Precision cutting question
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Ephrata, Lancaster County, PA
Posts: 14
Precision cutting question
Greetings! I noticed that the lines on my creative grids rulers (and most rulers) are about 1/16". So here is my dilemma: when you cut shapes for piecing, which side of the ruler line do you use? Or do you attempt to center the ruler line on the edge of the fabric? I know this seems trivial, but now that I'm cutting 60 degree diamonds, it makes a big difference! I end up tossing about 30% of the diamonds that I'm cutting because they are just ever so slightly wonky. I know from experience that if the original shapes aren't perfect, when I sew the blocks they can end up being way off.
#2
I always get the line on the fabric. I have found that often you can overcut a bit, sew and then trim to exact. I've found that I can mess with the seaming to get less than perfect cuts to come out. I use a "sticker" on my machine that helps me to sew straight even if the cut edge is not. I think it's a Sew Steady product. But I've also been sewing for 55 years, and only starting quilt making less than 10 years ago.
Being able to ease in fabric, and not needing the cutting to be prefect is one of the things I love about sewing. I also do a lot of woodworking, and cutting has to be exact with that.
Being able to ease in fabric, and not needing the cutting to be prefect is one of the things I love about sewing. I also do a lot of woodworking, and cutting has to be exact with that.