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I tried learning how to rotary cut when I first started and I couldn't cut straight. I'm not sure if I was even doing it right. So for the next 3-4 years I cut everything with scissors. Picked up a rotary cutter again and just cut out the strips for the binding and the shorter sashing. Had a little more success this time around, but it does require a bit of practice. That's why I only cut out smaller things like binding strips and such. I went on YouTube and watched videos on how to do it before jumping right into it....when I first did it I didn't have a lap top of my own and our family had dial up, which wasn't even realistic for uploading a short video. Actually seeing someone doing it really helped.
As far as sewing the pieces go, I mark my seam allowances on the piece that's going to be facing up when I go to sew and take it kind of slow. |
Concentrate, measure twice and cut once, practice, keep trying, and have patience! Before you know it, you'll be cutting like a pro and your blocks will be spot on! Just don't give up.
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Make sure to use only one ruler for measurement (I have a tendency to use ruler and mat---which causes me issues. Also make sure that your ruler isn't sliding.
I also draw my sewing line on the back of the top piece to sew on. Last thing--practice, practice, practice. |
Use shortcuts! Position the corner square so when you fold it back you have extra to trim to fit the block. Starch and press the folded corner block in the exact place you want it to be, unfold and then sew on the crease line.
Put a few drops of basting glue to hold the square in perfectly in place if you want. I never exact cut the corner squares, I just make sure they are at least 1/2" bigger then I need. This is a great way to learn about leaders and enders so you will have an extra HST made for every corner to use later. Elmer's School glue will be your best friend so stock up. It's not really a glue but a very strong starch so it washes out. Heat with an iron and the glue hold the fabric together instantly. Basting glue works great too but Elmer's is so available and cheap. |
First make sure that your table is not warped. This has happened to me
very recently. I was going bonkers. I was cutting very carefully and yet my strips came out wonky. First I thought my ruler was warped. I was about to order a new ruler when DH checked with his square and it was perfect. Then we checked the table and there it was. LOL |
Using starch is a really good idea, it is really easy to stretch a bias edge. Also, make sure your machine is sewing an accurate 1/4 inch seam. Sometimes a machine can be off quite a bit. I bought a small machine to take to class and it came with a 1/4" foot. When tested with 3 strips of fabric sewn together the finished piece was off by almost 1/4".
Sue |
Very interesting! I have a plastic table that I bought at a sewing machine shop and I started using a few years ago. I'll not use it for my rotary cutting mat any longer, just for my machine. Thanks! :thumbup:
Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
First make sure that your table is not warped. This has happened to me
very recently. I was going bonkers. I was cutting very carefully and yet my strips came out wonky. First I thought my ruler was warped. I was about to order a new ruler when DH checked with his square and it was perfect. Then we checked the table and there it was. LOL |
One of my big problems is ironing instead of pressing. I'm quilting a quilt now that had a lot of bias edges. I had used sizing instead of starch (now I'm returning to using starch) and looking back I know I didn't handle the pieces with care so they became very wonky. I'm surprised the quilt came together as well as it did. Perhaps starch would help and be careful with pressing, along with practice, practice, practice. Just don't give up!
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dont give up
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Originally Posted by olmphoto2
Very interesting! I have a plastic table that I bought at a sewing machine shop and I started using a few years ago. I'll not use it for my rotary cutting mat any longer, just for my machine. Thanks! :thumbup:
Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
First make sure that your table is not warped. This has happened to me
very recently. I was going bonkers. I was cutting very carefully and yet my strips came out wonky. First I thought my ruler was warped. I was about to order a new ruler when DH checked with his square and it was perfect. Then we checked the table and there it was. LOL banquet table. I think it warped just from all the starching and pressing I did on it. Oops. I have now moved my starching and cutting in the kitchen. :thumbup: :wink: |
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