Hi, I just started quilting and applique a while ago. So far I've been using Steam A Seam for the appliques. I like working with it, but the appliques feel and look stiff, even after washing. Is there something else out there that would dissolve so that the appliques feel like two layers of fabric sitting loosely on top of each other?

Another question, I've been doing quite some rotary cutting and am wondering whether anyone has come up with a construction that would hold the ruler in place while cutting, thus eliminating the pressure on the left wrist.

Thanks!

maybe double stick tape to hold the ruler to the top layer of fabric when you cut?
Or c-clamps to hold the ruler, fabric and cutting board to the table?

although i don't use this suction cup, a couple of my friends to..
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpis...+cup&Submit=Go

maybe that will help and it is cheaper that what they cost any place else.

soft fuse is wonderful.

When you cut am applique you have traced the shape... now trim the inside of the shape of the SAS so it is just a 1/4 or so.
Then iron to the fabric and cut around the outer lines for the shape... then when you pull off the paper all you have is bonding around the outer edge of the applique... your work will be much softer . Also are you sure you are using the lite sew SAS?

They do have a water soluable stabilizer. I know that at JoAnn's its not with the quilting stuff. Its in a bag and is is called SOLVY made by Sulky. I have some, but haven't worked with it yet. So can't give a testimonial on it!!! :D :oops:

As far as keeping my ruler in place. In the quilting section I've picked up these little rounds that stick to the bottom of the ruler. Some are clear plastic and some have like a sandpaper like feel. Works pretty good!!

Thanks so far!

No, I am not using the lite SAS, not sure whether I even noticed that in the store! I'll give that a try. Trimming the SAS so that there is only the outer shape sounds like a good idea, then the inside of the applique would be completely without web. I'll try that, too.

I've seen the suction cups, but somehow I think even using one of those or tape etc. wouldn't achieve what I am looking for. My problem is not so much that the ruler slides off the fabric because it's slippery, but it moves when I cut even though I press on it hard. Maybe I press the cutter too much against the ruler?

I've been told to use emery board. But so far I'm just learning to guide the rotary blade along the edge rather than push into it. That's what usually causes me problems. At least so far. But believe me I'm a beginner.

ConnieF I saw this done on Nancy Zieman's show on PBS and I thought it was brilliant thanks for reminding me of it.

It helps to always use a really sharp blade so you don't have to push so hard. Change your blade often.

What is emery board?

a nail file

There are little stick on feet you can put on the back side of your rulers and there is a sheet of some not very sticky stuff that you can put ont he backs of your rulers - both hold fabric down to make cutting easier. I sometimes use the suction cups with handles, too.

Try Nancy's Notions on the internet for products like these and, no, I don't know Nancy but I order from her site and find the service great.

Jois

Steam a Seam 2 is lighter and not as stiff - I use that one. Also, if you are appliqueing large pieces, you can cut out the center of the steam-a-seam shape and only iron on the outside edge. It leaves the center portion light and you can secure it with regular quilting methods. The outside will be secured by blanket or zigzag stitches.

I have never heard the term emery board before! I'm not American, that should explain it. But I don't understand what you do with it, where do you put the file when you cut?

i think she means you use little emery board dots,on the back of the ruler? i think thats what she means..you can get them in our hardware stores. they are tiny..and they have sticky tape to it stay on the ruler..
or
i could be way off here!

That's what I think too. Sticky sandpaper dots.

Aside from using sandpaper dots on your ruler, are you using good technique for holding the ruler in place? This means spreading your hand so that part of your hand is on the cutting mat as well as on the ruler.

The Accuquilt Go! is a die cutter that makes wonderfully accurate cuts quickly, but it is expensive. There are other cutting systems that help with accuracy. Here's a link to one that some people like:
http://www.quiltcut.com

When I have lots of strips to cut, I like my June Taylor Shape Cut. It is a flexible plastic that has slots in it for a rotary cutter. It can make cutting strips a lot more accurate.

The suction cup tools that have handles can help take the strain off of your wrists, as it puts your wrist in a more natural position. I also bought a roll of InvisiGrip made by Omnigrid. It is self clinging plastic, you cut it to fit your rulers. I like it because I can still slide my ruler to line it up, but once I apply a little pressure my ruler stays in place very nicely.

Thank you all for your replies! I think the first thing I'll do is get a new cutter. Whenever I see someone cut in videos, the blade just slides through the fabric. I bought mine at Joann's (not Fiskars, not Olfa, it's blue), and from the beginning have not liked it. No matter how hard I press down, it never cuts a line in one going. After a short time it looked like it left little pieces of fabric uncut, as if there were a nick in the blade. I bought a new blade for it, same problem. Maybe it's just a poor quality cutter. And that's why I have such a hard time holding the ruler down, because I have to press so hard on the cutter.

