Today’s Step 1 of the pattern for Dozens of Daisies is all about the cutting. (Find Step 1 here.) Along with that I wanted to offer you a few tips to help you cut successfully.
• Press fabrics gently before cutting.
Even the fold lines in a fat quarter should be pressed out, because they will throw you off.
Take the time to press and you’ll reap the reward of greater accuracy.
• Treat yourself to a new blade in your rotary cutter. You’ll be glad you did!
Keep spare blades on hand so you aren't tempted to "make do" with a dull blade.
• Use the same ruler or at least the same brand of rulers to cut the whole project.
Pick one and stick with it!
• Avoid the dreaded V shape! If you’re having trouble cutting straight strips, remember to align the ruler marks with the folded edge of the fabric as shown below. The selvages are near the top of the photo. The fold is near the bottom.
It can also be helpful to use a longer ruler and have only one fold as shown above. More folds can be harder to manage and increase the chances that you’ll get funky strips instead of straight ones.
• Cut the largest pieces first. Quiltmaker‘s cutting instructions begin with the largest pieces, so cut in the order given when using our patterns.
• Two rules: #1. Steady the ruler with proper hand position. Notice in the photo below that the little finger of the left hand is positioned to keep the ruler from slipping. You can even use two fingers for steadying if you wish.
Keep the ruler from slipping by positioning the little finger as shown on the fabric, against the ruler's edge.
#2. Always check that fingers are out of the way before slicing!
It's easy for this to happen. Always check your fingers before you slice!
So much better! Fingers are out of the way!
• Tracing and cutting for applique is a great job while waiting or watching TV.
Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of Dozens of Daisies, another great quilt from a fabric sponsor, introduction to another Back to School team sewer and another fabric giveaway!
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Find Part 1 of the pattern for Dozens of Daisies and enter the fabric giveaway.
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It’s good to know that your patterns expect to cut in order of pieces listed.
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