Sew Right? CUT RIGHT: 5 Cutting Tips for Successful Sewing!

[@annaibarra3447]

You know, I don't remember every hearing these tips from my sewing classes. So thank you, these are so good, and I have sewn for years and I can honestly say I can always welcome new tips, old tips that I've have heard of, and that not every sewsters know it all. So I'll take every tip to make it easier to get my item out beautifly. By the way Marcy, I love the windows without the curtains. Makes it more airy and light. Of course it may be some lighting problems as the day goes on.

[@ashextraordinaire]

Those huge-ass washers work wonders! Before I picked some up, though, I used the heavy brass candlesticks that are just sitting around the house doing nothing important. So, at some point, each of my early projects looked like a fancy dinner spread.

[@ToniGuerrero]

You never fail to surprise! I've been sewing for a while and you still came up with new and fabulous tips! Thank you! For pattern weights, though, imma stick with my tin cans. Yep, I just raid my pantry and grab as many (or as few) as I need. I don't have to have a special storage area for my sewing weights, and I don't run out of weights for a big project. For little projects, or little areas, I use little tins. Think pimiento, or tomato paste. For big chonky fabrics and giant pieces, gimme those huge apple slice cans, baby! I did it once when I couldn't find my "proper" weights and have never looked back.

[@handmadeharriells]

Oh yes, the tin cans do come out! I find that the lighter washers don't mush the fabric as much ;) I love using my sewing books too, it feels so meta...

[@cassandrabromfieldscompany9640]

I am a bit of an inconsistent fan. I always love your bubbly fun videos and missed that you left NY. I remember the videos in the apartment, but now it looks like a completely different view outside, which is lovely. Well where ever you are, continued success. The sewing tips are always on point and even for someone who has been sewing for....never mind! I love the videos....even if I'm not watching regularly, when I do, you are both inspiring and fun to watch...all the best!

[@_JoyceArt]

I know you won’t hurt your finger, but when you petted the rotary cutter wheel, I still felt chills. When I realized I like to sew occasionally, I also realized that my cutting were subpar. I have a dedicated art room, but it’s still not massive. Until I remembered I had still had the leafs of an old ikea coffee table in my garage. So I started using that, stuck a tape measure on one of the long ends. At first I put it on top of my ironing board, but now I use it together with 2 of Ikea’s very popular rolling carts. That way I can role it wherever I want in my art room. And easily disassemble it when I don’t need it anymore. The idea of stapling fabric for extra grip is genius, going to steal that!

[@handmadeharriells]

That. Sounds. AMAZING. I've got mine on rolling shelves now, too! (and I love scaring people with that little Kai trick;)

[@k.maricefuller2541]

Marcy, I love your energy and style!! I was just on a recent mini vaca in Charleston, S.C. So, naturally I had to find a fabric store for a sewing souvenir. At Five-Eighths Sewing Center, I picked up a Book Called the Tunic Bible and there YOU were wearing a beautiful print tunic. Right then I knew I just had to buy it for the flight back home. YOUR inspiration is EVERYTHING!!! Ebullient🤩! More videos, PLEASE & THANK YOU💃

[@laraehartley5756]

I miss you and your videos so much. ❤

[@hayleybarradas9218]

I miss seeing a notification that you have a new video 😢

[@lisahodges8299]

Smiling throughout your video! Cutting my sundress out tomorrow. Birdy

[@yolandahsiao1969]

Never thought about the left vs right and staying the same across the piece. Makes total sense since I can definitely SEE better from one side… I will definitely pay closer attention when cutting out later today! Thank you

[@blufaerie]

Washers are my fave. I even crocheted around them to make ‘em pretty. Re: cutting orientation, when I use scissors, I cut like a tailor. When I use my rotary cutters, I cut like a seamstress. 🤷🏽 I do need to make a bigger pressing board because my little ikea ironing board ain’t getting it no mo. Maybe I just need to add more padding to it. 🤔

[@handmadeharriells]

Now I've heard of wrapping washers in strips of fabric, but crocheting around them is jedi level! I finally gave up my ikea ironing board. It felt like a sewing rite of passage 😅

[@southernicedtea9925]

love your videos and would love to see more videos for beginners. i have two sewing machines and serger, fabric piled high. but totally afraid to start on anything!!!

