Through the Winter Woods quilt
 

Anyone made this quilt? I am getting ready to start and I don't know for sure how to fussy cut out my pictures. I don't have a 9 in. square ruler to cut around. Should I make a template? Does anyone have a good video tutorial to know how to cut one using a regular ruler?

If you have a larger square you could tape off the measurements. Cut two sides and then turn the block, line those up with your tape and cut the other 2 sides

you could make your own template out of the flexible plastic from a bacon package [thoroughly washed] or from a cutting mat from the dollar store.

I used a 12 1/2 square ruler. You will find that when you set the ruler on the area to be fussy cut that the area to be cut almost defines itself with the frame around the picture. BTW...I am using this quilt to keep me warm this morning...lol

I agree, just mark with anything like post a note (I use the Omnigrid Glow-Line tape) and use any square that you have that is larger than 9".

Lila, my 12 1/2 in ruler's inside square is only 6 1/2 in. My next largerst ruler is an 8 1/2 and when I center it on the picture, the picture is clearly not square. It is wider than it is long. Sorry, I am not following as far as with the other suggestions. Tape off both ways from the corner of a larger square, putting the corner at the far side corner of the picture?

Do not use the inside square of your ruler. From the corner measure over 9 inches and mark that line. Now do the same down the side from the same corner. Now you have the square you want to use. As you center this portion of the ruler on the piece you want to cut trim the 2 outer edges. Turn the fabric, lining these cut edges with the lines you marked on your ruler and trim the new outer edges. I hope this helps you

I think I got it cj! Thanks

The June Taylor Get Squared ruler will be a big help with your project. It comes in many different sizes. If you find you like cutting fussy cut squares you will love Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Adjustable Square ruler set. I bought it for a project and love it. I use it a lot.

I would go to the hardware store and have them cut plexiglass to size. I did that and it cost me 25 cents.

When I'm doing any fussy cutting, I make a "window" the size I need out of a file folder or any light weight cardboard.
By window I mean drawing the square on the cardboard, cutting it out and using the window or hole to lay over the part that I want. I draw around the inside of it with chalk or pen, depending on the color. Then I cut it out with a straight ruler. My fabrics always look like Swiss cheese. Works for me.

I do it the same way as rocklady. I cut my "window" out of cereal box cardboard. Then I use the plain side up to move around and frame my square. I use a chalk pencil or one of the Frixon pens. Then I lay my ruler along the frame outline and cut my "window". The Swiss cheese fabric can be cut into squares or strips. I use the strips to make string quilts. The squares go into scrappy quilts. If you can find a hardware that will cut plexiglass, that works also. You can get different sizes very cheaply.

I also make a "window" template out of template plastic. Like to be able to see through it.

I would make a template with template plastic and a 9" square, and a 1-2" border of the plastic, this way you can move it around until you get the fussy cut that you want.

I have this pattern to and will be following to see what good advice you get.

I use the picture frame or a frame matt out or the glass from a frame they came in so many sizes - shapes.
Oval, rectangle, square etc.

I use the picture frame or a frame matt out or the glass from a frame they came in so many sizes - shapes.
Oval, rectangle, square etc. True you can not get any size, sometimes I cut clear plastic.

I would either be tempted to invest in a 12 1/2" square ruler or get some stiffish clear plastic and mark a 9" square on it, check markings are correct then cut either old rotary blade or scissors.label square. Just be very careful when cutting round as it is thin but being clear it helps with fussy cutting.
Good luck.

A little of the red or green frame will be left with the fussy cut but that ends up in the seam allowance. Some of it even showed up in the quilt but you cannot tell it when the blocks are sewn together.

Very good hint! I will try this the next time!