Rotary cutting,....ugh....
08-13-2010, 05:15 AM
#51
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 611
I have one last question:
Are there some people that just don't like using a rotary cutter? I know someone said so earlier in this thread.
I think its entirely possible that some people just can't do it. Like some people can't whistle, LOL!
Sometimes, I think its just easier to use scissors.
Are there some people that just don't like using a rotary cutter? I know someone said so earlier in this thread.
I think its entirely possible that some people just can't do it. Like some people can't whistle, LOL!
Sometimes, I think its just easier to use scissors.
08-13-2010, 06:01 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Somewhere near the water in beautiful Michigan
Posts: 772
Originally Posted by stefanib123
Originally Posted by calicocat
I think it is not your cutting, either I think it may be your seams. Check to see if your 1/4 inch seam is really a 1/4 inch. I was quilting for nearly 4 years before I actually checked mine and guess what it was not a 1/4 inch. Boy has that made a huge difference in my block size.
I do appreciate all the tips about the 1/4 inch seams, though!As I said , I'm getting "better" not "exact", LOL!!! So, really, I need all the help I can get ! On all sides!
Ok....now for the good news! I sat the computer close to me, and read over everyone's tips again. Then I lined up my fabric and started to cut. A few things I noticed:
1. I put my fabric either on one side or the other of "line", not in the center, and not always the same.
Solution: Putting my fabric right in the center of the lines. One big problem down, ten thousand to go!
2. I would put my hand in the middle of my ruler and leave it there holding real tight for the whole cut!
Solution: "Walking" my hand up
3. As per problem 2, holding the ruler in the middle WAS making me move it slightly as I got to the end of my cut.
Solution: See 2
4. I was tilting my cutter "in" toward the ruler, trying to get as close as I could.
Solution: Holding it straight up and down
5. CHECK, and DOUBLE Check that everything is lined up!
After all this, my cuts are MUCH better! Much, much, better! I think another problem was I was "rushing" through it. I see all these videos of people going "swipe, swipe, swipe,swipe, done! 400 perfect triangles!" And think I can do that too, and.......I can not. I must take my time!
I even started a few of Rhonda's keychains last night and they are coming out great!
I want to thank everyone so much! I think I'm going to print this thread off and put it in my how to binder that I keep.
Seriously, I'm glad the suggestions that have been made here for you have been of help. Good to know.
As for doing a tute, thanks for asking. I will look in to this. But I will not have time for it until at least next week some time. Am in the middle of "wedding wars" :!: -- have a wedding cake and 2 birthday cakes to complete tonight, deliver tomorrow, and then try to get the house back in order on Sunday. After that I may have more time... Certainly some of us are "visual" learners and it may help someone else who is struggling with these same issues.
stefanib123, congrats on figuring it out. Keep practicing, you will get better and faster. Eventually you will be doing precisely what those TV quilters are doing, zip, zip, zip, all done! 442 perfect squares! It just takes time, practice, patience, and the willingness to re-check yourself before you make a cut.
Odessa
08-13-2010, 07:09 AM
#56
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 13
I bet I am not the only one on this board that can cut for hours and have "perfect" results every time so I know that you can learn to cut with great accuracy. This is the sort of skill that is hard to describe and learn with words. The very best way to learn is by seeing. I heartily suggest that you follow the good advice to go to your LQS and ask for some help. Leave your things in your car and ask first or call and ask. They may have a time in the week where you can bring in your problems and they will help you for a modest price. Not really a class.
Debra B.
<Finally, if these tips don't help you, I'd recommend that you go to your LQS, if you have one nearby, and ask someone there for some help. I wouldn't recommend a big chain store, because sometimes they're just too busy. But a LQS is there to provide SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. They WANT you to be happy and successful, because that is what will keep you coming back and their doors open! Ask if you can bring in some fabrics and your tools and have someone watch you cut. They may be able to pick up on something that we can't necessarily "see" from this board and the help will be invaluable to you.
I hope that this will help you to have a better cutting experience. Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Odessa>
Debra B.
<Finally, if these tips don't help you, I'd recommend that you go to your LQS, if you have one nearby, and ask someone there for some help. I wouldn't recommend a big chain store, because sometimes they're just too busy. But a LQS is there to provide SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. They WANT you to be happy and successful, because that is what will keep you coming back and their doors open! Ask if you can bring in some fabrics and your tools and have someone watch you cut. They may be able to pick up on something that we can't necessarily "see" from this board and the help will be invaluable to you.
