Quilting 101: How to Cut Fabric

#beginnerquilting #howtoquilt #howtosew
Hey guys! I’m back with another fun video in my Quilting 101 series. I hope you enjoyed last week’s video where we learned all about fabric. And today I’m going to show you my methods for cutting up all of that pretty fabric! Cutting accurate pieces is one of the first steps to creating a beautiful quilt, so let’s get started.
Stop by my blog post for links to products mentioned in this video and to enter to win the giveaway!
tinyurl.com/Quilting101Cutting...
*** SHOP ERICA'S SEWING FAVES HERE! **
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A special thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for sponsoring today's giveaway!
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Quilt behind me:
Pattern: Log Cabin by Tilda Fabrics
Fabric: Apple Bloom by Tilda Fabrics and Moda Bella Solid 900-97
Find more at Confessions of a Homeschooler:
Website: www.confessionsofahomeschooler...
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Disclosure: Fat Quarter Shop is sponsoring the giveaway for today's video. The opinions expressed in this video are my own and were not influenced by the company or product provided.

[@ginnyodonnell248]

I love how you don’t chat a lot. You just get down to work. I’ve learned a lot from you.

[@KIMMEIKLE]

I love that you just get down to business and don’t have alit if chatty! Thank you! Easy to understand.

[@Lea-sf9bc]

Had to turn down the play back speed though. Talks a hundred miles a second. Lol

[@warialdasue]

That was great. Thankyou. And I like how you don’t rave on for ages and take forever to explain things.

[@louisianalady7105]

Thank you. I've learned that when using a rotary cutter the technique of "placing the fabric one is using under the ruler". That practice seems as though it will improve accuracy when cutting. You're an excellent educator! You explain concepts well, discuss pitfalls to avoid, discuss safety precautions, present pearls of wisdom from your experience, and demonstrate the learning concepts you're emphasizing. I am a Ph.D. Professor of Nursing, and visually demonstrating while teaching is an area of my expertise. My Ph.D. Is in Adult Learning. You're a natural educator. Well done! ♥️

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks, so glad my video was helpful for you! :) Happy sewing!

[@KetogenicKim]

Thank you for the beginning. So many would say 'square up your fabric,"but not explain what they were actually doing. Thank you ☺️☺️☺️

[@karengailpetty7159]

Selvedge edge=woven edge to prevent fraying . I just LOVE watching all your videos! Thank you. Your work is all beautiful. You get SO much done!!!

[@sheadorris]

Thank you for doing this tutorial! Cutting fabric has been so frustrating for me. This helps tremendously!

[@dianaklatt9968]

just came across this video - learning to quilt and found that I really needed assistance on cutting the fabric - this tutorial was wonderful - I learned a lot - thank you so much - you will be my go to!

[@michellehenjum9487]

Finally I understood how where to place my ruler when I cut. I was not “getting” how to measure the cuts because I was holding the ruler on the wrong side. Thank you.

[@PaypierLoVer]

So I was given a sewing machine and I'm had home classed in school in 1985- like I was paying attention from over 30 years ago. This is like having the best teacher- I can rewind. I really appreciate you filming these vids for the people like me relearning the art of fabric. Thanks from me. (Please continue for the new followers like my self)

[@erica_arndt]

Hi Sally, thanks for your kind comment, I'm so glad you are enjoying them!

[@debrastallings2892]

Accuquilt

[@heyBrownBerry]

This was wonderfully explained, glad I found it in my search for quilting tutorials. Hope you're still making and teaching. You're great at both!

[@vmaewood]

Thanks Erica. I had taken a 5-session quilting course and finished my first quilt a couple months ago. I wanted to start a new quilt today and found that I couldn't recall the basics of cutting the fabric. Your video brought back my memories. Now, off to the races.

[@janetnolle9955]

I watched your video for a refresher on cutting strips of fabric. I need 4.5 x 20.5. I have so many strips left from my first ever quilt many years ago (probably when your video was made in 2016. Now it is 2023 and want to make that same quilt again. You gave me new tips on exactly where and how to cut the fabric! I forgot how to place the strips on the cutting board and had already taped up my mat with masking tape. When I laid the fabric on the mat on top of the taped marks, I couldnt see the tape at all, thus I couldnt cut even 1 new strip! LOL Your video reminded me to measure from the ruler, on top of the fabric, and now I have cut many new strips since watching your video. Thank you!