Thanks again!

newbie 1001, how many layers of fabric are you trying to cut through? Sometimes if the either the blade isn't sharp or there are too many layers you'll get the underneath that hasn't cut all the way through. I try to always do one pass forward and one backwards, found it does help.

ohh backwards? i wouldn't recommend that, especially with a newbie..the chances of going off the original cut line..is is great!
if your blade is sharp and your holding your hand correctly,straight up and down,your other hand is frimly on the ruler,it should cut with one pass. never cut more than four layers, 2 if your not comfortable with what your doing. IMHO

I agree backwards is a tricky thing. I'm extremely careful when I do it. Its just like you are suppose click your blade closed after every use and not put it down with the blade out.

So far I've only cut 2 layers at the most. I really think there is something wrong with that cutter. Or I am a complete idiot and have to take a class on how to hold this cutter!

your not an idiot! but it does take some practice to cut.. itook a basics class when i first started quilting, and learned alot..

here are some U-Tube shorts on cutting with a rotary cutter, i don't know if it will help, but worth a shot, since we can't be with you!
http://video.google.com/videosearch?...=com.microsoft:en-US&q=how+to+cut+fabric+with+a+rotary+cutter+site:y outube.com&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ZC-RS-LaDoHQM7j99PgM&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title &resnum=4&ved=0CDIQqwQwAw#

Thanks, I've got to run now, but will look at the videos later! I'm already feeling much better and encouraged about this cutting business!

To keep my ruler from slipping, I use the sandpaper dots on the back. It really helps.

I just saw a demo of a Martelli cutting mat that really self hear, an ergonomic rotary cutter and a new kind of ruler that is designed to stay in place. They are really expensive, but probably worth the money for me just in the savings for bad cuts and lousy mats.

You can also use a water soluble glue stick around the edges, which will keep the edges in place for you to stitch them, but will wash out.

The tool advertised on the web site i is for cutting mat boards for picture framing - 69.00 special - the cutter with 2 arms, one cutting and the other a side arm- looks very similar to a cutter I purchased by Fiscars and called Rotary Ruler (cost $70.00 plus shipping) except the Fiscars has only the ruler with cutter. These seem to be hard to find - the first one I saw was in a Wal Mart fabric department for less - but I passed it up thinking I would get one later. (they carry a 12 in. for scrapbooking, etc.). Results - I looked at every Wal Mart I have been in to no avail. I went in on the Fiscars webside, I think, and ordered it. It is 24 inches long with a 45 rotary cutter down the middle. Nice for cutting strips.
misbelle

What size of ruler are you using? Example, you need to cut a six in sq., are you using a 12 1/2 in ruler, or a 6 1/2 or even an 8 1/2 sq ruler. Sometimes you can't control the ruler if it is big and you are cutting a small block. Also I find that the sandpaper circles work well. You can find them at most quilting shops.

After you trace your applique on the Steam-a-Seam, try cutting out the inner portion of the Steam-a-Seam, leaving a 1/4-1/2" to be pressed to the fabric.

I had wrist problems too until I found a suction cup towel bar at Walmart. Works like a charm and is lighter than the one at Harbor Freight.

here's a thought on the rotary blade--I have been cutting for years. changed a blade, got fuzzies, not cutting well--I
had put two blades on cutter !! a first for all of us at Sew Day !

Absolutely the BEST fusible web out there is Misty Fuse and you can get it online at www.Mistyfuse.com. It's fabulous to work with and is almost like working with air, it's so light. I can't recommend it highly enough. All quilters will love it.

I just did fusable inter facing turn applique. this left the fabric soft. Penny

Also www.overstock.com has it too.

I just bought the coolest thing for putting on your ruler so you can hold it in place while you cut and keep your fingers off the edge of your ruler. I teach sewing and teach my kids how to use rotary cutters but I'm always freaked out when they use them, afraid someone might cut their finger. These come in 3 sizes, the largest one I felt was just too big, the medium one seemed just right, and I bought a small one too just because.

I got mine from Pine Needle, their website is www.pineneedlequiltshop.com. They are in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

I'm using a 24 x 6 ruler for cutting the strips and also for the blocks, but so far I haven't been doing any smaller than 9". I have watched some more videos for how to handle the cutter, but don't really see them do anything different from what I do. I really think I have a bad ruler. I'll stop at Joann's later and get an Olfa or Fiskars. The Misty Fuse might also be something worth trying.

Thank you all! This is a great place to learn!

If you're going to Joann's you will want to go armed with coupons. You can get them for this week here: http://www.joann-mail.com/J1048JKW/c...85807264640403

PS - this is from the previous post

Use those little sandpaper circles that they sell to keep your ruler from sliding. I just bought more. There are other brands too.

Two things you might try- for your appliques, try fusible web. It is sticky on one side but not the other. Trace your design on the smooth side, put the bumpy side next to the right side of your fabric. stitch on your lines. Cut a small slit in the web and turn the applique, right side up, now the bumpy side should be outside on the back. At this point you can press to your background fabric, or to reduce bulk, trim out the inside webbing. Press and stitch by hand or machine. Hope that makes sense. As for the ruler, glue a small square of fine grit sand paper to each corner. It will help 'grab' the fabric and not slip. Hope this helps.