Quilting Basics #3 Cutting Fabric for Quilts Made Easy! How to Cut Fabric for Beginners

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

When cutting long strips of fabric, i do as Donna Jordan does, and use a weight on the end so the ruler doesn't move. Great tutorial.

[@StitchObsessed]

Awesome! 👏🏻 thank you, DiAnn!! 💖

[@jenniewren9351]

Me too!

[@victoriastewart2152]

It works great 👍

[@KathyMoranPaul]

Great video. There is always something to learn no matter how long one has been quilting. I am 72 and retired about two years ago which is when I took up quilting. I am so grateful for KZbin. I love your enthusiasm and your giggle.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes! KZbin is such a great place to learn about all kinds of things! Thank you so much for watching my video 💖I love how there is constant learning when it comes to quilting. 🤓

[@Carol_Sews]

I’m a prewasher who presses the fabric after it’s washed. To get straight strips without a v-shape in the middle, I make sure the fabric hangs straight down without any wrinkles or waves when I line up the opposite selvages to fold the fabric in half. Sometimes you have to shift one side to the left or right to make this happen. Then I square up the edge before I start and after every two or three cuts.

[@tinanelson4325]

For safety purposes, it's best to use an empty blade container to put your used blades in and tape it up before you throw away. 😊

[@hugemariofan1]

you are absolutely fabulous. i’m 74 new to quilting and have no one to help me. thank you from the bottom of my heart. starting with your new pattern ❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Aww yay! I’m so glad you’ve found my videos helpful! Quilting is so much fun! 💖

[@janestephenson8767]

Put your old blades in a little jar, and when your pack is empty, you can take them all out and put them in the pack that they came in to disposal of them safely😊

[@CatyW-zu9ip]

I like that you do not feel the need to use the most advertised brand of cutting mat, rotary cutter, etc. I find this encouraging.because sometimes I buy those quilt police approved brands and sometimes I don't. I want to save money where I can. Your honesty about your choices is refreshing and encouraging. it's helpful when someone knowledgeable says from experience that coat and clarks thread or fiskar rotary is "good enough." This takes courage. I hope your partnership with Missouri Quilt will not change this.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay! That means the world to me! And no, my partnership with MSQC won't make me conform haha!!! I'm not one to follow the crowd and that spills into my quilting as well. I (respectfully) push back on the quilting community when they try to convince me that the most expensive products on the market are the only way to go. lol Thank you for watching my videos!

[@kareng4551]

I’m a newbie quilter and I’m loving your videos! You explain things so good! And your other video about the scant quarter inch seam! I love how you know how to think outside the box! You know how to be creative on your own and you don’t conform! That’s me too!

[@StitchObsessed]

We rebel quilters need to stick together! 🤓💖💖💖

[@JeanMcDoniel]

I'm going to buy your pattern, Cozy Picnic, when it is a paper pattern...can't wait!❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Awesome! I’ve actually been working on getting it formatted for printing, so I should be able to announce that next week! Stay tuned! 👏🏻💖

[@danabailey6174]

Donna Jordan taught me to write up a cheat sheet regarding sizes to cut in list form for each fabric. Easier than looking at pattern.

[@StitchObsessed]

That’s a great tip! 👏🏻

[@deliad8826]

Such a great video and awesome tips. I always learn something from you..❤ May I share one with you? I worry that you may forget that the used blade is in your garbage and may "fish" something out and get a boo-boo. I take a scrap of batting and carefully wrap the blade in it and secure it with masking tape a couple of times so that pesky blade can't escape. I am a worrier about owwiees.

[@StitchObsessed]

Oh this is such a good idea! I am also a worrier and it gives me the heebie geebies thinking about getting a slice from a blade lol thank you!!! 💖

[@tracylowe9570]

I have a glass jar for “sharps” I put broken needles, old blades and or old needles.

[@StitchObsessed]

@@tracylowe9570 another excellent suggestion! Thank you for sharing, Tracy! 💖

[@michaelbergstrom2721]

I use paper towels to wrap. You can also put a label saying used and put it on the bottom of the blade pile in original container.

[@janestephenson8767]

I love the way you explain things and take your time and show us exactly how it’s done. It’s really helpful for me.❤

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m so glad this video is helpful! Thank you for watching! 💖

[@crystalbartley9447]

As an experienced cutting off the finger move, I always place a lightweight dumbbell on my ruler so I don’t show up in the ER again.

