When I cut fabric that is folded to the selvage, it always comes out with a curve in center of the cut edge. Can someone please help me figure out why this happens because it is so frustrating and wastes fabric. Thanks for any help.

http://www.scrapquilts.com/rotary_cut_strips.html

This is the way I do it. Taking these steps make all the difference. Check it out:)

I cut from the folded edge and don't seem to have that problem. I alaign the one inch line of my ruler on the fold so I'm sure I have a good straight cutting line.

This is very frustrating and happens to almost everyone from time to time. This is what I do --- I press my fabric --- make certain I have a straight grainline (I think this is rather important) ---- fold as needed -- then I press the fold (no steam, just hot iron) -- apply pressure on the ruler and make sure you are using a sharp blade in the rotary cutter. Then I carefully unfold the fabric and press out the fold line I made earlier. (a dab of water can help ease out the fold line) This may be right or wrong and I'm sure you will hear from other board members ---- I'll be looking for new tips, too. :)

That first step in the link is the most important. It doesn't matter if the edges (WOF) are aligned, but that the selvages are, AND the fold is smooth.

I prefer to hold the piece up (works best with a yard or under). With my fingers, I move the selvage back and forth until the bottom fold isn't twisted, and hangs smoothly. Ignore how it lines up on the side of the fabric (where you cut). Just try it will a yard of fabric you've got laying around. You should easily see how it works the way the fabric hangs.

You might be surprised that you could end up whacking off a good number of inches, but it's so worth it do it this way - especially if you're dealing with a lot of strips -like for a Blooming 9-patch quilt.

Also, if you are joining several strips together, it's really important to alternate the direction of your sewing.

Strip one to strip two - top to bottom
Strip two to strip three - bottom to top

Otherwise, you'll end up with the dreaded J-strip. The piece will actually curve around. And then when you go to cross-cut it (for a 9-patch, for example), your units will be off.

Thanks for that website. It is very useful.

I usually tear my fabric to get it on the straight of grain. I don't seem to have a problem if I use this method.
Rae

Thanks for all of the helpful tips and the website. I'll be trying each of them to see different ways of correcting my problem.

I was taught this way too, but use a 90 degree triangle instead of the square.

it is important that the fold is perfectly straight...straighten from the fold do not try to align the salvage edges...they are seldom if ever straight.
fold the fabric with a nice straight fold then turn it sideways and cut off the salvages (straightening the top edge) then use the folded edge as your straight edge and cut your strips. the V's and bows occur when the fold is off-grain.