Thread: OBW--How are you cutting through 6 layers of fabric??? And Keep it Lined UP

Not being a smart mouth here .. but when did you last change your blade? 3 layers - unless it's really heavy weight - should not be a problem at all. A ruler with something on the back - mine has cork stickers - to keep the ruler from sliding - and a sharp/new blade - should cut 6 layers of regular weight cotton.....tho i usually limit myself to 4 (normal number for twice folded yardage) just for the "it's easier" factor.

As Penni said, a new blade for cutting more then 4 layers is a must. I don't care if I changed the blade last week I use a new one. I found the big 60mm cutter is easier to use when cutting more then four pieces at a time. Put something heavy on your ruler. I have a specialty tool for that but a heavy iron will work or a brick wrapped in batting.

Yes, a new blade should work wonders for you. As for keeping the layers exactly where they need to be, I actually basted through all six layers at about 6" intervals so I could be SURE the layered cut pieces would match.

I have made several OBW and lining up carefully with a pin is so important. I pin very carefully and am careful not to move it. When it is all pinned I shake a bit and do check to make sure the pin is in the exact place in all six layers. I don't think I could cut in layers of three. I would make sure that blade is brand new. I am going to be cut a OBW probably next week and that is what I will do. I love, love them. I am making one for a friend for her birthday. I think I will be very busy, but really having fun putting the blocks together.
Also, don't forget to press the seams open.

I must be a chicken. I would never cut through six layers at the same time. I do two usually. Sometimes I do four, but mostly I do four for accuracy. I love to cut though. Cutting is my favorite part of the process so I don't mind spending extra time cutting. I think most people don't like the cutting. I do.

For sure ... a new blade is a must when you start cutting the 6 layers for OBW.
As another note ... some blades are not as good as others, and you m ay need to change it more often. Also, if you run into your ruler or pins or other things ... that can ruin a blade and it may only last a few minutes.

Time installed really tells nothing ... some cut more in a day than others cut in six months!

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When you get your OBW pattern/book, you will see that it describes very well how to pin the layers to be sure that they line up pefectly.
You want to make sure that they do, or else when you do your kaleidos ... well, they won't be kaleidos!

In the meantime get yourself some "flower pins" ... they are longer and coarser than you use for most sewing, and have a flat head (that's like a flower!). Once they are pinned thru the layers, they lay flat, so that you can put your ruler over, and cut thru.

Patience .... and a steady hand and you will discover that cutting the layers is not really all that hard.

If you're worried about cutting the six layers ... practice on some other fabric first, just to help you get the feel of it.