World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of August 12, 2002:

Our question this week comes Patti P

When I rotary cut the sashing strips, they are wavy in the middle - sometimes I need to cut long lengths and there is always a part that is wavy. What am I doing wrong when I cut these strips?

judy crumpler :
to cut long lengths & borders try this.With selvedges together iron fabric,accordian fold fabric, & using long pins, pin on the selvedge edge, making sure every thing is even ,then start at the folded edge making your cuts with a rotary cutter............

Caroline :
Oops! You do say where you will use these strips. Sorry.
Use corner stones, or wavy lines in the sashing (Time Crunch Quilts), if you cannot cut your strips straight.
:).
Caroline :
When I cut a long strip I first make the selvedges match. (Doing this will make the crosswise ends crooked). Then I fold the fabric like an accordian. (selvedges still matching and on the left and right sides of the fold). I lay my 12.5" square rule on the folded fabric,parallel to the fold nearest me, butt up a long ruler to the left side of the big square, remove the big square and rotary cut along the right side of the long ruler. This gives an edge perpendicular to the folds. Then I cut my strips.
If you cut strips crosswise, you are defeating the idea of long strips, and also, crosswise strips are stretchy and will create problems if using in a border. Your question does not address the idea re where you will use these strips in your quilt top.

Louise :
Your fabric isn't folded straight on the grain. To get it straight, hold the fabric lengthwise and let it hang straight. Adjust the ends until the selvages hang parallel. (If you have a long length of fabric, you may need help. I do long lengths by letting them hang free down an open stairway.) If you can't get it straight any other way, you could cut your strips lengthwise--fold the selvages even, cut the selvages off, then cut your strips. Should be straight! Good luck to you. All quilters have had this problem at one time or another.
taffy :
If you don't cut on at anexact right angle to the fold or if the fold is not straight the strip will not be straight.
You may also be pulling sideways at the end of the cut.

World Wide Quilting Page * Question of the Week