I hope that this will help you to have a better cutting experience. Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Odessa>
08-13-2010, 09:18 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Granbury, Texas
Posts: 881
Originally Posted by OdessaQuilts
I agree with Donna, I thought it could be your seams, but then I went back and re-read your original post. If I understand correctly, you are discovering problems when you put 2 pieces together to sew them, right? If that's where you're noticing the problem, there are fixes.
First, are you holding your cutter so the blade is straight up and down? You do not want to "angle-in" toward your ruler, as this will give you an "off" cut. If one cut is angled and the next one straight, your block is going to be "off".
Secondly, why are you only cutting one layer at a time? A 45mm blade can easily cut 4 layers without difficulty. If you've got your fabrics laid out nicely, you can certainly get accurate cuts easier (I believe) with more than 1 layer of fabric. (Please don't take this as a "snippy" comment, I'm just trying to understand...)
When you cut, how are you holding the ruler? Many people put a lot of downward pressure on the ruler, which can actually move it during the cutting process. Obviously, you don't want that "shift" to happen, so use a lighter touch. Also, one of the things I hit upon when I first started rotary cutting is to keep the heel of my hand and my little finger just off the edge of the ruler. This gives me a little more security in "feeling" if the ruler is drifting.
Don't apply too much pressure from the blade up against the ruler. This can also cause shifting of the ruler and therefore, a "wonky" cut piece.
A sharp blade is very important.
Also, if your pieces are off by a thread or two, it should be okay. Lay them together so they are as centered as they can be, and sew with a 1/4" seam just as you normally would. If you are seeing a thread or two of the underneath fabric, it's okay - just use that edge to line up on your machine/foot/line for your 1/4". If the two pieces are more than a couple threads off (like perhaps 1/8" or more), you should re-cut.
Finally, if these tips don't help you, I'd recommend that you go to your LQS, if you have one nearby, and ask someone there for some help. I wouldn't recommend a big chain store, because sometimes they're just too busy. But a LQS is there to provide SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. They WANT you to be happy and successful, because that is what will keep you coming back and their doors open! Ask if you can bring in some fabrics and your tools and have someone watch you cut. They may be able to pick up on something that we can't necessarily "see" from this board and the help will be invaluable to you.
I hope that this will help you to have a better cutting experience. Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Odessa
First, are you holding your cutter so the blade is straight up and down? You do not want to "angle-in" toward your ruler, as this will give you an "off" cut. If one cut is angled and the next one straight, your block is going to be "off".
Secondly, why are you only cutting one layer at a time? A 45mm blade can easily cut 4 layers without difficulty. If you've got your fabrics laid out nicely, you can certainly get accurate cuts easier (I believe) with more than 1 layer of fabric. (Please don't take this as a "snippy" comment, I'm just trying to understand...)
When you cut, how are you holding the ruler? Many people put a lot of downward pressure on the ruler, which can actually move it during the cutting process. Obviously, you don't want that "shift" to happen, so use a lighter touch. Also, one of the things I hit upon when I first started rotary cutting is to keep the heel of my hand and my little finger just off the edge of the ruler. This gives me a little more security in "feeling" if the ruler is drifting.
Don't apply too much pressure from the blade up against the ruler. This can also cause shifting of the ruler and therefore, a "wonky" cut piece.
A sharp blade is very important.
Also, if your pieces are off by a thread or two, it should be okay. Lay them together so they are as centered as they can be, and sew with a 1/4" seam just as you normally would. If you are seeing a thread or two of the underneath fabric, it's okay - just use that edge to line up on your machine/foot/line for your 1/4". If the two pieces are more than a couple threads off (like perhaps 1/8" or more), you should re-cut.
Finally, if these tips don't help you, I'd recommend that you go to your LQS, if you have one nearby, and ask someone there for some help. I wouldn't recommend a big chain store, because sometimes they're just too busy. But a LQS is there to provide SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. They WANT you to be happy and successful, because that is what will keep you coming back and their doors open! Ask if you can bring in some fabrics and your tools and have someone watch you cut. They may be able to pick up on something that we can't necessarily "see" from this board and the help will be invaluable to you.
I hope that this will help you to have a better cutting experience. Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Odessa
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