For simpler quilts the beginner can cut the fabric pieces with a good pair of dressmaking scissors quite satisfactorily.
However, it is generally found to be quicker and more accurate to use a rotary cutter. If using a rotary cutter you will
also need a self-healing cutting mat and a see through acrylic ruler. With a little practice you will quickly find that
using the rotary cutter is simple and that several layers of fabric can be cut at a time.
First basic cuts
When making your basic cuts for example, when cutting strips, first of all fold the fabric selvedge to selvedge. Place the
selvedge edge away from you so that the folded edge is nearest to you. Place the acrylic ruler on the fabric ensuring the
selvedge is square with the grid marked on the ruler. This will ensure that you cut a straight line. Place and press your
non-cutting hand on the ruler. With your cutting hand take the rotary cutter and cut the fabric by pushing it firmly away
from you. The result should be a straight strip of fabric, which can be, if needed cut down into further shapes.
In general patchwork blocks are formed with simple shapes, such as squares, rectangles and triangles and the rotary cutter
is perfect for these. It can also be quite easily used in cutting out simple template curves. Always remember to cut away
from you and to replace the safety cap after each use.
Marking fabric
After cutting out simple shapes and before cutting out templates, the fabric should be marked. Always mark out patchwork
pieces on the wrong side of the fabric and appliqué shapes and later on quilting patterns on the wrong side. To mark out
the fabric use a dressmakers pencil or chalk. It is advisable to keep the marker sharp to ensure the lines or pattern
marked are accurate.
If possible always avoid including the selvedge in the cut pieces, including allowing the selvedge to form part of the
seam allowance of a shape. The reason for this is that the selvedge tends to shrink more than the fabric it borders and
so can lead to puckered seams.