need help cutting an accurate square
 

I feel so dumb by asking this, but here goes. Is there an easy way to cut a 5-1/4" square? I don't have a special ruler, just a regular ruler one would use with a rotary cutter and I've already messed it up. :( I measured and cut but My cutter went wonky on me and I've already messed up the 1st square.

I've got several more to go and since I'm working from a kit, I'm not sure I'll have enough material to make mistakes. :)

After that one went south on me I quit and came straight to you girls. I'm sure some of you can advise me on how to measure and then cut just one. I know how to cut strip and THEN cut squares, but I have never had to cut just ONE 5 1/4" square from several of my fabrics. Yikes!

Help!

there are several videos on youtube. cutting accurate squares for quilting. you might try there. visual is always helpful.

I've tried googling. It just comes up with 'how to square up your fabric', which is not what I'm needing. I'll try youtube.

no luck. Went to youtube video and all was same as googling results. Either demos on how to straighten the fabric or how to cut strips to turn into squares. I just want to know an easy way to cut ONE 5 1/4 " square out of about 1/2 yare of fabric without just drawing it off and cutting it out with scissor.

I guess I'm stuck doing it that way though. :( Lots of drawing and lot of scissoring. Rotary cutting ha me spoiled. LOL

You could cut a 5 1/4 strip from your fabric and then subcut the other way 5 1/4 inches and you'd have your square.

To keep your ruler from slipping, put sticky sandpaper dots on the bottom side next to the fabric.

I would first cut 5 1/4" wide strips.I would put a piece of painter's tape along the 5 1/4" line and cut the squares from the stipe.

Try cutting about a 5.75" squarish piece out of your fabric. Cutting your square out of the smaller piece should be easier than cutting out of the yardage.

Tear a piece of cardboard from the back of a tablet or something. The sides should be straight. At the one corner, measure over 5-1/4". Go to the other side of the same corner and measure 5-1/4". On the ruler you will find 5",
then if it has a short line (1/8") and then a larger line, that is the 1/4". If you cut this out and lay it on your cutting mat,
this should be correct. If it is off a little, trim it to fit. Make sure it is square. If you use a piece of fabric, use a piece from
something else, and cut a square. Fold it in half and if all lines match, it is square. I hope this helps.

If you live close to a fabric store, drop in for a visit as I'm sure their staff will be glad to give you free assistance with this issue.