Cutting fabric accurately and efficiently is a fundamental skill in quilting that has a significant impact on the final outcome of your projects. The right tools and techniques are essential for ensuring your quilt pieces fit together seamlessly and your patterns come to life beautifully. In this article, we will explore the best practices for cutting fabric for quilting using scissors, including the types of scissors to use, how to prepare and handle the fabric, and useful tips for achieving precise, clean cuts. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced quilter, this comprehensive guide will help you enhance your cutting skills, enabling you to create stunning, well-crafted quilts with ease and confidence.
How Do You Cut Fabric For Quilting With Scissors
Cutting fabric for quilting with scissors requires precision and attention to detail. Here are some steps to help you achieve clean and accurate cuts:
- Prewash and press: Before cutting, prewash your fabric to account for any potential shrinkage. After washing, press the fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles or creases that could affect the accuracy of your cuts.
- Prepare your workspace: Choose a flat, clean, and well-lit surface to work on. Spread your fabric out smoothly, ensuring there are no bumps or folds.
- Square the fabric: Align the fabric’s selvage edges (the finished edges that run parallel to the fabric’s length) and fold it in half with right sides facing each other. Adjust the fabric until the fold is straight and perpendicular to the selvages. Press the fabric along the fold to create a clear reference line.
- Choose appropriate quilting scissors: For cutting fabric, use fabric shears or a rotary cutter with a self-healing cutting mat. Ensure your cutting tool is sharp to achieve clean and precise cuts.
- Measure and mark: Using a quilting ruler or a measuring tape, measure and mark your cutting lines according to your quilt pattern. Use a fabric marking tool, like tailor’s chalk or a water-soluble pen, to draw the cutting lines.
- Cut the fabric: Hold the fabric firmly with one hand and use the other hand to cut along the marked lines with your quilting scissors. Maintain a steady hand and even pressure to ensure accurate cuts.
- Use the right technique: When using fabric shears, keep the bottom blade in contact with the table surface, and move the fabric, not the scissors, as you cut. This helps prevent distortion and jagged edges. If you’re using a rotary cutter, apply even pressure and roll it smoothly along the cutting lines.
- Cut strips and sub-cut: Depending on your quilt pattern, you might need to cut your fabric into strips first and then sub-cut the strips into smaller pieces such as squares or rectangles.
Remember to always cut carefully and accurately to ensure your quilt pieces fit together seamlessly during assembly. If you are new to quilting, practice cutting on scrap fabric to develop confidence and skill before cutting your actual project fabric.
TIPS:
Here are some useful tips to help you achieve better results when cutting fabric for quilting with scissors:
- Keep your scissors sharp: Regularly sharpen your fabric shears or replace the blades of your rotary cutter to ensure clean, precise cuts.
- Invest in high-quality scissors: Choose quilting scissors made from durable materials like stainless steel or carbon steel for better performance and longevity.
- Use dedicated scissors: Reserve your quilting scissors exclusively for fabric cutting to prevent them from becoming dull or damaged by cutting other materials.
- Work with a large cutting surface: Use a spacious, flat, and clean cutting area to comfortably spread out your fabric and avoid accidental cuts or folds.
- Use quilting rulers and templates: These tools help you achieve precise measurements and consistent cuts. Quilting rulers typically have clear markings in inches or centimeters, while templates are shaped pieces designed for specific quilt patterns.
- Cut multiple layers of fabric: If your pattern requires multiple pieces of the same shape, fold the fabric in half or stack several layers to cut multiple pieces at once. Ensure the layers are aligned and use quilting clips or pins to secure them if necessary.
- Label your fabric pieces: As you cut your fabric, label each piece with its corresponding pattern name or number. This helps you stay organized and ensures accurate assembly later on.
- Cut along the grain: Whenever possible, cut along the fabric’s grain, either the lengthwise or crosswise grain, to reduce stretching and distortion.
- Use a rotary cutter for long, straight cuts: While fabric shears are great for most cutting tasks, a rotary cutter provides more accuracy and speed for long, straight cuts. Always use a self-healing cutting mat to protect your work surface.
- Practice makes perfect: If you’re new to quilting, take your time and practice on scrap fabric before cutting your actual project fabric. This will help you build confidence and improve your cutting skills.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can achieve clean, accurate cuts and create beautiful, well-crafted quilts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: What type of scissors should I use to cut fabric for quilting?
A: Use fabric shears or a rotary cutter specifically designed for cutting fabric. Fabric shears have sharp blades and comfortable handles, while rotary cutters have circular blades that roll along the fabric for precise, straight cuts.
Q: How do I keep my quilting scissors sharp?
A: Regularly sharpen your fabric shears using a scissor sharpener or have them professionally sharpened. For rotary cutters, replace the blades when they become dull. To extend the life of your quilting scissors, only use them for cutting fabric and avoid cutting other materials like paper or cardboard.
Q: Do I need to prewash my fabric before cutting?
A: Prewashing fabric is recommended to account for potential shrinkage and color bleeding. After washing, press the fabric with an iron to remove wrinkles and ensure accurate cutting.
Q: How do I prevent fabric from slipping while cutting?
A: To prevent slipping, hold the fabric firmly with one hand and use the other hand to cut along the marked lines with your quilting scissors. You can also use quilting clips or pins to secure multiple layers of fabric together while cutting.
Q: Can I cut multiple layers of fabric at once?
A: Yes, you can cut multiple layers of fabric at once, but make sure the layers are aligned and secured together with quilting clips or pins. Be cautious not to cut too many layers at once, as this can cause inaccurate cuts or strain on your hand.
Q: How do I ensure precise and accurate cuts?
A: Use quilting rulers, measuring tapes, or templates to measure and mark your cutting lines accurately. Hold the fabric taut and cut steadily along the marked lines, keeping the bottom blade of your fabric shears in contact with the table surface.
Q: How do I cut fabric along the grain?
A: To cut fabric along the grain, first identify the lengthwise and crosswise grains. The lengthwise grain runs parallel to the selvage, and the crosswise grain runs perpendicular to it. Use a quilting ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark your cutting lines, ensuring they are parallel or perpendicular to the selvage.
Q: Can I use regular scissors to cut fabric for quilting?
A: While it is possible to use regular scissors, it is not recommended. Quilting scissors are specifically designed for cutting fabric and offer more precision and comfort than regular scissors. Using regular scissors for quilting may result in uneven cuts and damage to the fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cutting fabric for quilting with scissors is a vital skill that directly influences the quality and appearance of your quilting projects. By selecting the appropriate scissors, preparing your fabric and workspace, and employing precise cutting techniques, you can achieve accurate, clean cuts that result in beautifully crafted quilts.
Remember to maintain your scissors by sharpening them regularly, reserving them exclusively for fabric cutting, and using high-quality tools designed specifically for quilting. Don’t forget to practice on scrap fabric to build your confidence and refine your cutting skills.
Ultimately, taking the time to perfect your fabric cutting techniques will not only enhance your quilting projects but also provide you with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. With practice and patience, you will become proficient at cutting fabric with scissors and create stunning quilts that you can be proud of.