[@carriecoupon9369]

just starting to quilt and i didnt know how to cut the fabric, thank you so much for this tutorial, it has helped me alot.

[@creativelifewithgrace994]

I have 4 children of different ages. Since I watched most clothes donated to charities are dumped and burnt, I decided to save, cut and re-purpose the fabrics. quilting was the first came to mind! thanks for this vid🙂

[@Kambennett3]

Thank you so much for this video. I am very new at this and have watched several videos before finding your videos. You are the only one who has explained this so clearly...I just couldn't wrap my head around it. haha!!!!! Thank you - love all of your videos!!!!!!

[@amythatsme1372]

Wow! Totally the best video showing how to cut. I struggle with this constantly, but you have made it so easy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@annwitten4359]

Great basics video! I started quilting a little over a year ago and had a hard time getting my yardage to have a completely straight edge without having a dip in at the fold. I so wish I had this video to reference then! Thanks, Erica! 😊

[@andreadeciantis9746]

Thank you for a well done video. I haven't quilted in 15 years and have just retired. It was a great refresher for me.

[@brynhab]

Thank goodness I found your tutorial! I am left-handed and have watched many of them and never quite got it. I had learned many years ago from a wonderful older friend who taught me by using cardboard, etc. I wanted to learn the new way. I finally got it with your videos!!! Thank you so much.

[@juliegray7658]

This has helped me so much. Especially the fear of affecting my strip size. Explanations were wonderful. I learned not to be afraid of cutting it wrong (which I was) and I always felt awkward. I knew it should be easier and now it is. Cutting is the basis for success and I was just “chasing a rolling football” and it kept me from quilting more. I am “so on it” now and it will be fun. It seems simple for some but the simplicity of the video was so nice for my learning style. Guess that is because you are a home school teacher!

[@melindagibson8606]

finally an ACTUAL tutorial on how to use the ruler! Very practice and helpful! I'm learning as I go, it's nice to know I've figured out a lot of things on my own that you already do! thanks again.. just found your channel.. new fan!

[@b0sseslady1]

Excellent video, thank you. You are a great teacher! Look forward to viewing your other videos.

[@xg__garbled]

this is by far the best video i have found on this topic. your tutorial was thorough and clear. thank you.

[@pamdeloach1679]

Thank you for showing how to cut quilt squares and using a ruler. Your video refreshed my memory as my last quilt I made many years ago after I took a quilting class.

[@patriciamiller9759]

Extremely helpful and you made it so easy to understand. I always struggle with the cutting and make it so difficult, but no more!! Thank you

[@tdeful3342]

Thank you soooo much for the tips. You answered so many of my questions and issues that I'm having with my cutting!

[@sondraandersen9759]

Thanks so much. I wish I'd have watched prior to cutting all the fabric for my first quilt. I really needed this explaination as my cuts were definitely off and this, of course, followed me through my entire project.

[@Maryannna40]

I cannot thank you enough for this video. It helped me so much. Thank you for all your videos. I have learned so much from you showing in detail how to do things the correct way. Absolutely love your tutorials. I’m making my very first quilt from your jelly roll jamboree video and I’m having so much fun. You make such beautiful things and I for one truly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful day.

[@caroldaigle7460]

Really like you utube classes! It will be very helpful to me in the future. I'm going to try to use my ruler instead of my mat to cut my material. I think it will hold my material plus give me a more accurate cut. I can never remember how to lay my material to cut you helped me with that also. Thank you 😊 Carol

[@Jsppydays]

Absolutely you get right to the point and not a lot of chatter. I love your videos excellent content thank you

[@estherbeamsforaballad3342]

First video I've come across amongst many that clearly explained the cutting process not just squaring. Thank you🧵💕

[@cacollie]

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you for your clear and complete instructions!

[@fionanottle3200]

Thank you Erica a clear, step by step cutting tutorial. Excellent.

[@marietteforget7804]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I'm a beginner and cutting fabrics used to make me nervous. Now I understand how to do it , it makes the job much easier and accurate. You explain really well, you give plenty of information for different types of cutting and the camera job is great. Have a great day!

