Rotary Strip Cutting using "Power Cutting"

[sparkysmom]

Duhhhh .... why have I never thought of this? Thank you!!!!!!

[mskalculate]

When I try to cut fabric with a fold (for a border, so ti comes out in one long strip) it comes out bowed. I really do not want it peiced for the border. Does anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong and how to correct it?

[debbiesquilt]

@mskalculate The bow is caused by cutting the fabric at an angle that is not exactly 90 degrees, the same reason that strips are sometimes bowed. Fold carefully and accurately, and make sure you check to see that your ruler is square on the fold.

I often tear borders when I am "cutting" them on the lengthwise grain. Test your fabric by tearing off the selvages. If you are happy with the edge, nick and tear the borders.

[Lornarudolf]

Easy baby quilts

[debbiesquilt]

Thank you for the comment. I have many more rotary cutting tips and techniques in my books "Power Cutting", "Power Cutting, Too", "Delectably Simple Mountains", It's Hip to Be Square", and "Perfect and Painless Half-Square Triangle Units". Join me on Facebook to keep track of my quilting adventures. Have a great day!

[btiny36]

@debbiesquilt I have to say great tip. The only concern with this video, is that I think it should have mentioned that if your fabric isn't folded correctly, then when you cut your strips they could have a bow in the middle...this mentioned might really save beginners who would not know how to properly fold their fabric....but still the same great video

[debbiesquilt]

@btiny36

Folding is important for rotary cutting, but it is not the reason that strips have a bow in the middle. The bow is caused by cutting at an angle that is not a perfect 90 degree angle. Cutting the way that I have demonstrated keeps each cut at a true 90 degree angle.

[jwa16134]

Super efficient--thanks for sharing!

[blackstonecat]

Great technique, what a time saver! Thanks!

[debbiesquilt]

You're welcome! Debbie

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

I've been doing this ever since I saw Debbie demonstrate her technique and *I LOVE IT*. This is THE VERY BEST CUTTING VIDEO. Thanks so very much for posting it Debbie.

[njreaders]

This sounds great, except what do you do if you can't walk around the table to do the first cut?

[debbiesquilt]

Fan fold your fabric so that it is on the mat, rotate the mat 180 degrees, square the edge of the fabric, rotate the mat back into the starting position, undo the fan folds, and continue as directed. Or, use two rulers as an alternative. Place the large square as shown in the video. Put another ruler to the left of the square, butting it against the large square. Being careful not to move the second ruler, remove the large square and cut along the right edge of the second ruler. Debbie Caffrey

[Blackseed1978]

Debbie's hot

[ginnysdesignstudio]

What a timesaver!! I love it!