Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • fussy cutting? >
  • fussy cutting?

  • fussy cutting?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 08-02-2012, 05:44 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Location: Texas
    Posts: 2,369
    Default fussy cutting?

    I bought some cute chicken fabric and want to cut the chickens out in a 4-1/2" square and make them the center of a block. I tried using a June Tailor 4 1/2 " ruler that I bought for something else and a rotary cutter, but boy, does that little ruler move around, no matter how firmly I hold it. It's maddening. Too, using the rotary cutter is awkward around 4 sides and difficult on corners. So I'm thinking it may be easier to draw around the ruler and cut the squares with scissors. How do the rest of you do it?
    Friday1961 is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:17 AM
      #2  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Manchester, NH
    Posts: 701
    Default

    Yes, if I were having a lot of time consuming trouble with cutting with the rotary, I definitely would use the scissors instead! Rotary cutters can't fit the bill all the time.
    majormom is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:18 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    ShowMama's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2010
    Location: Central Texas
    Posts: 1,027
    Default

    I have often done as you suggested.....draw around the ruler with a pencil, then cut out the motif. But you don't necessarily have to use scissors. With a drawn line, I sometimes use my favorite ruler to get the straight edge for my rotary cutter. Then I lift & reposition the ruler for the next side. It's a little bit more work, but I think it saves time over using scissors. Of course, sometimes using scissors is better.

    Also, to mark the motif being fussy cut, sometimes I make a template from a piece of manila folder, cutting out the center in the size and shape I want (including seam allowances of course). Then I position the opening over my design and draw my lines. The folder paper is heavy enough to use over and over. And when I've finished marking all the designs, I slip the template into the pattern package to save for another time I want to make the same quilt with fussy cut pieces.
    ShowMama is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:24 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Sep 2010
    Location: Live Oak, Texas
    Posts: 6,133
    Default

    I almost always use scissors when fussy cutting. For me is is faster.
    crafty pat is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:28 AM
      #5  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Michigan
    Posts: 11,276
    Default

    I put sandpaper dots on my ruler and use a turntable mat. Even though I'm cutting small squares (I'm currently cutting 3.5" butterfly squares) I use a large turntable and roll up the excess fabric on the cutting board, so everthing turns when I rotate the board.
    PaperPrincess is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:28 AM
      #6  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2008
    Location: Minnesota
    Posts: 862
    Default

    I put that vinyl stuff on the bottom of all my rulers. Reduces slipping. It's hard to beat stickon sandpaper though. Your ruler stays put.
    IAmCatOwned is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:29 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    Deborahlees's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Wine Country-Southern California
    Posts: 1,449
    Default

    There are little tabs you can buy and put on the underside of your template to keep it from sliding/scooting so much.
    Also if it is the same chicken you can use a dry erase marker on the top of your template to roughly mark the shape of the chicken and then align each square up.
    Deborahlees is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:49 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
    Posts: 2,795
    Default

    I bought the vinyl stuff and put on the bottom of all my rulers. Love it. Now I can see thru all my rulers. And it holds them still.
    jcrow is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 06:58 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Location: Texas
    Posts: 2,369
    Default

    Thanks to all who have responded! I will get a backing for that little June Tailor ruler but for now think I'll draw my squares and cut with my long ruler (the one I love and use for everything!) as someone suggested.
    Friday1961 is offline  
    Old 08-02-2012, 07:00 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Deborahlees's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Wine Country-Southern California
    Posts: 1,449
    Default

    Originally Posted by mme3924
    Thanks to all who have responded! I will get a backing for that little June Tailor ruler but for now think I'll draw my squares and cut with my long ruler (the one I love and use for everything!) as someone suggested.
    I have also found it helpful to use my small rotary cutter for this type of work, rather than my 60mm, either my 28 or 14mm
    Deborahlees is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    Pommom
    Main
    12
    11-10-2010 05:24 PM
    Suz
    Links and Resources
    1
    10-27-2010 08:53 PM
    JackieG
    Main
    16
    07-27-2010 11:56 AM
    craftybear
    Links and Resources
    3
    04-18-2010 07:26 PM
    rexie
    Main
    5
    01-05-2010 08:11 PM

    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