If my instructions tell me to cut a strip of fabric that measures 12 inches by Width of Fabric, how do I fold my fabric.
Should I fold my fabric so that my both selvedges are meeting with the fold at the bottom and then cut along the left side of the fabric from the fold to the selvedge. Would that be correct? Would that be considered a cross grain strip.
Also if the pattern instructions say to cut two strips 8 1/2" x 19" would that strip be cut the same way as the above?
Thanks, Joanne
Joanne
Fold your fabric with the selvedges together and cut from the fold to the selvedge. Basically like the fabric came off the bolt at the fabric store. You cut all your strips the same way.
Vinton, Virginia
Hi Joanne--yes, the selvedges should be at the top and the folded edge along the bottom of your mat and cut along the left side. You could also cut the two strips the same way.
Hi Joanne,
You have it right. Width of fabric is from selvedge to selvedge. I would cut one strip 8 1/2 " wide from selvedge to selvedge and cut that in 19" pieces. You should have enough if the fabric is about 40" - 44" wide.
Good Luck,
Diana in East Tn.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you....I am glad that I was on the right track, I just knew you pros would sent me straight if I had it wrong. I take it is that the reason for cutting the strips on the crosswise grain, selvedge to selvedge is so that the fabric does not stretch..... .
There is less stretch cross grain than long ways the grain. Good luck on your cutting.
Thanks Nana.
All great advise.. dont ya love the willingness of all on here to help anyone out.. I think this site is grest.. Good luck with your cutting..
Thanks Kelly, Yes, totally great advise....I am sure happy that we have this club....Helping one another is great.
When you cut across the width of the single folded fabric, be careful that you do not get a "bow" in the middle of your strip. Check the cut strip to be sure it is straight. One way to eliminate this bow is to fold your fabric in quarters so you are cutting across a narrower width of fabric. I find it easier to keep the ruler from slipping and I get a straighter strip.
Southwest Florida
Sandy H.: One way to eliminate this bow is to fold your fabric in quarters so you are cutting across a narrower width of fabric. I find it easier to keep the ruler from slipping and I get a straighter strip.
One way to eliminate this bow is to fold your fabric in quarters so you are cutting across a narrower width of fabric. I find it easier to keep the ruler from slipping and I get a straighter strip.
Griffin, GA
i have a question. i have always cut from the selvage to the fold. i was at a quilting thing for our guild last month and the president was teaching the beginners to cut from the fold side to the selvage. i didn't want to confuse the issue in a beginer class and i forgot to ask later. why cut from the fold to the selvage? i haven't had a problem the other way. is it how you were taught, or is there a reason for it? gini
gini in north idaho
Gini, I have always cut from the folded side because that was what all the books showed that I learned from. I just looked in my new quilting bible (Quilter's Academy - Vol. 1), and they recommend folding the fabric twice so you are only working with 11" wide fabric then align the folded edge with a line on the ruler and cut from the folded edge. I'm reading between the lines, but sounds like you get a straighter edge to line up with using the fold therefore getting a strip that is on the straight of grain.
sandy, thanks. isn't that a great book? i can't wait until they come out with the others. maybe i need to read all the way through that one first, though gini
gini: isn't that a great book
Yes, it is. I've only read a few chapters, but already I've learned a lot. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series too.