[@l.baughman1445]

I just love the sound of those Kai scissors cutting into the fabric. Sublime.

[@vincentbriggs1780]

In the fashion studio at college we had a layer of some kind of lightweight spongy half inch fiberboard stuff on all the tables, and then brown paper on top of that, so we could stick the pins straight down into the table without anything shifting or being bumpy! It was also a great surface for using tracing wheels on. (And the paper gets replaced when it gets really scruffy and dirty) In my apartment the table is less than ideal and I can't put cork on it, so I keep an eye out for glass pattern weights at the thrift store.

[@Musicwarmsmysoul]

Another lovely list. Lots of new goodies for me in this! I was super excited a couple of weeks ago when I found a group of smaller tiles at a second hand store that were ready to come off of the backing they were on. At about 2.5x2.5 they are a lovely size for pattern weights. The tips for cutting better with scissors are so very welcome. I have noticed the inaccuracies of my cut pieces before, and now I know what to do about it (rather than sitting there and trying to trim down the "bad" edges). I did find I could correct some of these imbalances by using directional sewing and trimming afterward, but who wants to do that everytime you sew? I do know that if you want your pieces to be close to perfectly on grain, you need to square your fabric, AND lay out/cut the pattern in a single layer based on advice written in an ancient old couture sewing booklet I scored from my grandmother (especially good advice for matching stripes and plaids, if the cut is accurate), but for the life of me I do not remember it giving advice on the cutting out of said pieces... Though maybe it said something about cutting accurately? It might be time to pull it out again. Anyway, enough pontificating. This was truly enlightening. Thank you!

[@apriljoperez]

I love your tips, and also love how whenever I watch one of your sewing videos, then you pop up acting in my current binge! Lol! (NCIS this time...) You are so fabulous!!

[@anainjamul2056]

I've never sewn clothes before and you make it seem possible! I love your videos! You are beautiful, down to earth and real oh and so much fun! I'm actually a gardener, but as the weather heats up I'm thinking of sewing some basic items when it's too hot to be outside. Thank you for all the inspiration!

[@christineclarke1653]

It's Sunday and it's cutting out time. I'll be following your advice and cutting with fabric and pattern to the right xx

[@barbbrice6982]

Oh my goodness. I just watched a movie that had you in it, I was so surprised. Death proof. Your sewing films on u tube are much better. Have a good day.

[@vanessajones3508]

I cut my fabric out on my kitchen table which is counter height. I put my cutting board on top of the table. Ths works great for me. I plan on buying washers from the hardware store. Marcy this is a great video. It is very informative. I plan on buying a rotary cutter and mat.😊

[@loukalicious]

Love the tips❤ and you, emphasis on you. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Especially after giving a zoomworkshop transforming a sock into a doll. 😂😂

[@handmadeharriells]

Muppet Sock! Always mood lifting! Thank you for the love, it really is nice to know folks are enjoying these episodes 💗

[@helenparker1870]

I use a large magnetic whiteboard with a rotary cutting mat on top as my cutting surface. Magnetic skittle pins are easier to pick up and move than heavy pattern weights. The board is easily stored against a wall when not in use and is easy to lift. I bought a sit stand table base on wheels and fitted my own table top, great as a home office for a laptop, but is excellent for sewing too. If you are buying one of these tables make sure it goes low enough, the one I chose goes from 23" up to 48" without the wheels. I set different heights, the lowest for my serger, slightly higher for my sewing machine, higher still as an ironing base, and at counter height for cutting out fabric. You can adjust the length of the table to fit your space and fit your own width table top. If you only have one room you could lower it to be a dining table, or raise it to be an extra kitchen island; the height for cutting out fabric is just as good for rolling out pastry.