[@StitchObsessed]

Oh that is actually a great idea! 💡 💖

[@290liab]

so glad to see a left hander

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay!!! 💖💖

[@jeankeeter9637]

I'm a lefty too.

[@richardmackow1755]

Thank you! This is a great video. I was so intimidated by cutting straight strips I almost walked away. But time and practice is absolutely necessary. Looking forward to the next video.😊

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! 💖 thank you for watching!!!

[@auntieann3000]

Rest video! I'm one who gets the wonky wave but mine is from not folding in half correctly & lining up the edge of the fabric perpendicular to the ruler. On discarding 'sharps', needles & blades & anything that poses a safety risk to people including the waste management workers must be safely disposed of in rigid puncture proof containers. Whether that's the case the blades sometimes come in, detergent bottles, medication vials or the coffee can recommended above, they should be securely disposed of to not pose a safety risk. Thanks so much for your series!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for pointing this out to me! I really appreciate it!

[@lindaprice9242]

Thanks so much for the video. You explain things so thoroughly

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for watching, Linda!

[@galepittman3577]

I really enjoy your teaching style even though I’m an experienced quilter. We always can learn a new tip. I was concerned about safety with rotary cutter blades. Please urge viewers to tape old blades between 2 layers of cardboard or put in some sort of plastic container. Don’t put then directly into trash. That could go straight through your bag and even cut the workers who collect trash. Maybe I’m a bit paranoid since I’m a dental hygienist???

[@StitchObsessed]

That’s a very good point! Thank you! 💖

[@theresacantrell4735]

Yahoo another leftie ! Thanks

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay lefties!!!👏🏻🙌🏻

[@sallynorsen4018]

Sew glad you are a lefty.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yeah! Lefties are the best! 😂💖💖

[@michaelbergstrom2721]

Excellent refresher or beginner video. Thank you.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you!!!!💖

[@salettebryanbannister9709]

Love your videos. Watch them while I am quilting. ❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much!

[@rebeccawarner4392]

Love you and your videos, even more now because I'm a lefty too and so nice to finally see methods being done the "correct" way, lol. Have a great day, hugs'n love from your upstate NY fan 🤗🥰❤️

[@StitchObsessed]

Hahaha ikr?! We lefty quilters need to stick together! 💖 thank you so much for watching, Rebecca 💖🤗

[@sallykavcsak2772]

Great video. Love the pattern.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you! 😊 and I replied to your instagram message about the Bella solids that I chose!

[@dw6150]

Oh my gosh!🎉 so glad th find you. I a lefty.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay another leftie!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💖

[@Talk-to-the-Pugs]

Cozy Picnic is really cute.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you!!!💖

[@tracylowe9570]

Great video series! Looking forward to more. I enjoy your teaching style 😊Thank you.

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m so glad! Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@dianebauers4231]

So glad that I found your videos! You are an excellent instructor!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Diane! I'm so glad you've found my videos helpful!

[@Cherylsquiltycorner]

I find it easier to cut away from myself rather than across. With regards to your previous videos in this series I change my machine needle at the same time as I change my rotary blade. I keep a small Tupperware container to store and eventually dispose of used blades, needles and bent pins.

[@StitchObsessed]

Such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@judyl3490]

Sometimes i find that just taking apart the rotary cutter, removing built up fuzz and turning the blade over buys me more time. It starts cutting well again.

[@290liab]

so helpful

[@StitchObsessed]

Thanks so much for watching!💖

[@tinanelson4325]

Go leafty. i'm left-handed, too. Thanks for sharing your cutting techniques. As a fairly new quilter, I can use all the help I can get.

[@StitchObsessed]

Welcome to quilting! It's actually pretty surprising how many leftie quilters there are! Thanks for watching!

[@luvsnursing9946]

Love your channel

[@StitchObsessed]

Im so glad! Thank you 💖

[@TGBTGAlways]

Miriam b4 I forget I want to say your hair is so pretty! I love the color 😉 Great video as usual. Speaking of cutting, I was one of those who had the experience of my rotary cutter jump my ruler and almost cut the side of my index finger off 😳 years ago. I didn’t have to have stitches bc I bandaged my finger tightly and slept in my recliner with my arm pointing to the sky all night so I would have very minimal pain. Thank God it healed nicely so I agree you have to be very careful cutting bc it happens so quickly but bc of that I am ever so careful now when cutting 🙃 I wanted to mention that if I’m cutting fabric that I know will be used for borders in the quilt I will first cut length wise the top and side boarders and of the fabric to make sure I get those out of the way first then I’m free to cut the rest of the fabric as needed for each block. I find that the cut boarders length wise help to keep your quilt straight 😉 Also it helps to cut all your pieces b4 sewing so you can piece your quilt top without having to stop and cut more 🥰 I find I enjoy piecing better doing this method 😉 And sometimes you can sew a test block to make sure you like the look cause I have at times thought I liked the look and once sewn I was dissatisfied with it 😏 Have you ever experienced that? Those blocks usually end up as pillows 😆 Can’t wait till your next video 😍

