Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • cutting borders >
  • cutting borders

  • cutting borders

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 03-21-2010, 09:55 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Grandma Cindy's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2008
    Location: San Antonio, Texas
    Posts: 1,828
    Default

    I do like the idea of no seams in my borders, but how do you cut long narrow borders,the length of the fabric, keeping them straight. Are there any words of wisdom? Thanks, Cindy
    Grandma Cindy is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 10:25 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    shaverg's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: North Carolina
    Posts: 1,981
    Default

    Grandma Cindy. I will tell you, but this usually causes a discussion. Ok, first of all I have been quilting for almost 30 years. For my back and borders I tear the length wise grain of the fabric. I straighten the edge and measure over, make a very little cut 1/2 inch and tear. It is accurate and works every time. You will have a couple of long strings, just press after you tear. If you have any doubt tear on a smaller piece first.
    shaverg is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 12:35 PM
      #3  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2010
    Location: Mesquite TX
    Posts: 260
    Default

    Debbie Caffery suggests tearing also.
    Sharon321 is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 12:42 PM
      #4  
    Power Poster
     
    amma's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
    Posts: 58,856
    Default

    When you tear, how do you handle the stretched edges? or am I tearing wrong?
    amma is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 01:39 PM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    sewcrafty's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2010
    Location: New Hampshire
    Posts: 3,877
    Default

    I use a 48" t-square that I stole from my husband!!! Less folding of the material. See if you know someone you could steal, I mean borrow, one from!! :lol: :lol: I put the "T" part against the edge of the table and it keeps it secure enough for me to use my rotary cutter and zip.
    sewcrafty is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 02:10 PM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    shaverg's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: North Carolina
    Posts: 1,981
    Default

    If you tear length wise of the grain and not cross grain which is selvage to selvage, there should be no stretching. Just tear not rip and then press. It doesn't distort length wise at all or stretch the fabric.

    I hate to say this but "Trust me" :lol: :shock: :roll: ;) :thumbup:
    shaverg is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 02:39 PM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    brushandthimble's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2009
    Location: North of Boston, MA, USA
    Posts: 3,524
    Default

    Thanks I may have to try that.
    brushandthimble is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 03:23 PM
      #8  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Grandma Cindy's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2008
    Location: San Antonio, Texas
    Posts: 1,828
    Default

    Originally Posted by shaverg
    If you tear length wise of the grain and not cross grain which is selvage to selvage, there should be no stretching. Just tear not rip and then press. It doesn't distort length wise at all or stretch the fabric.

    I hate to say this but "Trust me" :lol: :shock: :roll: ;) :thumbup:
    Does it matter if I leave the selvage on and then tear, then trim the selvage off? Does tear mean a slow rip? Tearing sounds to much easier than folding and cutting such a long piece of fabric accurately.I have not seen either done. I have always pieced my borders. Thank you for your responses, Cindy
    Grandma Cindy is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 03:31 PM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    shaverg's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: North Carolina
    Posts: 1,981
    Default

    Originally Posted by Grandma Cindy
    Originally Posted by shaverg
    If you tear length wise of the grain and not cross grain which is selvage to selvage, there should be no stretching. Just tear not rip and then press. It doesn't distort length wise at all or stretch the fabric.

    I hate to say this but "Trust me" :lol: :shock: :roll: ;) :thumbup:
    Does it matter if I leave the selvage on and then tear, then trim the selvage off? Does tear mean a slow rip? Tearing sounds to much easier than folding and cutting such a long piece of fabric accurately.I have not seen either done. I have always pieced my borders. Thank you for your responses, Cindy
    Don't tear selvage to selvage, you are tearing the length I would tear the selvage on one side to get a straight edge, leaving one side still having selvage. I try to leave on the one with info, just in case I ever need more fabric. The selvage is really not that straight. So make a little cut just past one edge where you have selvage and tear, that will give you your first straight edge and then measure your border width from that first torn straight edge and start tearing your borders. Sometimes it is less than 1/2" depends on how wide your selvage is. Or you can tear a piece large enough and include the selvage and then measure from your straight torn edge to get the width you need not including the selvage. I would tear the selvage rather than trim. I hope this makes sense.

    I actually thinks tearing sound better than ripping, You don't have to tear it too slow, just gently. :lol: :thumbup:
    shaverg is offline  
    Old 03-21-2010, 03:34 PM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: Maryville, Tn
    Posts: 1,786
    Default

    I fold the fabric to a managable "length" making sure it's on the grain then use my rotary ruler.. I haven't had any problems so far.
    Tippy is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    DoriDeS
    Pictures
    70
    07-08-2013 06:46 PM
    bailey
    Pictures
    106
    10-09-2012 04:44 PM
    Grama Lehr
    Pictures
    41
    04-08-2011 12:40 PM
    craftybear
    Links and Resources
    8
    02-18-2011 06:54 AM
    bebe
    Links and Resources
    0
    08-14-2008 07:51 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter