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Quite frankly, I don't see how you can be accurate with that many layers that can slip. Clothing manufacturers have big cutting blades and contraptions that clamp many layers together for this purpose, but I don't think it is easy for us without that sort of set - up.
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I cut 6 layers at a time, really I think it just calls for pratice. You have to have pressure on the ruler, and the cutter must be straight. All my squares come out perfect. I have been known to cut a layer of 8 when I am in a hurry. I don't use a big cutter, just a simple one.
It does take a bit of pratice, and a steady hand. Start with what your comfortable with, don't do more than your able to. |
Well, I learned something too. I shy away from the rotary cutter but I'm learning to use it.
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Originally Posted by amma
Press the first piece of fabric, stack the second one on top and then press it, the third and fourth one too.
Pressing them in this manner seems to make them stick to each other, and can make cutting through a stack more accurate. :D:D:D |
Originally Posted by cherylynne
I've stacked and it works great, but if you make a bad cut you've made more than one mistake. I've had to change my plans because I was distracted and cut wrong.
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wow there is no way i would stack that high and hope for a perfect measurement not worth the chance as much as material is
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You might need a new blade or a bigger blade.
Robin in TX |
Pinning the edges in several places is a must to keep pieces from moving. You can even take a couple basting stitches.
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Originally Posted by blzzrdqueen
......I actually have a new blade on my cutter, I changed the blade right before I started cutting. After the first few cuts, I started cutting my strips just a tad bigger so I can just trim the pieces down.
i only cut 2 layers - i try to cut accurately to begin w/, something about me hates to do double the work if i don't have to! :lol: |
Originally Posted by blzzrdqueen
I'm starting a the Crazy Eights pattern and it tells me to make the cutting go faster, to stack my fat quarters 4 thick then cut. I notice that when I do that, my squares/patches are not accurate...am I doing something wrong?
If you put in lots, you can pull out any that get in the way of the cutter... If you draw the lines for cutting with a sliver of soap on the top layer, then you can see where to put the pins - not on the lines of course....and you will see any mistakes before you cut them. With a new blade, you can easily cut 8 layers. J |
I use my # 60 blade cutter.
Seems to roll along much better with stacking. |
I don't stack and cut I just cut one layer at a time as I want my blocks to be square. In the past I use to do 2 layers at a time but found that the bottom layer was off when I cut it. I also pull threads across the lenth of the top of the fabric and cut the material so that the fabric is squared. Also I don't have the hand strength to cut thru many layers with a rotery blade, I have arthritis.
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I find the same problem - two is my limit.
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Originally Posted by ddrobins1956
I've seen this advice in patterns also, but, for me, I know that I can not be accurate of I stack more than a double thickness. And I've found that cutting accurately is very important to the outcome of a nice block with seams matching and points not getting lost in seam allowance. I'm sure there are quilters that can cut 4 or more thicknesses and stay accurate, but it doesn't work for me.
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I find I am more accurate if I iron as I stack. Then cut.
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I like to double up most of the time but maybe you need to change your blade.
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I agree with amma - press the layers together first so that they cling to each other.
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Ive had good luck pressing them well as I stack, they using the 60mm rotary cutter. 8 or 9 layers is about my limit though , to still be accurate
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