Squaring Up Fabric

Rotary cutting – once mastered this technique is invaluable to quilting and sewing.

Recommended Tools:

Self Healing Mat

Olfa 45” Rotary Cutter

6”x24” Non-Slip Ruler (This is a very versatile size that will allow you to create many different size squares and strips. An absolute must! I highly recommend Creative Grids – they are honesty the best and the most slip resistant, and they come in 6.5”x24” which will comes in very handy when quilting)

½ yard quilt cotton fabric 

           

*As always we recommend washing your fabric prior to use to allot for shrinkage. (Not as critical for bags/accessories etc) Also be sure to press your fabric.

Begin by folding the fabric selvage to selvage. Lay it on your mat, with fold closest to your body.

Hand Placement:

Use a firm pressure and spread your hand out wide, with your fingertips holding the ruler in place. Place your hand in the middle of the ruler at about the 12” mark so your pressure is evenly spread over the ruler.

Note: Another way I do it is to use my forearm to hold the ruler down, but sometimes this makes all of the lines harder to see, and isn’t always easier on your back J Something to try later on perhaps!

Be sure no fingers are hanging over the edge of the ruler!! Very important!! Many proficient quilters have been injured this way so please always check your hand placement!!

Cutting Strips:

We are going to start by squaring up the fabric.

Align the horizontal 1” marking on the ruler with the fold of your fabric. Be sure that the entire edge of the ruler is lined up evenly with the fabric (as pictured)

   Note: The 1” marking is an arbitrary spot on the ruler to use – you can line it up with any markng (.5”, 1.5” etc as long as you are consistent with lining it up)  

Here the ruler is crooked and not lined up with the fold

Important Tips:

· Always cut away from your body

· Use steady consistent pressure. You do not need to press extremely hard but be sure to use a moderately firm pressure.

· Line the edge of the blade up with the edge of the ruler below the fold of the fabric to begin. You want to be sure that as you cut the blade stays butted up against the ruler’s edge so your cut is not jagged

· Hand placement on the ruler is crucial to safety and success in lining up your cut

NOW: Trim off the right edge of the fabric so you are left with a 90 degree angle.

Hold your rotary cutter as pictured to prevent repetitive use injury.

** Images for Lefty's

Lefty's will be trimming the left side of the fabric to square off.

 Cut along the left side of the ruler if you are left-handed

 EVERYONE NOW:  Turn the fabric around so that the squared edge is now on your left. (RIGHT if you are left-handed)

You can now cut any width strip that your particular project/pattern calls for. I’m currently working on Color My World by Allison Quilt Designs so I will make a 2.5” strip cut.

Line the vertical 2.5” marker on the ruler with the left squared-edge of your fabric. Make sure it is evenly lined up along the entire edge. Also the folded edge should again evenly line up with the lower edge of the horizontal run of the ruler (again we used the 1” marking)

You now have an even strip cut.