Hello,
I am trying to cut a piece of material that is 60in wide and 5 yards long in half. But I have no idea how to do it accurately. The only thing I can think of is taping it to the floor ( in a loooooooooong hallway) and using a carpenter's chalk line to make a line. Is this my only option?

Okay, This is how I do it and many shops. You know the way fabric is made that it will tear easily because there is a warp and the weft in the way material is made.

Use your scissors to cut exactly the point 2 1/2 yds. that is the half way point right. Now is the time to be brave grab to two ends you have cut and it will tear completely evenly. Trust me. If you are unsure, do it on another piece of material. I do this all the time, have been sewing for upteen years. LOL


Elle

That does sound very scary but I don't know if it will work. I should have explained myself better. It has to be cut in half width wise, meaning i need two pieces that are 30 in by 5 yds. Makes sense?

Not all fabric tears easily, when I did the sashing for dd's quilt I cut really long strips from my yardage.

Which way do you want to cut it? I'll assume final dimension to be 30 X 180" (5')

Iron it, being very careful not to wrinkle it. Now fold it in half 60" X 90" Line up the ends and edges exactly. Then fold it one more time 60" X 45" Make sure the edges are all lined up! (or trim them if you have a little extra you so you can cut the edges to match) Place on your cutting mat and cut as long as your quilters rule lets you cut, press firmly with the rotary cutter to ensure you cut through all four layers (my mat is 24" X 36" and my longest rule is 6.5" X 24") now gently side the fabric over your cutting surface (if you don't have a flat table big enough for it to lay flat the entire time do it on the floor) and cut the remaining 21" Vola it's in half.

Whichever way you tear it whether it be width ways or length ways it will tear straight, I agree some polyesters will not tear easily but if we are talking bout cotton here, then I reiterate the weft runs one way and the warp runs the other it will tear easily and straight I have just done it to prove that I am not talking out of my head. both ways long and short.

Its the way many professional and trades persons will do it.

Elle

Elle's right...not to be afraid. Just fold in half, snip, and tear. It will tear straight if it is cotton and the weave is not wonky. I tear mine all the time to get rid of excess at the top/bottom/sides from the backing when I'm ready to sandwich and quilt. I don't like all that excess beyond the quilt and batting.

tearing is FRIGHTENING the first few times you do it....some of us never stop the cringing that naturally comes with ripping your precious goods....but it does provide an accurate "cut". The first time I saw this done I'm sure that my eyes popped right out of my head while I became faint LOL but it was all fine. Best of luck to you.

hi these ladies is giving good advice i tear my fabric also measure and tear. i learn this when i was in a guild. Annette

Thanks you all for giving her some faith and confidence to go for it. I should add dont try it on Nylon, Net, or Polyester. Cotton and cotton mix, Poplin, and it will work just great.

Hey i even did it on my Daughters Japanese silk wedding dress material. How daring is that.... LOL


Elle

Don't you find when you rip fabric it stretches the fabric along the tear? I know that's happened when i've tried it, so now i just fold it real accurate onto my cutting mat and cut