Discouraged!
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
I usually get an idea for a quilting project by seeing a picture in a publication, or on the Internet. Then I am all gung-ho to try it myself. But - I quickly fizzle out because I can't easily cut strips or can't mark the fabric for strips. I've tried several ways to mark the fabric. And I own several rotary cutters and blade sharpening tools, but none of them seem to work enough to bother with. ! Is there a solution?
#2
Originally Posted by wiskid
I usually get an idea for a quilting project by seeing a picture in a publication, or on the Internet. Then I am all gung-ho to try it myself. But - I quickly fizzle out because I can't easily cut strips or can't mark the fabric for strips. I've tried several ways to mark the fabric. And I own several rotary cutters and blade sharpening tools, but none of them seem to work enough to bother with. ! Is there a solution?
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 1,775
Welcome from Massachusetts :-D
What are the problems that you are having with the rotary cutter? Is the blade dull or haven't you learned the technique, yet? You've come to the right place to get help for your problem.
What are the problems that you are having with the rotary cutter? Is the blade dull or haven't you learned the technique, yet? You've come to the right place to get help for your problem.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kansas City area USA
Posts: 421
sounds like you have all the right equipment but you lack the knowledge in how to use it!!! why not stop by a LQS or JoAnns and see if they could offer you a few tips. There are also a ton of good videos on YouTube but sometimes you really need that one on one personal touch....good luck, you will catch on. Remember, everyone had to start where you are today....a baby can't run a race before he takes his first steps!!
jodi in leavenworth
jodi in leavenworth
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 947
Not everyone does well with rotary cutting, I know. But it is a skill, and one that you can improve at, unless you have physical issues that get in the way of making good cuts.
Consider finding a quilting buddy who is good at (and enjoys) making accurate cuts. If you can reciprocate with a skill (or your time or space or even pay), it could solve your problem.
Of you can buy the precuts that are out on the market now. Many quilts don't require much additional cutting from the 5 inch squares and the 2/5 inch strips.
RST
Consider finding a quilting buddy who is good at (and enjoys) making accurate cuts. If you can reciprocate with a skill (or your time or space or even pay), it could solve your problem.
Of you can buy the precuts that are out on the market now. Many quilts don't require much additional cutting from the 5 inch squares and the 2/5 inch strips.
RST
#6
http://store.junetailor.com/store/c-2-rulers.aspx
perhaps a strip cutter ruler from this site would work well for you.
also this
http://quilting.about.com/od/rotaryc...ing_strips.htm
perhaps a strip cutter ruler from this site would work well for you.
also this
http://quilting.about.com/od/rotaryc...ing_strips.htm
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1,286
Are you new to the rotary cutter or quilting?
I know the rotary cutter really takes a lot of practice in the beginning. I've learned I have to really have a firm grip on my ruler or it will shift as I cut. And I have ruined a good chunk of fabric, one reason I got into making crumb blocks-to use up all my mistakes.
If you don't have a quilter or LQS handy to assist maybe some books from the libray? If you live close enough to a library-I know some people live way out in the boonies and don't want to mess with driving to the library. There are some good tutorials on youtube this is Pat Sloan's
http://www.youtube.com/user/Harleykn.../6/LjQNY9j_PIQ
If it's a physical problem maybe use a cutting system. Someone has mentioned the accuquilt but there is another one that might be good:
http://www.quiltcut.com/
I know the rotary cutter really takes a lot of practice in the beginning. I've learned I have to really have a firm grip on my ruler or it will shift as I cut. And I have ruined a good chunk of fabric, one reason I got into making crumb blocks-to use up all my mistakes.
If you don't have a quilter or LQS handy to assist maybe some books from the libray? If you live close enough to a library-I know some people live way out in the boonies and don't want to mess with driving to the library. There are some good tutorials on youtube this is Pat Sloan's
http://www.youtube.com/user/Harleykn.../6/LjQNY9j_PIQ
If it's a physical problem maybe use a cutting system. Someone has mentioned the accuquilt but there is another one that might be good:
http://www.quiltcut.com/
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: South Puget Sound, Wa. State
Posts: 2,462
You need a good cutting mat to cut on and a ruler or two in order to measure and use a rotary cutter.
Try this link to YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ebyZrgkIbk
Hope this helps.
Kirsten
Try this link to YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ebyZrgkIbk
Hope this helps.
Kirsten
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