Go rag die
#15
In defense of the die...I don't have to pull/clean threads because of poor cutting...it just looks packed and I want it cleaned. The time I save and accuracy of the precut fringe is so worth it to me I can't begin to tell you. Plus after it's washed and dried the rag is so uniform and full. I love my rag die and will sing it's praises again and again.
#16
That is tedious and unnecessary. I don't bother pulling the threads out at all. It works fine. The threads build up and come out on their own, and much easier to get a lot out at once. It doesn't bother the blade cutting. I'm on my third rag quilt and have't pulled the threads out.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern California, Sonoma Co.
Posts: 2,814
So I cut out my blocks using the GO! die on my Studio cutter. I cut two at a time, which was a little time-consuming, but certainly less so than snipping the seams! I did pick out bits of thread periodically, but it wasn't a big mess and it wasn't difficult. I've had cotton threads stick in Studio dies that were much harder to remove.
I did think once or twice that I wish I had the Studio die instead, but since I don't make rag quilts ALL the time, I think I'm fine with the GO! die. Once I get the blanket made and washed, I figure I'll know for sure!
I did think once or twice that I wish I had the Studio die instead, but since I don't make rag quilts ALL the time, I think I'm fine with the GO! die. Once I get the blanket made and washed, I figure I'll know for sure!
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern California, Sonoma Co.
Posts: 2,814
Well, an update on the rag quilt I made with the die. I am NOT blaming the die, but my quilt turned out terrible.
I think the first problem (which led to the second problem) was that I used two very different kinds of flannel. I bought the second to match the first, but they just weren't the same. As a result, as I was sewing an X through the blocks, on the solids the fabric tended to slide a bit, so they weren't real square. Totally my fault, but I thought there would be room to fudge since the seam allowance was so big.
However, as is so often the case, when you are off by a little, you can end up off by a lot. I ended up having some sections of fringe that were not caught outside the seam, and there was no way to correct it. Had I snipped the blocks by hand, it wouldn't have been a problem, although of course, it would have been a lot more work.
Next time I use the die, I will be much more careful and also choosy about my fabric. I have to say, though, I am not totally enamoured with this die and am not in a hurry to do another rag block soon!
I think the first problem (which led to the second problem) was that I used two very different kinds of flannel. I bought the second to match the first, but they just weren't the same. As a result, as I was sewing an X through the blocks, on the solids the fabric tended to slide a bit, so they weren't real square. Totally my fault, but I thought there would be room to fudge since the seam allowance was so big.
However, as is so often the case, when you are off by a little, you can end up off by a lot. I ended up having some sections of fringe that were not caught outside the seam, and there was no way to correct it. Had I snipped the blocks by hand, it wouldn't have been a problem, although of course, it would have been a lot more work.
Next time I use the die, I will be much more careful and also choosy about my fabric. I have to say, though, I am not totally enamoured with this die and am not in a hurry to do another rag block soon!
#19
I learned from experience lack of accuracy and quality will result in disappointment. I have this plaque in my sewing room: Why is it there is never time to do it right the first time but always time to do it over.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
That is tedious and unnecessary. I don't bother pulling the threads out at all. It works fine. The threads build up and come out on their own, and much easier to get a lot out at once. It doesn't bother the blade cutting. I'm on my third rag quilt and have't pulled the threads out.
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DonnaC
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11-05-2012 08:17 PM