Am I the only one who hates to cut the fabric? It seems to take so long and I am using a rotary cutter. I am going to make the easy 5 inch charm four patch that is in the tutorial so I am cutting my 5 inch squares. I am really new to this so I would appreciate any helpful hints. Thank you.

I hate the cutting too! I do 4 layers at a time make sure you square up the edge of your fabric before you start and you should be good to go.

Stacking your strips can help make the cutting go quicker :D:D:D

video to watch to cut 4 layers of fabric at a time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yMH67a-bDs

just found a power cutting video to watch, Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bkJK...eature=related

I guess I'm strange. I like the cutting, since that means another quilt is in the works! I just bought one of those mats that rotates, and even though it was expensive, it sure makes cutting easier.

Does anyone have the June Taylor Shape Cut Plus Ruler? It is so valuable - expensive but worth it, especially if you get it 50% off at Joann Fabrics. I've worn one out and am well on my way through my second one. I have cut as many as 6 or even 8 layers at a time and zip along cutting strips of any size. Mine is 18 inches wide and if I am cutting 2 1/2 inch strips, I can cut 7 stacks without moving the ruler or needing to trim up the edges. I highly recommend this. I use it almost all the time.
Here's a photo.

I have 2 of those that I use when I make the fleece throws. Love em!
Carol B

I like that power cutting....thanks

I don't mind the cutting if the table is tall enough and I don't get a backache. Its kind of relaxing to me.
~Bj~

I have 4 of these rulers in different sizes. This is how I do power cutting.

I have the shape cut mat and use it every single time I cut my fabric. The only thing I don't use it for are my borders. I use my long t-square then. I only have the 12x12 though. Mine is starting to get into rough shape so I'm going to need to break down and buy a new one here soon. I cut my strips one way, pick it up re-align it and zip the other way. when I pick it up I have a board of squares. Sooo cool!!

I have one but always forget to use it. Thanks for the reminder.

Make sure your blade is sharp.

Makes the job much easier.

I really enjoy the cutting part.

Was this phrase in your original post correct?


easy 5 inch squares and cutting my 5 inch squares.

Did you intend to say

"cutting my 5.5" squares"

As soon as I get another 50% off coupon Im off to JoAnn's.

Thanks for the pic!

Kudos to Taylor......her power cutter is terrific ! I want the 17 inch (most wide one)
I would say more than worth the expense!

Cutting is something that I enjoy, and I too recommend the June Taylor Shape Cut.

I too enjoy the cutting part. Also make sure your cutting surface is at a good heights to avoid a backache

I use it all the time.

Cutting fabric is not my no.1

I have 2 of these and they are fantastic! They make cutting a breeze. The other night I cut a whole shoebox full of 3" squares and 3 x 5 1/2" squares to make a flying geese quilt. It only took me about 1 1/2 hours. That was with interuptions!

It is expensive, but well worth it. :thumbup:

I have to admit, I don't like cutting out fabric very much at the moment, mainly because I'm not very good at it yet! Need lots more practice, especially with long strips.

I really do not mind the cutting , since I remember how long it took before the rotary cutter, back when it was templates and sissors.

I was going to mention the shape cut ruler. I love those things. Yes they are a little expensive, but well worth the money. I love mine and make it so easy, and to me, a lot more accurate. Rulers have a tendency to slip, this one its so easy to check each time you make a cut. Lines are easy for old eyes.

I'm not fond of cutting either - the ruler slips, or I slip - so.....my husband bought me the Acuquilt GO for my birthday. It's awesome - makes cutting a snap. And it's fun to use.

I did too until someone on the board recommended the ruler with the cutting slots. I got mine at Wal-Mart and just love it! It has marked, 1" grids running both vertically and horizontally so you can make your strips any width, any length...great for cutting those 5" squares like I just did.

I lay down 4 layers of fabric, line up my cutting lines and I have a whole bunch of squares cut in no time. It is really a great tool and I am so thrilled someone on the board recommended it to me.

If I'm making blocks that require lots of little pieces, I sometimes just cut the fabric for one or two blocks at a time. It's a little too burdensome if you're having to move and line up several different fabrics, but for one or two, it's not too bad. For me, it beats spending all that time cutting all of the strips for the entire quilt--and it's easier on my wrist.

I bought a Fiskars "manual" strip cutting ruler at Nancy's Notions- It is a clear ruler with a rotary cutter attached. It can cut from 1 1/2" to 6 1/2" wide. It has made my quilting life so much easier!! It was not cheap but has saved me time and wear and tear on my wrists!

Ooh, like that!

I have this but have not used it. I watched the video and just need to remember I have it! All of your comments have motivated me! Thanks

I just have to ask myself if I'd rather be vacuuming! Also keep a picture of the finished, beautiful quilt in your mind or nearby. Cutting is just the first step and probably the most important! I do it where I can watch TV or listen to the radio. And it will get easier...

I like cutting too. It means I have another quilt in the making.

I must be the odd ball because I actually like cutting fabric. I often find myself cutting for many more projects than I can possibly do. I get started cutting scraps for one project and a sudden idea comes to me and I start cutting on yet another quilt. Needless to say I have several 'ready to go' quilts projects. And when I don't feel like working on a project, I'm cutting my scraps into 2" to 6 1/2" squares and 2 1/2" strips. Anyone else do that or am I just too anal?

I love cutting... I could sit and cut all day! I had a great time cutting all my scraps into strips and squares. I should hire out my services to cut quilts for people because I really enjoy it!

I have offered to cut for friends who hate to cut. One even said she will pay me to cut for her when she starts her next project. Will have to see how that goes.

I think cutting is the most boring part of sewing. Sometime I put the TV tray up, use my smaller cutting mat and cut while I'm watching TV.

Thanks for the link on the power cutting!

could you work from 5 inch strips to speed things up?

Sharon

i have a june taylor cutting mat like that but i cant seem to cut with it ? my rotary blade doesnt fit between the lines? has anyone had this problem , i have even tried a smaller rotary cutter. what type cutter and size do you use on yours?