[@donitatoavs]

Cutting is my nemesis. I work so hard to be accurate but often fail.

[@handmadeharriells]

it definitely takes patience and the right cutting tool...you might wanna try a new brand of scissor or rotary cutter, that can really be a sewing game changer!

[@pjacksreads536]

Oh my goodness thanks for explaining the Kai rotary! I just bought one and couldn’t figure out how to get it to cut! I kept trying to get the blade to come out. 😊 lots of great information. We need more videos from you and Hubble.

[@handmadeharriells]

Hahahaaaaa I’m so glad to help! I love that feature so much. We’ll be back soon, it’s been a crazy summer!

[@MimiMakesStuff]

Haven’t seen you in so long. Hope y’all are well. Hope to see another video soon.

[@debbiesnyder4778]

Thank you for your great tips!!! Your clothes are amazing

[@debschott3979]

This was timely. I’m just starting a lounge wear set from silk. I was not looking forward to cutting it. I never knew about cutting in fabric. You just saved me hours of frustration!

[@handmadeharriells]

oh silk loungewear, LUXURIOUS! A fabric surface will help shifting immensely. You can also use a hard surface (like a table) and layer paper underneath the fabric as well, making a paper sandwich. happy sewing!

[@debschott3979]

@@handmadeharriells thank you!

[@bonnieelliott5656]

Ive been sewing for 60 years and learned a lot from this video! Thank you!

[@handmadeharriells]

that's wonderful to hear, thankya Bonnie!!!

[@handmadeharriells]

that's wonderful to hear, thankya Bonnie!!!

[@margarethall1625]

Wonderful tips!!😉😎

[@MujerKoala]

All great tips. I have been using “weights” for fabric cutting, and I must say, it does make it so much easier. Thanks, Marcy.

[@handmadeharriells]

Team Weights for the win!

[@careyroberts1329]

Interesting about the "tailor's way" of cutting...definitely going to try that out! BTW, as I was sewing recently I was telling myself "you tell that fabric what to do!" 😁 TYSM you've been sew helpful 💛

[@jeanwalker2473]

When are you coming back I miss you

[@melaniejurgovan]

This was very helpful!

[@susanlong147]

So much great information! Love your sense of humor and great teaching style!! 😊

[@leenanorms]

This was SO helpful, thank you so much! ❤

[@handmadeharriells]

You're so welcome Leena!

[@rosemariecruz2121]

Hi Marcy. I found this helpful, especially for beginners such as myself.

[@handmadeharriells]

I'm so glad! I've got more tips planned 💗

[@crafty_mom_art]

Great tips! Thanks

[@beth12svist]

Oooh the laying down fabric tip is niiiice. I currently cut on my ironing board for lack of better space, but I do have a new cutting table now (waiting to be assembled), so that tip will come in very handy in the future!

[@bernadettebalak480]

I love your videos. I really wish you much success and hope you inspire a new generation of sewists. ❤

[@meowzers553]

Hey Marcy- a question about cutting like a tailor. I’m left handed, and using left hand oriented scissors, do I still cut on the right? Or if I’m using right handed scissors (of which when I started garment making back in the day, that’s all there were) do I still cut on the right? Have I confused you yet? I’ve confused myself.. Love love love your videos, and you and Rob. So glad I found you!

