I learned something about myself today
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DC area
Posts: 417
I have had some of the same problems. All summer I have made practice quilts and I can see there are cutting problems. My problems at times will keep corners from matching. I bought Best Press and that helps. I signed up for a rotary cutting class at a LQS, was ill the day it was taught, but can take it in December. There are hints and clues to learn. Can hardly wait for the class.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 547
You can use either starch or Magic Sizing...both work well. I'm a believer in using these products, as for me, it sure does make a difference in both the cutting and the sewing.
I do starch my fabrics before cutting, just FYI.
Debbie in Austin
I do starch my fabrics before cutting, just FYI.
Debbie in Austin
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 547
Originally Posted by leonajo
I was afraid to starch because it would build up on my iron. What kind of starch do u use? How do u keep it off the iron?
I have been misting with water.
I have been misting with water.
Also I do clean my iron periodically. Not as often as recommended, I'm sure, but perhaps that takes care of it?
Debbie in Austin
#25
My iron does have a buildup. Someone gave me this link in chat the other night:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/cleaniron
I haven't tried it yet but probably will today. I have two irons so I've just been using the cleaner one.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/cleaniron
I haven't tried it yet but probably will today. I have two irons so I've just been using the cleaner one.
#26
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,183
my mom taught me to clean my iron using salt. Spread out a newspaper, sprinkle with salt and then run the cold iron all around on top of the newspaper. Takes off the crusties pretty well.
So far since using the spray starch I haven't had a buildup. But I also haven't been doing this very long.
BTW have to brag about my iron. Found a high end Rowenta iron at the thrift store. The burst of steam button is broken but otherwise it works like a dream. Had some burned on crusties and cleaned those off. And I only paid $5 for it!!
So far since using the spray starch I haven't had a buildup. But I also haven't been doing this very long.
BTW have to brag about my iron. Found a high end Rowenta iron at the thrift store. The burst of steam button is broken but otherwise it works like a dream. Had some burned on crusties and cleaned those off. And I only paid $5 for it!!
#28
A little tip to think about. Most of the quilt patterns I see assume that you will be cutting the fabric across the grain(not lengthwise). The cross grain S T R E T C H E S, and with a sandwich of top, batting and backing the result can be as much as a half of an inch difference in a 20 inch cut. I am currently working on a log cabin, all cut on the cross grain, and using the quilt as you piece technique which I love, but NEXT time I will give serious thought to cutting those strips on the length wise grain to minimize the stretch.
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: California, USA
Posts: 1,318
Originally Posted by mzsooz
It sure would be easier to iron on the starch on the whole piece of fabric instead of each tiny little square!
I will try this next time.
I will try this next time.
One more thing: I will only starch the amount of fabric I need. Let’s say you have a yard of fabric and the pattern only calls for 1/3 of a yard. I will only iron and starch 1/3 of a yard and place the rest back into my stash. This keeps the fabric from forming permanent creases in the center of the fabric (on the fold line).
mac
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