at hip level. This way, you are able to bear down with proper force on both the ruler and the cutter.
Also, try cutting across your body, instead of away from you. Lay the fabric on your board with the fold on your left and the selveges on your right, lay the ruler crossways, and cut from right to left (or from left to right if you are a southpaw) on the far side of the ruler. This method utilizes your center of gravity. It may take some practice, but you may find a greater percentage of accuracy once you master the technique.
I've seen many references to "the correct table height", but no definition of what that is, exactly.
The answer, of course, is different for everyone, since we are all different sizes. The best cutting height is at hip level. This way, you are able to bear down with proper force on both the ruler and the cutter.
Also, try cutting across your body, instead of away from you. Lay the fabric on your board with the fold on your left and the selveges on your right, lay the ruler crossways, and cut from right to left (or from left to right if you are a southpaw) on the far side of the ruler. This method utilizes your center of gravity. It may take some practice, but you may find a greater percentage of accuracy once you master the technique.
02-25-2012, 05:33 PM
#42
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 10,703
Bounce and give in your table will cause you trouble. Find a sturdy place to cut. One thing I do to keep my fabric from wondering at the end of a cut is to pre- cut the end of the cut. The first cut I make when I have the material and ruler aligned is at the end of the cut about one inch long. My fabric never wonders. Try it sometime and if you fnd it works, great.
EDIT: I posted this trick a whle ago. The pic shows a single piece of fabric but works for folded fabric as well.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...p-t136061.html
EDIT: I posted this trick a whle ago. The pic shows a single piece of fabric but works for folded fabric as well.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...p-t136061.html
Last edited by ube quilting; 02-25-2012 at 05:42 PM.
02-26-2012, 08:14 PM
#44
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: southeast Missouri
Posts: 85
sometimes I use my 48" plastic folding table but I had extra holes drilled in the leg height so I can get it up higher or lower if I want to set machine on it next to other sewing table I have no problem with using this table. depends on how much you are going to cut out. if your cutting board has a lot of cuts in it that can cause a problem. Maybe you are trying to hard to be perfect and are not being relaxed. Just try and be yourself when you are cutting and you will be OK
02-27-2012, 06:40 AM
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: VT
Posts: 165
Hi. I also have Sally Collins book "Mastering Precision Piecing" but can't find the two ruler method. Do you remember where in the book she explains it? Thank you!
Hockeyrabbit
Other than the table issue, how are you measuring your cuts? Are you using the grid on the mat, or are you using a two ruler method?
I had always used the grid on the mat to line up and measure my fabric then placed the ruler to cut, and for repeats I would just slide my ruler to the left and keep cutting still using the grids on the mat.
Recently I purchased Sally Collins book "Mastering Precision Piecing" and along with some sewing techniques that I now employ, I also switched to the two ruler cutting method she recommends.
I like doing small piece blocks and with these precision is necessary down to the 1/16". Prior to reading Sally Collins I struggled and had to "fudge" a lot. Not any more.
Get her book, and video. It's all about precision, precision, precision. I call it the "piecing primer".
BTW - I'm using a plastic Beba mat placed on a formica table top. It's not an issue.
Sue
Other than the table issue, how are you measuring your cuts? Are you using the grid on the mat, or are you using a two ruler method?
I had always used the grid on the mat to line up and measure my fabric then placed the ruler to cut, and for repeats I would just slide my ruler to the left and keep cutting still using the grids on the mat.
Recently I purchased Sally Collins book "Mastering Precision Piecing" and along with some sewing techniques that I now employ, I also switched to the two ruler cutting method she recommends.
I like doing small piece blocks and with these precision is necessary down to the 1/16". Prior to reading Sally Collins I struggled and had to "fudge" a lot. Not any more.
Get her book, and video. It's all about precision, precision, precision. I call it the "piecing primer".
BTW - I'm using a plastic Beba mat placed on a formica table top. It's not an issue.
Sue
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