Is there a simple way to cut those little squares? Or just a little at a time, carefully?

What kind of little squares?

I fussy cut squares one at a time when I'm trying to "frame" part of the design.

How little is little squares?

I just cut mine a little at a time. I hope someone here has a better suggestion.

If you just want to cut a bunch of squares get a June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler.
Fold fabric to fit under ruler, cut strips, rotate ruler & repeat.
Great for watercolor quilts

When I have to make lots of blocks, little or not so little, I make strips first. Stack the strips & then finish cutting the blocks. For a 2" block you would cut 2" strips, stack three or four strips & cut the strips into 2" squares. That way you can cut 4 blocks at a time & it goes fast.

Scraps into 2"square or 1 1/2".

If they are small scraps, one at a time.

Get a little cutting mat, a small template (Rhonda has been giving them away) and do them while you are sitting in front of the TV.

It helps to iron/press them first.

I am glad you asked that question, I was wondering the same thing about little squares. What is the small template that is being given away.

The Shape Cut ruler rocks for this!

I lay out rows of strips cut to the correct width on my large cutting board then lay my 5 x 24" ruler over them and cut to size. With a really sharp rotary cutter, you can make your rows 4 deep. I usually only lay out 4 rows. I will be picking up a Shape Cut ruler the next time I go to Joanns, though.

This is Rhonda's offer for the free templates

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-36008-1.htm

In front of a good movie!

June Taylor Shape Cut or the AccuQuilt Go! Shape Cut is cheaper and cut multiple sizes--you have to buy separate dies for different sizes for the GO so it can get kind of pricey but they both cut thousands of little squares in a short amount of time.

Ditto on the Shape Cut Ruler.
I also use Rhonda's 1 1/2 inch and 1 1/4 inch square for individual cuts and for squaring tiny blocks.

Oh please get a June Taylor Shape cut. 12" is easy to find but she has an 18" so get it if you can find it. You will bless the day you did. Trust me. It is the best investment I have made. I would just about give up my sewing machine before I would my June Taylor Shape Cut. I am not teasing and have no affiliation.

I cut my squares or triangles IMMEDIATLY after I finish cutting out my blocks,quilt shapes(squares, strips, ....) and add them to the appropriate shaped stack for later use.

Good discipline!I've been giving my scraps away!

I have the June Taylor Shape cutter, not used it as yet, but it seems a good tool to have. there is a video on it on youtube ...

I had mine for a while before I used it. First time I used it I loved it and now want the bigger one!

Start using it! Great tool! They even have a bigger one now that cuts in 2 1/2 wide increments up to 20 inches wide!

Now I have 2 things on my list for my next JoAnn coupons.
I need the larger Shape Cutter. Simplicity rulers have a hinged 2 1/2" bias ruler for binding. It's cool.

How does the shape cutter work for cutting/trimming itty-bitty pieces?

Like when there is only enough fabric left over to cut/make one square? (Making squares of small scraps)

Is it more practical/easier to use than a template?

Rhonda rock on getting you templates! She sent me some small ones too....lifesaver!

unless you have an acqququilt Go! ??? They have an die that cuts these sizes.

To cut scraps into 2" or any other size, the only accurate way would be to cut each one. As far as I know, otherwise the strips across the width of fabric, then cut to the size square you need would be the way to do it. Cut the strips as wide as you need the squares to be. I'm going to be cutting some tomorrow, starting another quilt.

june taylor's ruler-I have 2 sizes-smaller one says "fringe CUT"-you can cut strips on it --then cut your sqs. it has slots every 1/2" up to 12". I use this ruler alot!USE IT W/rotary cutter

It is also helpful to have one of those large blade rotary cutters which will cut thru several layers of fabric. Stack three different fabrics (45" folded in half makes 6 layers of fabric) cut the strips the width you need for the squares. Disturbing this stack as little as possible, now cut the same measurment as the strip width -- you now have 6 squares, one cut. Another thing which I have learned, is to be VERY consistent in the placement of the ruler. Watch to see if you are laying the measurment line exactly on top of the cut edge of the fabric or if you have just snugged that line up to the cut edge. This is only a thread difference, but does make just a tad difference. Also using the same ruler seems to make a difference. Also notice how the ruler is lining up on the long edge of the strip. Hope this helps.

What she said about lining up the rulers - IMPORTANT AND HELPUL!

Also - check your old(er) well-used rulers to make sure that they still have a straight edge. I was so puzzled when I moved the ruler and I had a bow/curve on the cut edge when I knew I hadn't moved the fabric.

I just tossed three Quilter's Rule rulers (they were big ones, too) in the trash because they are no longer accurate. (By the way, that really did cause me pain to do so. But the curved cuts hurts more)

If you are fussy cutting and want a 'dog' in each square, there is an easier way.
Cut the fabric after a repeat which might mean you must cut 10 or 12 inch pieces. Pile them up so they line up perfectly (stick a pin in 'the dog's eye, in each layer'). then you can fussy-cut the layers and all will have the same 'dog' in each square.

I got this shape cut (Shape Cut Pro) today. It's originally $49.00 for the ruler and mat. I used my 40% off coupon and ended up paying $20.00 for it. I've seen the ruler alone for $64.00.

Be careful with this type ruler. If you even slightly tilt your rotary cutter then the sizes aren't uniform. I only use it when I am making fabric baskets, because there it doesn't matter.

ali

The accuquiot go has a die for 2" squares

With a sharp blade and good body placement (lean into it with your whole body) I rotary cut 8 at a time....using the "cut strips then cut the strips into squares" method.

If they're really small I would cut them a little at a time and very carefully otherwise I would cut strips, pile them up and cut into squares.

for such small squares, i cut strips and then squares from those. a few layers at a time.

The Accuquilt Go is fast and easy.

DITTO!

Diane

June Taylor Shape Cutter. It is on my shopping list!
I love new cutting tools.

I have the GO and don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my GO but you have to be careful when you lay out the fabric on it (as with all methods of cutting). I have found some of my squares were smaller than they should be. I have found, however, that the benefit of cutting a gadrillion strips/squares in a short amount of time out weighs a few short squares.