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?

I have never mastered that stack cutting. I usually stick with 2. I'm usually not in any hurry. I enjoy the whole process:)

Need to change the blade your rotary cutter maybe? I stack em really high sometimes but I change my blade often.

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.

In my experience I need a the larger rotary cutter and a sharp blade. Wear a cut proof glove, press down firmly on the ruler and make sure your perpendicular to the ruler (not slanting).

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.

To cut 4 layers you need a larger rotary cutter and a new blade and they cut just fine.

I use the biggest rotary cutter for more than 2 layers. I think it's 60 mm.

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.

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

Ditto! I also use the June Taylor shape cutter for multiple long cuts.

the idea of cutting more than one or two layers scares me to death. I have found that starching and ironing them together does make it easier.

I do it the same way, also using a 60mm sharp blade.

Sharp blade, pressed fabric with sizing or starch & firm even pressure while cutting on a good hand strength day. On a bad day, I get out my Alto's Quilt Cut 2. That is exactly what it is made for. I don't have much luck using yardage in it but fat quarters & scraps work perfectly.

it takes practice and some of my friends never could get it. Sharp blade and pressure on the ruler will help. Just cut what you are comfortable with and dont worry

I starch and iron the fabrics together before I cut-seems to keep the fabric together better-no slipping. And I use the larger cutter

I guess I have always been lucky. When cutting yardage I always go through 4 layers and never had a problem. It never occurred to me to do less because I always double fold my fabric for storage. Maybe it is because this is the way I have always cut?

The most I can stack is three and then I still have trouble. I usually don't stack more than two. It may take longer to cut but it's worth spending more time to be accurate.

I never cut more than 4 layers... if you want it accurate, stick to 2 layers.

it is also important to line up for your cuts on the same side of the lines. Are you using the lines on the cutting mat. If so this is not always accurate. Be sure and have some grippers on your ruler so it won't slip. cut a section and then holding the ruler securely inch worm your hands up so the cut won't slip. I find that the last 1/2" sometimes slips so do carefully. And regardless of what the pattern says - only cut what you can accurately manage.

Only stack two at a time. While some quilters stack more layers, the lower two tend to shift. Shifting only a few threads will throw off your sizing. AND that is important to having accurate patches. Adding several threads across a quilt will magnify the size of the blocks. And because of bias, the enlargement is not necessarily the same around all edges of any patch. So it's more accurate to limit the number of fabric layers.

Sandy

I have never cut more than 2 layers at a time. I could not imagine getting really accurate cuts with any more.

If you are not on a firm surface you will get a "wonky" cut. I learned the hard way when I cut a "stack" on my drapery pinning table with horse hair padding..The rest of the responses are good ones also

I think the trick is a combination of good pressing, a little starch or best press, careful stacking, a nice sharp rotary blade and a good and accurate ruler (Creative Grids is just one of the brands I really like right now). I usually don't stack more than 3 layers at a time, but know ladies who bravely stack 4. I find even with a new blade you can get some skipping and wonky edges with 4 layers. ;) Good luck to you!

Two things that really helped me: Spray starch the fabric and stack them together while they are slightly damp, then press (not iron) them dry.
Whenever I want to cut several layers of fabric at one time, if I starch and stack this way, the fabric doesn't shift. And of course, be sure you have a good blade in your rotary cutter.

I have tried several layers, but always go back to only one most of the time, sometimes two. I find it more accurate. I know it takes more time, the results for me are better, even doing it that way is not a sure thing for me at times, hard as I try.

yep, big blade and no coffee before

I really love my 60 mm blade rotary cutter - It gives me more control and can cut larger stacks, but others here are right new blade and pressure are key.

i have done more than that! I use the bigger rotary cutter.

Boy are you smart! You give some of the best ideas. I look for your blue flower and when I see it comin up as I scroll down, I know that there will be a great idea to learn.

I'm not a stacker either. It gives me a headache just thinking about it wiggling. LOL OCD again. maybe I should change my username to OCD Smith.

Good thought! Chuckle

:lol:

I would never stack the fabrics. I don't think you can get an accurate cut. If the cuts aren't accurate the blocks won't be the correct size. It may mess up the entire quilt top.
It is too important to have accurate cuts.

great suggestion, will certainly try this one.

I can't stack them either. I can't even cut my fabric folded.
When I do I don't have a straight cut. I just do it single and
forget it.

I agree. I have had good luck using the 60 rotary cutter for stacked fabric.

I always try to start with a new blade. The first time I did one of these, I had the same problem, but a quick change of the blade solved the problem. Dullness caused shifting and in turn led to wonky cuts. Haven't had this problem since!

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress

Great advice given above, and all I'll add is make sure you are working on a surface that is the correct height for you so that you can both see your work and get even pressure on your ruler as you cut.

I routinely cut 4 to 6 layers, sometimes up to 10 or 12, and my cuts are almost always right on. But it is a skill, and as with all skills, you have to use good form and practice.

RST

I have a problem when cutting long strips if I have more than 2 pieces stacked. They always have a curve somewhere.

My suggestions:
Use a large rotary cutter and a new blade.
Use spray sizing lightly applied between each layer or FQ and press well.
Limit your stacking to 4 layers until you feel comfortable.