[@maxmansmom]

THANK YOU !! I have no experience with this, but saw a post on Facebook asking for volunteers to cut material for medical masks. This may have been done in 2016 but I needed it very much in 2020 during the pandemic. I have no sewing/cutting experience, but my mother in her younger days did. So, I am headed to her house to use her supplies that thankfully are just like what you are using here. Many hands make light work, thank you for sharing this very well made video.

[@menthiacarpenter3348]

Great job. Thanks for helping me understand how to cut my fabric better.

[@jenniferjones-paull1548]

Thank you very much...beginner quilter here as well. I will definitely buy that smaller cutting square, great tips all round. Happy quilting.

[@bonnieparsons557]

Very impressed with your tutorial. I've just started to quilt and I am 77 yrs old and I think I can cut fabric now without hesitation. Thank you for this how to cut fabric.

[@serace1ace422]

You have taught me a lot in this video, thank you so much. You explained everything so well.

[@fredandbessies7048]

This was so helpful for a newbie quilter. Thank you!

[@donajean33]

I’m so thankful for this video! You helped me so much. I’m a first time quilter so I needed this so much.

[@sazzy4229]

Great tutorial. Thanks. I've just finished my first lot of material and it was so much easier after seeing this. For those commenting you speak too quickly, it's the exact speed needed for an Australian viewer.

[@caroleobaker1806]

I loved your 101 how to cut material for quilting! I’m a beginner and it was so helpful! Thank you ! I will be watching more of your u tube tutorials

[@fabulousmarilyn3.088]

This is what I need as a new quilter, and I came upon you be chance. God is soon good. Thank you for these 101 quilting techniques. I've never cut right since I've started Oct. 2015, thank you so much. I appreciate it the detail and talking through it.

[@bibi9699]

Thanks Erica for the information. I'm always wondering how to cut my fabric. Love your rotary cutter too. Bianka

[@judyemanuel9666]

I love the way you teach! Very clear. One thing cutters need to remember is that we need two reference points: the vertical and the horizontal. And for that reason, the mat’s grid helps with that while the ruler helps with the vertical edge. Secondly, this will give the cutter the all important Right angle, necessary to create an accurate square and rectangle.

[@ivybichon8582]

Thank you for this great explanation . I was intimidated by using yardage. Thank you for your wonderful videos

[@susie5900utube]

Yes! I loved your speed too. It was great 😀

[@myrabowmaster4227]

I learned so much from your tutorial, thanks a lot, now I'll feel more confident in cutting my material.👍

[@milliecookie147]

Thank you, have watched many cutting videos and I can follow you best!

[@mariacrodriguez617]

Thank you so much. I am new to quilting and I love your videos.

[@kimberlywalders6063]

Great tutorial ! Lots of good tips and trick know hows. Thanks so much. Have a great day.

[@margokelly4965]

Erica, I appreciate you showing how to cut with the fabric under the ruler. I have never tried this. I will tomorrow.!!

[@annesteimle2451]

Ty. Happy that you are concise and was very helpful to me. You were able to keep me focused due to less chatter.

[@marierizzo6183]

Thank you so much in your lesson on easy cutting keep up the great work

[@lynnbrandys8195]

You were wonderful, direct, and very informative. Thank you, you helped me immensely!

[@charlenebreitenstein8871]

Wonderful presentation. I am a new quilter and have many questions. You have given me a good start.

[@ktmint8495]

Great tutorial! I now know how to make cutting so much better. I could never get a straight cut. Your step by step demonstration is well done and easy to follow.

[@jiffiemail1595]

Hi! I am So Glad I found your video! Thank you for sharing! Now I can star cutting.

[@amberslilrose3954]

That is such a beautiful quilt behind you!

[@annasipinski2468]

Wonderful video. I reallly needed this information. You are a great instructor.. Thank you!

[@angelayarnivoregirl5009]

Thank you! I am so challenged when it comes to cutting fabric. My spatial intelligence seems below average to me when it comes to many things so this helped me so much to cut the fabric for your Drawstring Squishy Bag. I only wasted 1/2 a yard before watching your video and then I got it right.

[@TheSunlitLeaf]

Thank you! This is the most helpful video I've found!

[@roxannedalrymple2244]

Love this instructional video! Very helpful, thank you 😊

[@danadewey9405]

Great tutorial, Erica! Thank you for the information. I tried your method and it felt natural. I've been fighting with my rotary cutter and rulers for too long!

[@jakesuderman3131]

Dana Dewey out of the most important thing to remember to quilt pattern .