[@denisetymensky8922]

I was just going to post that the tailors must have all been left handed! I cut like a tailor only so I can see that I am cutting! I do use right handed scissors. Once a lefty pair was purchased for me I had already adapted and couldn’t make the lefty ones work.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

Thank you so much for this I'll definitely be trying some of these in my next sewing project I share myself learning to sew on my channel and need all the help I can get xx

[@EDWRFle]

I love you. Such great info. 👍🏾 I just made a cutting board for cutting I would like to build it on a table but for now it's on the floor. I did build me an ironing board as a table. Now for the rest. Thank you again

[@jenedge5579]

I forget which one of you lovely KZbin sewers, had the genius idea of putting a stainless steel sheet of metal under their cutting mat and using strong magnets on the fabric to use a rotary cutter. Hope it’s not crazy expensive. Im gonna check it out. Maybe a sheet of magnet under a mat and stainless steel weights will be more cost effective. I’ll price it out.😊❤. Thanks for all your info.

[@susanholton622]

Love your videos. Could you do one on DIY no pattern BIG pu ffy sleeves please.?

[@magalysenecharles1901]

❤❤🥰🥰🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾for sharing.

[@carride4665]

I love this video. So, informative. Thank you. ❤

[@handmadeharriells]

You're most welcome! Happy sewing!

[@rosemoore5364]

Hope you and hubby are doing well and busy making movies. I would love a new video, if you have the time, please. I really love your videos and the great information. Have a nice day.

[@handmadeharriells]

Thank you so much! We’ve been juggling a lot, but more sewing is on the way in the coming months 🥰

[@jenjenssewingpile]

Thank you for the foundational Friday fun with the curly haired and talented Mrs. Harrell. Happy slam sewing. Heading g out to find a large washer to use❤

[@handmadeharriells]

Foundational Friday, I love that! Happy hunting & sewing!

[@susym5494]

I miss you! When's the next video coming out? 😢 I need my Harriell fix! 😊

[@handmadeharriells]

Oh thank you Susy! It’s been a whirlwind summer but we’re gearing up for more videos 💗💗

[@susym5494]

​​@@handmadeharriells Hi! Long time no see! 🙂 I hope everything is going well and that you are just too successful out in the real world to be spending time on KZbin. Take care. ❤

[@Sewbasic1]

How big is your cutting/padded board?

[@handmadeharriells]

It's about 45 by 54ish, the biggest I could fit in the little door to my studio 😉 someday, I'll go bigger!

[@Sewbasic1]

Thank you! I'm trying to come up with some ideas to set up a functional cutting table, but not have it up all of the time due to my small space.

[@JohnDoe-gk7ok]

You are an amazing singer. Why do you have a channel about sewing?

[@khwaiandlouie7293]

Long time no see?

[@kaygee8343]

Hey Marci and Rob. It's been a minute. Are you both ok? Hope so. See you soon.

[@BramptonGardener]

I'm guilty of cutting gymnastics!!!! Its hard to reach. I have a large baord I lay on my bed but i never thought to pad and cover it!!!!

[@rpurdy4821]

It's been 5 months since this last video. Does anyone know what's going on with the Harrels? They usually post more often than this but I haven't seen any comments that would give me a clue to what happened. Where are they, what happened?

[@verwilliams1]

Where are you?

[@rpurdy4821]

What happened? There hasn't been any new videos for 4 months. Are Marcey and Rob OK?

[@beth12svist]

But some of these tips, I realise, don't really apply so stridently if you're sewing continental-style and your patterns don't have seam allowances. 😅 I trace my sewing lines, which means I don't have to bother with trying to cut out my patterns with perfect precise cutting lines...

[@mackenziebiava3968]

🏃 "Promo SM"

[@janetlink9756]

I cut my fabric with the pattern to the left because I am left handed. Doesn't seem like the old school considers left handed people. It's a right handed world.

[@denisetymensky8922]

People born in the 50’s were often converted to right handed because it was considered evil to be left handed. My cousin was a victim. The nuns made it happen. Even medical terminology uses sinister as names of left side parts like the ear or eye. Crazy world.

[@calliesanderford3410]

Omg, I killed my favorite bedspread that way!

[@handmadeharriells]

HAHAHA!!!! Another reason not to cut on the bed 😂

[@carolinewoffard982]

I did the same 😂

[@calliesanderford3410]

Yay!