how to cut long strips straight?
#32
Having a rotary cutter that easily cuts through 12 layers of fabric sounds like a dream. Where do you buy Martelli supplies?
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: northern California
Posts: 1,098
My technique isn't the greatest, and perhaps one of the many reasons is that I would buy a roll of pre-cut fabric (which seems to come in 2 1/2" widths) and change the pattern to fit that size. I'm old, and life is just too short to fiddle with details that could be jiggled around.
Lots of good comments in this thread!
Lots of good comments in this thread!
#36
Totally agree ... more folds ... more risk for elbows in the cut strips.
And absolutely, a larger mat is something you will never regret.
Another help to get really straight strips is to make sure the fabric is well pressed first. A little starch, best press or sizing is good too. Then cut carefully, holding your ruler straight and steady!
And absolutely, a larger mat is something you will never regret.
Another help to get really straight strips is to make sure the fabric is well pressed first. A little starch, best press or sizing is good too. Then cut carefully, holding your ruler straight and steady!
Marysewfun
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
When I have to fold, I use straight pins to hold the selvages together too. It gives a little more stability. Definitely invest in a larger mat and a 24 inch long ruler. I love the Olipfa 6" X 24" ruler to use as my cutting edge because it grips the edge of the cutting mat and gives stability as well.
I use Omnigrid rulers to actually measure though.
I use Omnigrid rulers to actually measure though.
#39
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
I fold selvages together, then selvages to fold. I put the end with the selvages facing toward me -- the fold away. I was in a class and the teacher (who is nationally known) said this helps keep the wobbles away. The rest of the things I learned at the class were the all of the great techniques for straightening the fabric -- don't cut a yard of fabric without straightening.
That said -- if I need long strips parallel to the selvages (length wise grains), I always rip it. I don't rip wof (crossgrain) because some fabrics don't tear well crosswise.
That said -- if I need long strips parallel to the selvages (length wise grains), I always rip it. I don't rip wof (crossgrain) because some fabrics don't tear well crosswise.
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