First Project - Step 2 - Cutting Your Fabric

Dez's Table Runner

I mentioned in a previous post that I traveled to Las Vegas a few weeks ago to teach my niece how to quilt.  We started with a simple 9 patch, which we turned into a disappearing 9 patch.  She made a table runner for her Very Long dinning room table.

Well before this table runner was finished, and before I left Vegas, off to the quilt store we went to purchase fabric for her next project.  That's how I knew she had quilting in her blood!  (Can you believe there are only 2 quilt shops in ALL of Las Vegas!?  We went to Quiltique in Henderson.  It is a fabulous store!)

Fabric for new project.

Now it is some weeks down the road.  Her table runner is finished, the Super Bowl is over and she is anxious to start cutting her fabric for her new project.

 

McCalls Quilting Magazine September/October 2014

As mentioned in the previous post, first square up your fabric.  I tend to square it up as I go; right before I cut that piece.
As I cut, I label the pieces.

Kathy's blocks, all tidy and labeled.

Everyone has their own method for labeling blocks.  If I have a lot of different size blocks, I will add the dimensions and the number of cut pieces to the label.

Did you know cookie sheets are $1 at Dollar Tree?  They make great trays for your cut pieces.

Here is a Pinterest video about cutting.  She shows you how to square up the fabric and then how to use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut.  She does a great job, it is excellent.

And, I cannot stress this enough!!!  Check those measurements closely. Say them out loud!
Measure twice, cut once!
I have a whole stack of 10" squares that should have been 12".  You guessed it, I had to go buy more fabric.  

Shuffling off to the sewing machine, nite.