margecam52

I agree...snip at 10" and tear the strips...press them and then you can fold and cut the 9" sections...once those are cut...you can trim the 10" sides down to 9". I just used this method to do some blocks for a quilt today...I was using a makeshift cutting area...so was limited on space also.

chuckbere15

I would make a ten inch cut and rip it the width of the fabric. On the first cut I would go maybe 11 inches to get it straight and then make my blocks.

LMB

Want to make a rag quilt with a contrasting back. front is navy with white snomen centers. will post pics when done.

Melrose

Tearing the fabric would be the easiest way, just snip & start tearing. Hope that works for you.

maryfrang

First don't cut, but rip it in at least half. Then rip it again in half. You then will have an easier piece to work with and it will be stright. Then fold the 4th in half again You should have a piece 27 inches wide by 54. You should be able to cut you 9 inch blocks. Good Luck, but that is how I would make my piece of fabric usuable.

CircleSquare

Since you like the color for your quilt top, this is what I would do, except tear it in 10" strips so you can cut it exact. Tearing it damages the edges so you don't want that to be your final edge.
I am a longarm quilter and I know how difficult it is to deal with a large piece of fabric! Even getting a large piece squared for the back of a quilt is a chore! Patience, my dear!

Mazda

Yep, I would cut or rip some off to make it a manageable size.

mpspeedy

I am a tearer from way back. I intentually purchase the wide backing fabric when I can get a good price. I make at least 20 Linus quilts a month and it is one way to keep my expenses down. A new Joann's opened up near me recently. They are having their grand opening this weekend. Yesterday I purchased three yards of their 108" solid color backing fabric. With a 50% off coupon I will be able to get at least 4 teen size Linus quilt backs out of it for about $10. It is also a great way to get lengths for borders, straight of grain binding etc. Tearing is a great way to keep the grain straight and the size of the strips etc. exact.

mysewingroom

Before you tear or cut make sure the salvages are together and the fabric hangs straight. I have worked with 108" fabric for 4 years and it is not easy but if it is not straight that is the pits. I don't know of an easier way but to tear it if it will tear.

nanascottie

If you really want to cut it - i bet your local quilt shop would do it for you.