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3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 08:41 AM

Quilting buddies

I am making a special quilt for my niece, each block has a 3 1/2" circle so 54 circles total, how do I cut multiple circles at the same time? I also have to cut multiples of an other shape in the same block ( and 216 of this other shape), any suggestions, help or ideas?

TreeFrog

milp04 03-18-2011 08:52 AM

I would have to cut the circles one by one.

Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.

As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.

As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.

If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.

The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.

Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.

Pam M

ckcowl 03-18-2011 08:56 AM

do you have a rotory circle cutter? with a fresh blade you should be able to cut 4-8 layers at a time depending on the fabric. if you do not have a circle cutter and are using scissors you can press your layers of fabric together, using starch; then pin all the way around (the inside) of the circle to hold the layers in place and cut on the circle's line.

blossom808 03-18-2011 08:58 AM

Yes indeed not more then 4 layers. I learned the hard way, The magazine said I could lay 9 layers and cut. I did that and I was all messed up. i just put them to the side and making my daisy quilt with the other squares i had. I would get a templet tho would be much easier cutting circles. they are hard to cut, for me anyways

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 09:20 AM


Originally Posted by milp04
I would have to cut the circles one by one.

Someone may have one of the circle cutters that may cut more than one layer but I have no personal experience or knowledge to comment.

As for cutting other shapes they are easiest when cutting along a straight edge of a ruler. I do not cut through more than 4 layers at the most and only with a new rotary blade. I like the accuracy from cutting through only 2 layers of fabric, but that's just me.

As a side note to the circles, there are several methods of sewing circles. One is to iron around a circle pattern of cardboard, etc. to help set the circle pattern in the fabric. The other is to back applique to the project. This method can be researched and googled. There may be a thread here at the QB.

If you have the pattern of the circle in cardboard, etc. or pressing mylar, you can iron around the circle then trim to have approximately 1/4 inch of seam allowance. This way you can cut squares (much easier) then trim down. Look for the subject of Perfect Circles as you research.

The other idea is to use yo-yo's for the circles. They make a quilt project very cute, especially when using different patterned fabrics for the scrappy look. This seen used a lot in 30's fabrics and patterns.

Good luck with your quilt for your niece and please keep us updated as your progress with your project, with pictures if possible.

Pam M

Pam
Thank you, I will look into every option. I like the yoyo idea!
Thanks!

TreeFrog

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 09:21 AM


Originally Posted by ckcowl
do you have a rotory circle cutter? with a fresh blade you should be able to cut 4-8 layers at a time depending on the fabric. if you do not have a circle cutter and are using scissors you can press your layers of fabric together, using starch; then pin all the way around (the inside) of the circle to hold the layers in place and cut on the circle's line.

Ckcow

Thank you for mentioning starch, I had not thought of that, and I do have a rotary cutter. Options....

Thank you
TreeFrog

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 09:24 AM


Originally Posted by blossom808
Yes indeed not more then 4 layers. I learned the hard way, The magazine said I could lay 9 layers and cut. I did that and I was all messed up. i just put them to the side and making my daisy quilt with the other squares i had. I would get a templet tho would be much easier cutting circles. they are hard to cut, for me anyways

Blosson

I know about the "no more than 4 layers", I learned that the had way too! I have a plastic template or 2 that I made, and think that I am going to put bias tape around the circle as well as the other pieces before putting them on the block.

TreeFrog

DeneK 03-18-2011 10:33 AM

If you have access to The Quilt Show videos - I just watched part 2 of the Ricky Tims tut on Rhapsody quilts. He shows a way to cut multiple layers of a motif to be appliqued. It looked really interesting (tho I have not tried it). Actually, the whole video (parts 1 and 2) are fascinating, but in particular in video 2 he shows this technique. I am not sure I can explain it, but has to do with fusing the layers (but not fusing solidly) then cutting, then separating the layers.

