Originally Posted by cindle

I just finished sewing together my first rag quilt I made up of flannel squares from my stash. Now comes the cutting OMG my hand is already killing me and all I've done is cut the outside edges of the quilt and started to do one row. Is there any way to make this not hurt your hand and make blisters?

Originally Posted by cindle

I think i'll be getting a pair of those scissors. My ring finger is already blistered and sore from the normal scissors. Thanks for your help and suggestions :)

Originally Posted by AliKat

Those special rag snips are wonderful. I was given a pair by a friend and it is among my most prized tools ... esp for rag quilts.

The weed whacker idea is from John Flynn.

I take my quilt to the laundromat to wet it and then use their dryer - no heat - to tumble it and get all the lint out. No way do I want to mess up my dryer at home. You'll be surprised at the amount of threads that come off. Then I dry it when it looks nice enough.
I do the same thing, after a friend gummed up her machines with all of the lint. I think the larger, industrial machines can do a better job as well.

ali

Originally Posted by chamby

I can't answer that question with experience, but what I've heard others say on other groups that it is fine. I think they layer the back, batting, and top then cut it that way and they are ready to stitch. Only negative thing I've read is that bits of fabric get stuck down in the die, but the cutter comes with a tool to clear out along the dies if anything gets stuck. Hasn't happened to me with any of my cuts yet.

So when you use this to pre cut the rag quilt pieces, is it hard to sew seams with edges already clipped?

Originally Posted by nursie76

Here is a reference to John Flynns weed whacker method:

http://www.flynnquilt.com/workshop/FreeLessons/

It is about the first paragraph under the title which is about 1/3 way down the page.

Originally Posted by Jingleberry

I don't believe it !!! Someone is flat out not being honest. Sorry.