Cutting border fabric lengthwise
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,110
Cutting border fabric lengthwise
I am making a quilt that will look much better with a border that is cut lengthwise to display the pretty fabric. What is the best technique to do this? Fold and cut, cut with scissors or another method? Working with fabric that is three yards long is very cumbersome to cut. Suggestions?
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,535
On a long lengthwise piece of fabric I usually take my large square and my chalk marking pencil and mark down the length. I cut along this line (with a little extra for boo boos) and then I set the rest of the yardage aside. Now that the fabric is more manageable, I fold it until it will fit on my cutting board. I use my big square to cut away the selvage and re-cut the scissor cut straight and I have my border fabric.
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I fold and then pin the selvedges, carefully lining them up.. then use my rotary cutter. I have a pretty big mat and cutter so it makes it easier.
If you don't feel comfortable cutting.. rip ! But if its a border print , check to make sure the print was printed on grain.. or ripping will give yo something that looks like you had a few cocktails before you cut.
If you don't feel comfortable cutting.. rip ! But if its a border print , check to make sure the print was printed on grain.. or ripping will give yo something that looks like you had a few cocktails before you cut.
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: dallas tx.
Posts: 5,172
I always keep the fabiric folded as it was from the store, cut the selvedges off, and just labor along the total yardage. I just take my time and do it. I also use my rotary.
Last edited by barny; 07-11-2012 at 04:26 PM.
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
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#9
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Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
For a border print, I cut through only a single layer. I am careful to cut the border edge straight as it relates to the print -- I make sure to allow for the 1/4" seam and I make sure that I cut it so all for sides are basically the same.
For other fabric, I generally rip the fabric generously wide and then trim the edges to make the smooth.
For other fabric, I generally rip the fabric generously wide and then trim the edges to make the smooth.
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