[@erica_arndt]

Great, so glad it helped!

[@maryannwiggins9611]

Thanks for the video. It is very informative and has helped me a lot with using my ruler and cutting properly.

[@carolannbolinger3795]

Thank you for showing all that wonderful you showed us.

[@debragonzalez4319]

Thank you for the cutting tips I hope my next quilt is more inline now

[@lyndabaillargeon4955]

Hi Eric a, I havelearned so much today you've made my day thank you!

[@sandycan1]

Usually I buy a yard and a half and have a terrible time cutting! Thank you for showing how to cut the fabric! ❤️😊

[@rosariofajilan7217]

i love youre back ground.... it is so warm in the eyes

[@michelleruffolo-perez6616]

This is so helpful, especially for a newbie like me!

[@cheriwilliams7001]

That was really great! It was like getting a ruler lesson too.

[@gaylelazarus2394]

Hi Erica, I am amazed at all the crafts you do. I also dabble in most of what you do. I always wanted to quilt so probably about 10+ yrs ago I took classes at Joann fabric. I was very disappointed and never finished my quilt; also didn’t really learn much I’m sorry to say. Unfortunately, now that I have some time free I have my sewing machine, embroidery machine, and uhhh another machine in storage as I do not have the room. I’m going to watch your videos anyway because you never know what the future holds. I also finally watched your granny square tutorial and I’m thrilled. I will be trying your way later on today lol as it’s now 4:00AM LOL.

[@dianabyle1014]

Found this very helpful. I haven't quilted in about 30 years (lots of things have changed).

[@lindabower4950]

Thank you for the amazing cutting video. Thank you so much, I learned a lot. Thank you

[@jackbendickson7487]

Thank you great video.. I was having such a hard time cutting straight lines and almost thought of giving up learning how to sew because I said if i can not even cut a straight line how am i going to make clothing or anything for that matter.. loved it. Will watch more of your videos for sure]]

[@sureshmehta7230]

Thanks the way you are doing

[@garyscott4546]

Thank you so much I was so worried about cutting and measuring fabric

[@Blisstyc]

Love your tutorials! Excellent!

[@meowmeow7212]

Very good videos Erica. Keep posting more. ❤️

[@flynner51]

That was very helpful Leah Thank you so much

[@diannajoseph4246]

I love the cutter you squeeze the handle to cut. When your done cutting the blade retracts

[@pandacookie6503]

Thank you Erica Arndt for showing on how to cut blocks

[@sandrakilgore3973]

I love your channel. 🤗 I've learned alot from you, THANK YOU! 🧚‍♀️

[@gingerjohnson5762]

I needed this class thank you

[@et1016]

You make it look so easy.

[@dianeflynn3071]

Erica, Thank you so much for this tutorial. I really enjoy listening to you as you speak quickly and get to the point. So many tutorials are so slow I find I want to close them before finishing what is being taught. My cuts can be wonky at times so I appreciated this method. How do you handle when a square becomes out of whack because of bias stretch? Thanks again, Diane

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks for your comment! I usually try not to cut on the bias if possible. But if you know you'll be doing that, you can use spray starch to help the fabric hold it's shape until you're done sewing it.

[@evaespitia5158]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm a beginner and struggling cutting my squares evenly

[@marleneslepkov6081]

Great Information..very clear and informative!!! Much Thanks !

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Thank you so much for this. It has been really helpful. :)

[@rq3980]

Thank you!! This was very educational and helpful!!!

[@abby7038]

Love your tip on cutting on the bias. I wish I would have watched his video before cutting out a billion HST! next time I'll know what to do though! I'm hoping you have a video on cutting and sewing triangles- how to get great points- and how to use the triangular cutting ruler to cut different sizes without having to cut squares first?!

[@lilliannesbit185]

Thank you for your video. I was looking at getting a "Quilting For Dummies" book.

[@cindyengland9669]

Thank you for doing that.i need to see it you such a good teacher

[@nancymaddux2188]

Thanks for making it simple!

[@gaetanetheriault7877]

Thank you so much for your great tutorial! ❤

[@harpreetsinghnirdosh4734]

Your videos are very helpful for tailoring

[@allisonc9929]

I really like your ruler. Have gotten out of sewing but want to get back into it

[@marywallissoetebier9144]

Best tutorial out there. needed a refresher.