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for the hair compliment, Deborah! 💖 I like to have fun with the color. And you made excellent points about cutting borders and cutting all the fabric first. I do that as well. And yep! I like to make a practice block before I start making all the blocks. I like to make sure all the math is sound and that I understand the construction of the block. And oh my goodness!!! Your poor finger! I’m glad it didn’t cause any permanent damage, and you didn’t have to get stitches. I’ve always been so paranoid about slicing my finger haha! 😂

[@sewsewfuncreations9199]

You should put old blades in a container then in the trash so no gets hurt

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@katem1105]

My mom was right handed I just sat in front of her. Work perfectly

[@StitchObsessed]

Awesome!

[@jacquiemcglothlen6572]

Always learning, this is a great informative video ❤those bellas are gorgeous…. Rulers matter lol 😂

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes!!! Rulers matter!!! 😂 we’ve learned this lately huh? Hehe 😉

[@Ann-qr2pv]

I heard that the little design (butterflies) in the selvedge are the colors used in the fabric so you can match with other fabrics easier. Have you heard that? great video.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yep! I’ve definitely heard that. It’s like a little color swatch!

[@Ann-qr2pv]

@@StitchObsessed I just recently heard about it. I'm color deficient so any help I just try to guess what some colors are. Sometimes I ask my son or husband what color it is. It'll be okay. Yes, the butterflies are really cute and would make a nice accent on a project. Thanks.

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤❤❤

[@judithmanning2327]

Great video! I am working up the courage to glue baste the quilt I am working on now. Do you like the stripology ruler? Not sure how to get Missouri Star discount?

[@StitchObsessed]

I have never used a stripology ruler, but I’ve heard great things about it! If you click on the link below and shop like normal, then when you go to check out, the 20% discount will automatically be applied to your cart as long as your total is over $50. 👍🏻💖 I hope that helps! glnk.io/mzmmj/stitchobsessedwithmiriam

[@judithmanning2327]

Thank you

[@danabailey6174]

Please try using a dumbbell to hold the ruler. Life changer. I am a right handed girl, but I cut on the left, which Is the salvage for me, bottom to top.

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m gonna try it! Thank you! 💖

[@connieolson8497]

You are showing salvage to fold, but what about bringing the fold up to the salvage and then cutting. With proper cutting the end and salvage as you just showed. Could you bring the fold up to the salvage side and cut shorter length of fabric? Mine were wonky and since I saw your video on cutting, I wonder if you straighten and cut end and salvage iyou might have success (no more wonky cuts) interested in your thoughts.

[@StitchObsessed]

You definitely can fold the fabric over again to cut through more layers at once. I will say, that for whatever reason, it can be harder to hold your ruler if you are cutting through thicker layers. Also, your rotary blade should be fresh if you plan on double layering the folds because that double the work for your blade. I hope that helps!

[@Lea-sf9bc]

I've found by not straightening the selvages that pieces can be out of shape after cutting. I also wash and press before cutting. Please use safety when using cutters and disposing of old blades!

[@marevon3468]

Just coming back to quilting after learning many years ago...do you prewash your fabric? I always used to, but when I watch videos that doesn't seem to be the norm anymore, thank you!

[@StitchObsessed]

I have in the past, but I usually do not. For me, it just seems like an extra step, and honestly, having to press everything after they've been in the dryer is a pain in the butt haha!! But many quilters still prewash. Its totally up to you!

[@jenniewren9351]

As I use old and new fabrics I have to prewash the new so that all the fabric is in the same state. However I do love the look on certain quilts once washed that didn’t use prewashed fabric as the shrinkage gives it that vintage look. I think people who’ve seen the improvement in fabric and thread say prewashing is not necessary in quality quilting cotton, but cheaper stuff, especially red, may need prewashing.I hope that makes sense?

[@shaunastitches]

I keep watching and rewatching trying to soak in all the information before I make my first cut. I'm curious about not ironing the fabric before starting. Is this a necessary step or am I overthinking it? I'm so worried my cuts are going to be off and my fabric will be wasted.

