Rotating mat and squaring up of blocks ???
#51
Bummer. if they would take them out of the plastic at the store, maybe the smell would be all dissipated before they sold them. Probably not an option though, since it's a 2 piece mat (I'm guessing it's fiskars or olfa). I have a fiskars one that I don't use anymore and I'm sure it doesn't smell but it would be expensive to ship.
#52
The Bloc-Loc HST is da bomb! It does exactly as you say. I put it on, make the first cut, spin, cut, repeat till done. I use the rotating mats a lot and have a few of them...with those and the Bloc-Loc...best ever. Works on QST as well. I bought the 2.5, 4.5, and 6.5, but I'm adding the other and the big 12.5 as well. They aren't inexpensive, but one of the best investments ever.
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Another option for a rotating mat is to use a lazy susan. My rotating mat doesn't seem to rotate smoothly so I place a cutting mat on an old marble lazy susan and work that way. I also love the blocloc rulers for squaring up. I have another lazy susan sitting to the right of my machine to hold tools, pin cushion, etc.
#54
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
This may help...got this tip from someone in my quilt guild group. I used it while doing a raffle medallion quilt that had a few hundred 2 1/2" HST. Saved me lots of time! Instead of the usual 7/8" added round it off (2 7/8" += 3") for your squares. Make HST as usual with the 2 fabrics. Cut on your diagonal, now you have 2 HST. DON'T IRON THEM OPEN YET! I use quilt in a day ruler for squaring HST. With them still as they were sewn, square to 2 1/2". NOW IRON OPEN. Snip off dogears. DONE! Really saves time, is accurate, & only cut once. Hope this helps.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post