Originally Posted by
Hockeyrabbit
Hi All-
I am about ready to SCREAM! Now, mind you I am an OCD/ADHD type of person who LOVES perfection and quilting/cutting fabric has become quite a humbling experience because there is SO much human error involved..it drives me nuts! HA!
ANYWAYS, I am wondering how to improve my cutting skills to make everything else line up correctly. Trust me, I have improved SO MUCH from a year ago. Some factors I am wondering about..does the CUTTING TABLE matter? I currently cut on one of those plastic fold up tables, and yes, the table is very sturdy, but when you press on the top, it does have some "play" to it..would a wooden table make a difference at all? Secondly, I ALWAYS have a sharp blade, so that isn't an issue, and I really try to triple check and square up EVERYTHING before making the cuts.
Advice or tips would be GREAT! Thanks, JC
Two things helped me with my cutting skills....one I purchased a cutting table (with coupon) from JoAnn's that is wonderful height and plenty sturdy. Two, I took a basic rotary cutting class at a local quilt store. She made us learn to cut on the blank side of the mat with a good grid ruler. She showed us how to "walk" your holding hand up the ruler on long stretches and how to cut unusual shapes. Those two investments were absolutely worth it. I still goof some and sometime the ruler will slip. Putting just a little spray starch on your fabric helps as well. I just use a little of the cheap Niagra on the fabric. Mary Ellen's is wonderful but it is a little pricey to use on everything! I have found most of my problems came from poor cutting and not poor sewing!