QuiltnLady1

I have read the literature and watched some videos about using the Go and Go Big. They all say that you need to be careful which grain goes where. I was wondering if you can starch the fabric so you can use the cross grain and not have it stretch? (Some of the videos look like the fabric is barely ironed -- is this practical?) I have some scraps that if I was hand cutting, I could cut the piece but using the lengthwise grain the fabric is short.

Thanks.

ckcowl

I've heard some people say they Always starch their fabrics to achieve the best cuts with their die cutting machines

Jane Quilter

I have both machines. I try to maintain the straight of grain for all the usual structural reasons in quilt building.. The only reason I can see accuquilt wanting to maintain the straight of grain is maybe to avoid twisting in the die, but I have never experienced that. The only time I heavily starch fabric is when the pieces are so small, that ANY inaccuracies will throw off the quilt assembly. I have no idea why accuquilt says you need to be careful.......

QuiltnLady1

Thanks -- I will try it starched and not starched. If it is starched, I may not go for 6 layer.

Ginaky

I always use Best Press to give my fabrics body before I use my cutter.

quiltingcandy

I usually starch my fabric that I am going to cut for quilting, and I cut it with my GO. They come out fine. I started doing it because of the recommendations on the QB.

quiltingshorttimer

they want the length of grain instead of cross grain cause it just stretches less--so especially when using 6 layers, it keeps from pulling it when cutting. that being said, I will cut stripes length of grain then turn all 6 layers on the same stripe die and cut my squares without problem. I do use Best press on my scrape bag--but they are a bit of a mess anyway!

Onebyone

I starch all my fabric before cutting with rotary or Go. I spray both sides heavily and then iron it. I don't press it I iron the devil out of it. I never have trouble with bias cuts having the fabric stiff so I don't go by grain line with the Go.

cindi

Absolutely.

QuiltnLady1

Thanks much. You ladies are so helpful. Even though I have a big stash, I hate to waste even my scraps. Again, thanks.