[@StitchObsessed]

Totally understandable, Shauna! If your fabric has deep creases or wrinkles, then I would go ahead and press those out to ease your mind and make it easier to cut your strips. You got this!!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@CatyW-zu9ip]

I found this very helpful. My problem is that I prewash all fabrics before I cut them. Therefore, the crease from the fabric shop is gone and it makes it more difficult to cut my strips accurately. I don't understand instructions about finding the straight grain to prevent these problems. This is compounded when I use this fabric in accuquilt since I fold the fabric in quarters. Help!!! How do you cut fabric accurately if you prewash it prior to cutting?

[@StitchObsessed]

Totally understandable. When I have prewashed fabric, I press it, then refold it lining up the selvage edges as best I can. Then I do exactly what I did in this tutorial. Make that 90 degree angle with the folded edge and bottom edge of the fabric, trim the selvage, and cut. I hope that helps!

[@npepperc4437]

You do know that the blade on that rotary cutter is reversible for lefties? . You can put the blade on the other side 😊

[@StitchObsessed]

I do know that. I just have never switched it 😂 I’m stuck in my ways

[@npepperc4437]

@@StitchObsessed 🤷🏻‍♀️😂🤗

[@marionbartley214]

Hello I'm enjoying watching this video except for the part where you are showing how to change your rotary cutter blade. Please do not throw your rotary cutters blade into this trash can. You can accidentally cut yourself putting things into the trash can. This is a better solution take a coffee can wash it out dry it out. And discard your old cutter blades into it. Re cover the coffee can with the plastic lid. You can reuse these blades in a Daisy cutter I think it's called. I know Missouri Star sells them, you put your used rotary cutter blades in it. And it sits in a stand and when you're chain peacing You can trim the threads easily. And rotate it when one of the flower petals is dull just rotated around. Or you can just discard the blades into the coffee can and when it reached the desired fullness tape the lid very securely and dispose.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for the suggestion! I’ve seen those little thread trimmers. That’s a great idea! 💡

[@pamwalker7307]

I have an empty peanut butter jar that I use for old blades.

[@StitchObsessed]

Great idea! 💡

[@maryhildebrandt8181]

Making my first quilt at 67. Grandson had major surgery and needed a project for recovery. He asked if we could work on a quilt made of ties. We did not have a pattern. We used a light-weight iron on interfacing to stabilize the silk/polyester fabrics. Then cut into 1 - 2 inch strips and sewed them together with 1/4 inch seams to measure 9x9” squares. Problem: We began to sew the squares together, which were fine, but then added a row to the beginning row and the seams didn’t line up! We have a LOT of work into the project thus far. Any thoughts?

[@StitchObsessed]

Hi Mary! What a fun project to work on with your grandson! This is an impressive first quilt attempt! To address the seams not lining up, how did you press your seams? That might be the culprit for why they may not be lining up perfectly. Also, I've worked with ties before (once I do believe) and that silky fabric can be tricky to work with. It likes to shift. It may be pretty tricky to get those seams to line up perfectly, but it's okay if they don't! enjoy the fun project with your grandson! Quilting is supposed to be fun!!

[@maryhildebrandt8181]

@@StitchObsessed Thank you for your quick response! We did tackle a challenging first project! My grandson is 20 and likes to dress nice, so he had come up with the idea. I pressed each seam down the middle, (and burnt my finger several times LOL) and we so carefully cut the fabric; but you are correct, the silk is hard to work with. That was one of the reasons why I backed it. I am about 1/8 to 1/4” off on some seams. After watching a couple of your videos, I feel more comfortable moving on with the quilt. It has been FUN working with my grandson, and it is the memories that matter the most! I will not be a perfectionist. I will have FUN with our project. Thanks for being you and making me feel comfortable to not be perfect. ❤️

[@StitchObsessed]

@@maryhildebrandt8181 ugh burning your finger is the worst! So annoying! 😂 I think I td amazing you both are working on this project together. What sweet memories you’re creating 💖 and yes! Have fun and enjoy the process!!

[@sallykavcsak2772]

Which Moda solids did you choose? There are so many. ❤

[@StitchObsessed]

They're so pretty! I'm using peach blossom, melon, longhorn, bronze, earth, caramel, almond, chocolate, and ivory!

[@sallykavcsak2772]

Which colors are the borders and cornerstones? I am trying to place an order with Missouri star and don’t know how much yardage to get for each color.