MadQuilter 03-18-2011 10:42 AM

I have a ruler that has half circles in 1/2" increments. Supposedly, you should be able to cut out half the circle, then turn the ruler and align it to cut the other half. Wellll, it's easier said than done. One thing for sure, it does cut better/easier with the small (28mm) rotary cutter.

ckcowl 03-18-2011 12:04 PM

when i mentioned the rotory cutter i was refering to the circle cutter...not a regular rotory cutter...the circle cutter works like a compass you draw circles with except it has a small rotory blade that goes around the circle instead of a pencil

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 12:50 PM


Originally Posted by DeneK
If you have access to The Quilt Show videos - I just watched part 2 of the Ricky Tims tut on Rhapsody quilts. He shows a way to cut multiple layers of a motif to be appliqued. It looked really interesting (tho I have not tried it). Actually, the whole video (parts 1 and 2) are fascinating, but in particular in video 2 he shows this technique. I am not sure I can explain it, but has to do with fusing the layers (but not fusing solidly) then cutting, then separating the layers.

DeneK

I am doing a Google search for that video right now, and if nothing turns up there, I will do a youtube search!

Thank you, I will try everything!

TreeFrog

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 12:53 PM


Originally Posted by MadQuilter
I have a ruler that has half circles in 1/2" increments. Supposedly, you should be able to cut out half the circle, then turn the ruler and align it to cut the other half. Wellll, it's easier said than done. One thing for sure, it does cut better/easier with the small (28mm) rotary cutter.

MadQuilter

I will have to check out the circle ruler that I have, I think that what you are suppose to do, is fold the fabric in half and put the folded edge on the end of the start and stop of the cutting part of the ruler...I think, I am no expert!

TreeFrog

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 12:55 PM


Originally Posted by ckcowl
when i mentioned the rotory cutter i was refering to the circle cutter...not a regular rotory cutter...the circle cutter works like a compass you draw circles with except it has a small rotory blade that goes around the circle instead of a pencil

Ckcow

I have been searching all afternoon for a company that will actually ship one to Canada! The circle cutting rotary cutter!

TreeFrog

Annaquilts 03-18-2011 12:57 PM

I would have to trace them with a sharp tip pen and then find a good movie, reading glasses and a small very sharp scissor, then cut. Do they need to be appliqued on? You migth then do them with interfacing applique technique. No need to cut the circles sepperate then.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YAr6q5kqPr8J:underconstructionblog.typepad.com/under_construction/2007/09/tutorial-interf.html+interfacing+applique&cd=2&hl=en&ct=cln k&gl=us&source=www.google.com

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 01:21 PM


Originally Posted by Annaquilts
I would have to trace them with a sharp tip pen and then find a good movie, reading glasses and a small very sharp scissor, then cut. Do they need to be appliqued on? You migth then do them with interfacing applique technique. No need to cut the circles sepperate then.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YAr6q5kqPr8J:underconstructionblog.typepad.com/under_construction/2007/09/tutorial-interf.html+interfacing+applique&cd=2&hl=en&ct=cln k&gl=us&source=www.google.com

Anna

Thank you for the link, I am going there next! Each piece will be contoured with bias tape then appliqueed onto a block. I know that it sounds like a ton of work, however I think that it will be a beautiful quilt specially designed for my niece!

I have good glasses, and will be doing whatever it takes to make this quilt! I have to make a certain amount in 3 different colours, so at least I will be able to change the colour every once in a while!!

Thank you for your help Anna!

TreeFrog

mpspeedy 03-18-2011 01:49 PM

Sounds like you need an Accuquilt cutter. Check with your local quilt shop or qulting group. Someone who owns one may be willing to cut the fabric for you for a fee.

3TreeFrog 03-18-2011 04:18 PM


Originally Posted by mpspeedy
Sounds like you need an Accuquilt cutter. Check with your local quilt shop or qulting group. Someone who owns one may be willing to cut the fabric for you for a fee.

msspeedy

An accuquilt cutter, hum something that I will look into! I hadn't thought of that! I will check it out.
Thanks!

TreeFrog


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