How to cut straight strips for quilting with a rotary cutter

[@juliekoester7776]

You Miss Sara just blew my mind! 🤯 Your precise description and instruction was so EASY to understand. You’re such a good teacher! You’re so easy to understand! THANK YOU! ♥️

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@lindacanaslee9909]

I learned to sew 60 years ago and took 3 years of Home Economics in elementary school and high school , but never had clear instructions and information like this. THANK YOU!!

[@Quilter-RN]

Good information. The best way to find out if the fabric on the grain is to TEAR one edge , then match the torn edge. Fabric only tears on the grain. The fabric companies do not usually roll the fabric on the grain. When I buy fabric at a store who cuts the fabric off the bolt I always buy an extra amount to tear when I get home. The other trick is I learned from Marti Mitchell to cut parallel to the selvage. This way the fabric doesn’t stretch.

[@prettysimplesara]

Great tip!

[@xuidee]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for making your videos with clear, wise guidance.

[@prettysimplesara]

You're very welcome!

[@juanitavandeweerd699]

Ahhh, that is why I get the kinks in the when I cut, that makes so much sense now. Thanks for explaining that so well. I really enjoy sewing, but am still a beginner. Part of the reason why I procrastinate so often is because I just can't get certain things right. Cutting the fabric right has always been my biggest problem and it still is. I tried making a shirt extender and cut the blouse at a certain spot, but although I had lined it up nice and straight and cut it with a ruler, it ended up all crooked and I couldn't understand why. Thanks for all your helpful videos!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad to help! Keep at it🙂. It’s definitely worth it!

[@sewingchicken]

I absolutely know how you feel! Cutting is honestly my least favorite part for this reason & I relate to how you feel when you said you procrastinate so often because you couldn’t get things right. I too am a perfectionist about it, I’ve finished a few quilts but I remember this saying I heard someone say. “A quilt is like fingerprints, their all unique to each & every person.” Sorry for the long message but keep sewing, it’s so achieving even though it’s not perfect!😊

[@prettysimplesara]

@@sewingchicken what an absolutely perfect thing to say ❤

[@cindawismar4265]

Excellent instructions. I finally know why I would get that vee in my strip!

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad to help!

[@susanrichtarcik5672]

Thank you, thank you. Finally a video that makes sense to me. I always was trying to make sure the selvages were perfectly even with each other and that caused so many problems now I realize they do not have to touch each other I need to have them even and concentrate on the folds. I trhink i got it, thanks to you.

[@prettysimplesara]

This makes me so happy! I’m so glad I was able to help🙂🙂🙂

[@1TimothyFourTen]

Valuable info. Thank you!

[@karolinecruz1408]

I love you as a teacher ❤ thank you so much for your insights

[@prettysimplesara]

🥰

[@cherylsmith3002]

Wonderful, clear instructions. Thank you!

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you🥰

[@lindaloostrom7025]

Very good instructions on cutting strips!! You made it clear to me!! Hooray!! Thank you!!

[@prettysimplesara]

Yay!!!

[@joanbaker5637]

I love the way u teach!😀Thank u for great instructions for us beginners.

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@peacefish4422]

Thank you for being direct and to the point.

[@prettysimplesara]

That is my aim. I’m glad it’s working 🙂

[@sherrylemaster1563]

Thank you for this video. Very informative

[@prettysimplesara]

I'm glad you liked it! 😊

[@elisabethjohannes7391]

Thank you. This video was very informative for me.

[@prettysimplesara]

I'm so glad!

[@jamiescountryliving]

Thank you

[@prettysimplesara]

You're welcome🙂

[@Kera.S.]

Great info! TFS

[@prettysimplesara]

Thanks!

[@fentonlover1]

That was a great informative video and you just gained a new subscriber from it. Thank you!

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you and welcome!

[@LisaHolstein-x7j]

Great presentation! Thank you, very helpful!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbjs2000]

The best. Thank you

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you!!

[@deenagraham5488]

Thanks for this video. I often have that "bow" affect when I cut my fabric. Question: are you using the fold that's already there to cut the fabric straight? Or are you creating a different fold near the already folded area?

[@prettysimplesara]

I always wash my fabric so it’s a new fold. If you’re using the fold on unwashed fabric, just make sure you line the ruler up with that fold. Does that make sense?

[@deenagraham5488]

@@prettysimplesara I think it does make sense. I will try that. Thank you for responding.

[@prettysimplesara]

@@deenagraham5488 I do my best to respond to everyone ❤️. Let me know if you still have troubles.

[@colleencasaul8590]

YES! I agree! Thank you so very much! I finally get it! 😁❤️

[@prettysimplesara]

@@colleencasaul8590 yay!!!

[@ndlz1]

🙏👍🏻

[@kimbrag3447]

How do you cut the long strips for quilt sashing? (The long strips that go across the width of the quilt) I am very new to quilting and am trying to learn the best method for sashing. My “ruler work” is not as good as I’d like it to be. I use a 6”x24” ruler as I’m not quite comfortable with the large square rulers yet. I’d love to hear any advice you can give me.

[@prettysimplesara]

I cut width of fabric strips using the method in this video. I find folding the fabric twice (carefully-like the video explains) and using a square ruler, or even just part of your long ruler, is easier for beginners. What specific problems do you have with your ruler work?

[@kimbrag3447]

I think I may push to hard on the ruler & it shifts the top layer of fabric just enough to make my strips a bit out of shape. Also, if I lay the ruler down in the wrong position & try to slide it on the fabric to readjust it, that also makes my strips out of shape because that also shifts the top layer of fabric. Glare on my ruler affects me as well. I’m definitely an “over thinker”, so that may be part of my problem 😂.

[@prettysimplesara]

@@kimbrag3447 If I were with you in person I would be checking to make sure you were pushing straight down on the ruler from above. Are you? The best way to make sure you are pushing straight down is to have table down below waist height and also again, to not use a long ruler so that you don't have to lean forward to reach the end way in front of you. I have another video about how to keep your ruler from slipping - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmLSZo17iZmmetE In terms of the ruler catching as you slide it, do you have one of those no slip rulers? They are new. I have that same problem with them, BUT they do help with slipping when you are cutting. However, it is a pain to lift for every adjustment. I don't know what to do about glare. I have the same issue. If I ever need to buy new rulers I will probably look into that as one of my criteria. In fact, I will put that on a list to review rulers some day! Over thinking is a two edged sword - you will have more precise quilts - as long as you don't let it make you dislike the process! I'm an overthinker too :) Don't give up! It's worth the process! No one makes a perfect quilt the first time :)