[@StitchObsessed]

@@sallykavcsak2772 I got you! Here’s the list with their corresponding letters: Fabric A: Bronze Fabric B: Caramel Fabric C: Earth Fabric D: Peach Blossom Fabric E: Melon Fabric F: Longhorn Sashing: Almond Borders and Cornerstones: Chocolate Background: Ivory I hope that helps!

[@sallykavcsak2772]

@@StitchObsessed fabulous! Thank you! 🥰

[@StitchObsessed]

@@sallykavcsak2772 no problem at all! 🤓💖

[@BanburyGal]

I'm having trouble getting the pattern. It won't go through as it says I need to add my email address but I've done that several times. Any suggestions?

[@StitchObsessed]

Which pattern are you trying to get? You can shoot me an email if that is easier. My email is: [e-mail]

[@BanburyGal]

Trying to get the Cozy Picnic Pattern - have entered two different emails and neither is being accepted. @@StitchObsessed

[@StitchObsessed]

@@BanburyGal please email me at: [e-mail] and i will get it to you directly. Sorry for the inconvenience!

[@teriadams7398]

I'm not a fan of Kona solids. I'm a precast person, I've been quilting since I was 17. I've seen fabric fade, but not only does Kona fade it gets dull, almost dirty looking. I get better results with MODA and Riley Blake. I even get better results with some JoAnns and Hobby Lobby fabric.

[@StitchObsessed]

Oh bummer! I haven’t had that experience…yet…did you notice if it was one particular color that faded or just ALL Kona?

[@teriadams7398]

@StitchObsessed I took a photo first then after they were dried. It looked like they all dulled to me. Almost like the fabric lost the dye more than it should. I've not seen it with other fabrics. You try it with some and see if you get the same results. Compare the photos.

[@StitchObsessed]

@@teriadams7398 yeah I’ll have to do some experimenting 🤓

[@joycarter9292]

Everyone talks about things being put in the box under the comments. I have yet to find that AND the bell so you can get notices. Any help for an 85 year old who is Very technology challenged

[@StitchObsessed]

haha I know it can be very confusing! What kind of device are using? Phone? Computer? TV? I can give you some directions after I know what device you are using!

[@belannatorres4777]

I like the pattern but I don't have paypal.😢

[@StitchObsessed]

You can check out in my site with any major credit card! 🤓

[@lynsouthafrica6308]

Why are you cutting sideways?😮 not safe!

[@StitchObsessed]

This is how I (and many quilters) cut fabric and don’t worry, I’m very safe. 🤓 there’s more than one way to do things! Thanks for watching!

[@cathyparnellvance6474]

Girl you made me a nervous wreck separating those cutting blades. If you place them in the palm of your hand and then grab them top and bottom with two fingers, you can push them apart easily. You can also use empty blade packaging to put old blade in and just use a permanent marker to write used or old on it then throw the whole thing away much safer than just throwing a blade in the garbage.

[@StitchObsessed]

Haha! So sorry to worry you! That is actually probably a better method; thank you! I’ll try that next time 😂 and yes, putting the old blades and needles in a container before throwing away is the way to go. Thank you for the great suggestions!

[@colleenrooney7725]

I like your video, however your cutting technique is INCREDIBLY dangerous!!!! 😮😮😮 You should take a look at how Jenny from MSQC cuts, she’s a lefty as well.

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m extremely careful whenever I cut! I’ve found what works for me and have never hurt myself or even come close! However, I’ll check out some of Jenny’s videos and see if I can improve my technique 💖 thank you for your concern! I appreciate it!

[@teriadams7398]

Gosh, please move your camera. Don't cut under your arm. That looks so dangerous. We don't want you to get injured. 😊

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m a very slow cutter lol and yes, I was cutting a little awkward trying to get the shot with the camera 😂 thank you for the concern 💖

[@teriadams7398]

@StitchObsessed Yes, please be careful. I don't want you injured. I was in a class once when they first came out. A woman was cutting sideways instead of away from herself and slipped, cut across the back of her hand. She didn't finish the class and ended up with over 25 stitches. 😪

[@StitchObsessed]

@@teriadams7398 oh wow! Yeah that is NO GOOD! 😱

[@teriadams7398]

@@StitchObsessed No. When you're old like me, you see it coming. 🤪 I just want you safe. 🥰

[@StitchObsessed]

@@teriadams7398 thank you!🙏🏻💖💖