what is the best/easiest way to...
03-18-2011, 08:41 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Prince Edward Island, CANADA
Posts: 592
Quilting buddies
I am making a special quilt for my niece, each block has a 3 1/2" circle so 54 circles total, how do I cut multiple circles at the same time? I also have to cut multiples of an other shape in the same block ( and 216 of this other shape), any suggestions, help or ideas?
TreeFrog
I am making a special quilt for my niece, each block has a 3 1/2" circle so 54 circles total, how do I cut multiple circles at the same time? I also have to cut multiples of an other shape in the same block ( and 216 of this other shape), any suggestions, help or ideas?
TreeFrog
03-18-2011, 08:52 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dayton, OH
Posts: 661
I would have to cut the circles one by one.
Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.
As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.
As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.
If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.
The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.
Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.
Pam M
Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.
As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.
As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.
If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.
The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.
Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.
Pam M
03-18-2011, 08:56 AM
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
do you have a rotory circle cutter? with a fresh blade you should be able to cut 4-8 layers at a time depending on the fabric. if you do not have a circle cutter and are using scissors you can press your layers of fabric together, using starch; then pin all the way around (the inside) of the circle to hold the layers in place and cut on the circle's line.
03-18-2011, 08:58 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,143
Yes indeed not more then 4 layers. I learned the hard way, The magazine said I could lay 9 layers and cut. I did that and I was all messed up. i just put them to the side and making my daisy quilt with the other squares i had. I would get a templet tho would be much easier cutting circles. they are hard to cut, for me anyways
03-18-2011, 09:20 AM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Prince Edward Island, CANADA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by milp04
I would have to cut the circles one by one.
Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.
As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.
As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.
If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.
The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.
Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.
Pam M
Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.
As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.
As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.
If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.
The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.
Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.
Pam M
Thank you, I will look into every option. I like the yoyo idea!
Thanks!
TreeFrog
03-18-2011, 09:21 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Prince Edward Island, CANADA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by ckcowl
do you have a rotory circle cutter? with a fresh blade you should be able to cut 4-8 layers at a time depending on the fabric. if you do not have a circle cutter and are using scissors you can press your layers of fabric together, using starch; then pin all the way around (the inside) of the circle to hold the layers in place and cut on the circle's line.
Thank you for mentioning starch, I had not thought of that, and I do have a rotary cutter. Options....
Thank you
TreeFrog
03-18-2011, 09:24 AM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Prince Edward Island, CANADA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by blossom808
Yes indeed not more then 4 layers. I learned the hard way, The magazine said I could lay 9 layers and cut. I did that and I was all messed up. i just put them to the side and making my daisy quilt with the other squares i had. I would get a templet tho would be much easier cutting circles. they are hard to cut, for me anyways
I know about the "no more than 4 layers", I learned that the had way too! I have a plastic template or 2 that I made, and think that I am going to put bias tape around the circle as well as the other pieces before putting them on the block.
TreeFrog
03-18-2011, 10:33 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Commerce, Ga
Posts: 875
If you have access to The Quilt Show videos - I just watched part 2 of the Ricky Tims tut on Rhapsody quilts. He shows a way to cut multiple layers of a motif to be appliqued. It looked really interesting (tho I have not tried it). Actually, the whole video (parts 1 and 2) are fascinating, but in particular in video 2 he shows this technique. I am not sure I can explain it, but has to do with fusing the layers (but not fusing solidly) then cutting, then separating the layers.
03-18-2011, 10:42 AM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I have a ruler that has half circles in 1/2" increments. Supposedly, you should be able to cut out half the circle, then turn the ruler and align it to cut the other half. Wellll, it's easier said than done. One thing for sure, it does cut better/easier with the small (28mm) rotary cutter.
03-18-2011, 12:04 PM
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
when i mentioned the rotory cutter i was refering to the circle cutter...not a regular rotory cutter...the circle cutter works like a compass you draw circles with except it has a small rotory blade that goes around the circle instead of a pencil
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
suspendedglass
Main
17
04-08-2019 05:31 AM
