How to Cut Quilt Pieces

Fitting quilt pieces together is like constructing a jigsaw puzzle, and each section must be cut precisely to fit. Although this requires care and patience, the process grows easier with practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard
• Fabrics
• Templates
• Cardboard
• Cutting Mats
• Sharp Scissors
• Sharp Scissors
• Pencils
• Pencils
• Sewing Chalk
• Tracing Paper
• Rulers
• Sandpaper
• Sandpaper
• Pencils

1. Cut a template for pattern pieces out of cardboard, lightweight plastic or sandpaper. Templates may be purchased in craft shops or traced from quilt pattern books. Each sould be the exact size of the desired pattern piece with an extra 1/4-inch seam allowance all the way around.

2. Lay template on the straight grain of the fabric.

3. Trace around template with a washable fabric marker.

4. Cut pieces one at a time with sharp scissors or a cutting wheel.

5. Sort pieces according to shape, size and color.

Tips & Warnings

• Quilt pieces must be the exact size with an extra 1/4-inch seam allowance all around.
• If cutting with a rotary wheel, protect table or other surface with a cutting mat.

[melissaglancy]

on 12/31/2008 This "how to" is a bit outdated. Not many in this generation still use templates to piece quilts. Some do, but not many. If you are cutting out pieces for applique, then you will probably use a template, but otherwise, there are plenty of new quilting books out there and several really great quilting magazines. There you will find step by step directions on how to cut your fabric and machine sew (piece), and then layer and machine sew (quilt) the layers together to make very lovely quilts! Many list them by degree of difficulty. (A small group in our guild handsew their quilts still). I have been quilting for about 8 years now. I got started when a quilting friend introduced me to it, and invited me to join our now 65 member guild here in Ky. I was 34 at the time. I LOVE quilting!

on 11/22/2005 Keep each project separate and all notions in a pizza box. Great for carry-alongs (doctor's office, etc.). Select the size for the project you're doing. My pizza people are happy to see me do advertising on my sewing boxes.