How to Improve Strip Cutting in Quilting

A rotary cutter improves strip cutting for quilters.

Quilters use strips of fabric of varying width and length to compose quilt designs, frame quilt squares and border quilt tops. The strips must be accurately measured and cut for placement and a rotary cutter and self-healing cutting mat keep strip-cutting efficient and precise. Both the rotary cutter and mat can be purchased at fabric stores and quilt supply shops. The tools can also be used to cut the squares, rectangles and triangles needed to create quilt block patterns.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-yard cotton fabric
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Plastic ruler
• Rotary cutter

Instructions

1. Press the fabric smooth with the iron on the ironing board to remove any fold lines and wrinkles.

2. Fold the fabric in half widthwise and in half again widthwise, carefully matching selvages, which are the finished edges of the fabric.

3. Place the fabric on the self-healing cutting mat, positioning the top and left hand edge of the fabric on the measurement lines of the mat.

4. Place the ruler one inch from the left edge of the fabric. Run the rotary cutter through the fabric at the ruler edge to cut off the selvage.

5. Place the ruler one inch from the left edge of the fabric. Run the rotary cutter through the fabric at the ruler edge to cut off the selvage.

References

• "Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Quilting"; Donna Kooler; 2010
• "200 Quilt Blocks"; Davina Thomas; 2005