Trouble with 'dog legs' when cutting strips - help?
#12
I must be an oddball because I have more trouble WITH the June Tailor Shapecut than without.
In order to cut full width fabric, I have to fold it twice (once as we normally do an then again so it will fit the ruler) and can't seem to get both folds situated just right to avoid a dog let. If I'm subcutting the strips into small pieces, it's not an issue but if I were to use the strips for borders or other longer purposes, it would be.
Any hints to help me?
Thanks,
Cathy
In order to cut full width fabric, I have to fold it twice (once as we normally do an then again so it will fit the ruler) and can't seem to get both folds situated just right to avoid a dog let. If I'm subcutting the strips into small pieces, it's not an issue but if I were to use the strips for borders or other longer purposes, it would be.
Any hints to help me?
Thanks,
Cathy
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I must be an oddball because I have more trouble WITH the June Tailor Shapecut than without.
In order to cut full width fabric, I have to fold it twice (once as we normally do an then again so it will fit the ruler) and can't seem to get both folds situated just right to avoid a dog let. If I'm subcutting the strips into small pieces, it's not an issue but if I were to use the strips for borders or other longer purposes, it would be.
Any hints to help me?
Thanks,
Cathy
In order to cut full width fabric, I have to fold it twice (once as we normally do an then again so it will fit the ruler) and can't seem to get both folds situated just right to avoid a dog let. If I'm subcutting the strips into small pieces, it's not an issue but if I were to use the strips for borders or other longer purposes, it would be.
Any hints to help me?
Thanks,
Cathy
#17
This video was my life saver: Leah Day, the great FMQ queen gives a great demo here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcpzwJMVTbc
It made such a difference to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcpzwJMVTbc
It made such a difference to me
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
The most important factor is how the fabric is folded in half as RkayD says. Not at all familiar with the Fons & Porter book mentioned but one of the ladies at my LQS was cutting strips one day early in my quilting career. And she's excellent. I asked her how she managed that. She showed me her technique for folding to make sure the fold is on the straight. I've adapted a bit but basically start with fabric selvage to selvage. Look for a 'bubble' (easiest done if you're a pre-washer and after ironing). I lay the fabric flat on my cutting table with the fold closest to me and then smooth out the 'bubble'. At that point the selvages will not line up but your fabric will be folded straight. Trim off the wonky end and start measuring from there. Haven't had an issue since.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
you need to make sure the ruler is lined up with the fold. One teacher recommends you realign about every 6" of cut.
As long as your ruler is lined up with the fold you will have straight cuts. If you are cutting 2.5" strips then re adjust about every 2 or 3 cuts and straighten the side if you need to before making the next cut. Your fold can be crooked but as long as the ruler is straight with the fold you will get straight cuts.
As long as your ruler is lined up with the fold you will have straight cuts. If you are cutting 2.5" strips then re adjust about every 2 or 3 cuts and straighten the side if you need to before making the next cut. Your fold can be crooked but as long as the ruler is straight with the fold you will get straight cuts.
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nevrn
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02-05-2011 09:42 AM