Fabric Cutting
#1
When you have a new piece of fabric and it has been washed and ready for pressing, do you press the selvedges first? Mine always seem to come out wrinkled. Also, I have 4 l/2 yards of fabric that I am going to cut into strips for the main strip in a 3 strip pattern, if I cut the fabric into more manageable sizes, such as l yard increments, would this be okay rather than trying to wrestle with all 4 l/2 yards at once?
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
You can cut it any way you want, but I would start by only cutting one piece off at a time (1 yard or 2 yard piece). Cut the selvages off after pressing...more accurate fold. That's my advice. :-)
#3
I have clipped the selvedges to get them to lay down, and have also cut them off before pressing. If they don't lay down nicely, it will throw off your cuts :D:D:D
If cutting them helps, no problem :wink: but if you are talking about stash fabrics, I would prefer to leave them whole. :D
If cutting them helps, no problem :wink: but if you are talking about stash fabrics, I would prefer to leave them whole. :D
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,394
If the selvages shrank - I clip them to the "regular fabric part" so the edges can spread. Then the piece will press "flat"
It is much easier to work with shorter lengths of fabric.
HOWEVER - check the directions for border lengths before cutting the long length into more manageable pieces.
I also prefer to have "stash fabric" in longer lengths.
If the directions call for a 60 inch border - I would allow at least 62 inches for wiggle room. I'd rather cut off a couple of inches of border than be 1/4 inch short.
I prefer to leave the clipped selvages on the big piece - but I do cut off the selvages on the individual strips or units.
That said, I usually have "ample" fabric on hand - but I can "make do" as well as the next one if I need to.
It is much easier to work with shorter lengths of fabric.
HOWEVER - check the directions for border lengths before cutting the long length into more manageable pieces.
I also prefer to have "stash fabric" in longer lengths.
If the directions call for a 60 inch border - I would allow at least 62 inches for wiggle room. I'd rather cut off a couple of inches of border than be 1/4 inch short.
I prefer to leave the clipped selvages on the big piece - but I do cut off the selvages on the individual strips or units.
That said, I usually have "ample" fabric on hand - but I can "make do" as well as the next one if I need to.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
i always cut the salvage edges off - thats the only way to square up the fabric and get a clean cut- the salvages are a tighter weave and can cause alot of puckering/pulling--being a different weave than the rest of the fabric causes uneven shrinkage
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02-05-2011 09:42 AM