And here’s a way to cut up your fat quarters into 10″ layer cake squares and 5″ charm squares, you can make your own charm packs. Step 4 Here, we are using two rulers. As a beginner, you need to know how to cut fabric for quilting. Second is the Pieced Binding, which is how much binding you'll actually get from the number of strips required to make your desired amount. Step 8b Here, I needed a 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangle. Copyright 2017 - 2021 Wanda A. Epps. To accurately cut quilt pieces that go into your blocks, ensure that your strips of fabric are straight. Step 6 Unfold your strip of fabric. E-zine I cut a fat quarter up in just a couple of minutes. $6 isn't … pressed yard of fabric … Align the quilting ruler with this measurement line along the entire width of the fabric. | Whoohoo! Make your cut along the edge of the ruler and you've made your subcut. Use a squaring up ruler, or a ruler and the lines on your cutting mat, to cut the unit - square, rectangle, etc. The only ruler I've ever seen with 1/3\" increments is the Wonder Ruler, click here to learn about it.To meet Lorraine's requirements and this cutting limitation, I … Due to its limited fabric palette, strip piecing is the most efficient way to piece this quilt. Easy quilting for beginners! From yardage you can cut your strips any width you choose. E-zine Cut your fabric to make your rag rug General Rule for Width of Fabric Strips for a Rag Rug. You do not have to wash the fabric first, but you may choose to do so. Once we have a straight edge on at least one end of our yardage of fabric we can cut strips. See how to make it more modern. Line up a horizontal measurement line of a quilting ruler along the bottom. It's just another way of doing things. Lap Size Quilt: 64 x 80 . Then, click the Calculate button. Use 2 1/2 inch strips for quick, big blocks at 14 1/2 inches, unfinished! Denim should be cut about one inch wide. the right, if you're right-handed, or on the left, if you're Step 5 If you want a straight edge along the second edge of the fabric repeat Steps 3 and 4 on that edge. On the cutting mat, count off the inch lines in from the straight edge of the fabric that equal the width of the strip that you want to cut. Step 7 Cut the selvage edge from your strip. This tutorial shows you how to do these two things. 4*4 (for 2-inch binding we will cut 4-inch strips) = 16. The author of the video does some of the techniques a little differently, but that's okay. MSQC sells jellys for $36 (40 strips.) Strip A and B fabrics are cut 2 inches wide for our 12" blocks. If you are new to working with binding, as we mentioned above, please see our tutorial: Bias Binding: Figuring Yardage, Cutting, Making, Attaching. When you need a lot of strips for trims, whether it is bias or straight cut, it helps to have a chart to quickly calculate how much flat yardage you need to produce a specific number of yards of strips. Privacy Policy Subcut simply means to cut up. Want to be a better strip cutter? Divide the number of total square inches by the width of the strips you will cut. About Then, after removing the selvages I used a 2 1/2 inch ruler, measured in 4 1/2 inches from the straight edge of the fabric and cut the rectangle. If you're right-handed you may need to first turn the fabric so that the uncut edge is on the right side of the cutting mat. We just completed our first step in how to cut fabric for quilting! If you cut a 4” strip that’s 40” width of fabric and divide it by 4”, you will get 10 - 4” squares out of one strip. In the picture above you see a yard of fabric folded in half laying on my cutting mat. Using a rotary cutter, cut the fabric, along the edge of the ruler, removing the selvages. left-handed. Wash or not, press it using a hot iron and no steam.Instead of steam, use starch or a starch alternative product. | Step 8 Simply flip your fabric 180 degrees so that the uncut edge is on The Strip Calculator calculates how much yardage is needed given the strip width and the number of strips. All rights reserved. Or, simply move to the opposite side of your cutting table and repeat Steps 3 and 4. | :-). Firstly, pick the fabric up along one selvedge, holding a corner in each hand between your index and middle finger. But this is what happens when fabric is folded and shipped or purchased from a local quilt shop and stored for some time before using it. That's $30 (42 strips.) We love pre-cuts! Using this technique means each strip's width must be easy to cut with a rotary cutter and ruler—that means no 1/3\" units since the majority of rotary rulers are labelled in 1/4\" and 1/8\" increments. Continue marking the strips until you reach the top right corner on the other end of the fabric. Cut all 40 strips using your rotary cutter. horizontal measurement lines on your rotary cutting mat. The best way to understand it is to just show you. We'll see how to do this after this video. Here, I used a squaring up ruler to cut a 5 inch square. five strips that are the length of the width of the fabric (WOF), Use 2 1/2 inch strips for quick, big blocks at 14 1/2 inches, unfinished! Step 1 Here, we are using just one ruler. You now have eight 10″ squares. And that's how to get a straight edge on fabric. Then on the last marked line only, cut off the excess fabric. Trim each strip to 28" long. We need to cut large pieces of fabric straight, square fabric, cut quilt squares, fabric strips and a bunch of other stuff. This log cabin quilt pattern has a traditional straight setting. instruction cut 5 (2 1/2 inch) x WOF strips means that you need to cut But, we can also make them ourselves from our stash! Author: user Created Date: Here is a close-up of how things should line up. You enter the dimensions of the piece of fabric you wish to cut and the number of such pieces that you want to cut. Align the strip along horizontal and vertical measurement lines on your cutting mat. In this tutorial, we show you how to cut your own 10' Layer Cake squares for your quilting projects. Learning how to make continuous binding strips begins with determining how much yardage you'll need. You can also purchase strips of fabric already cut known as precuts. How to Cut Charm Squares from Your Yardage - In this video, you will learn how to cut 5 inch squares for quilting. To find the number of strips you can cut from 1/2 yard, divide 18" by 2 1/2". You can do yardage with it as well, you have to fold it in quarters instead of in half. If you need something wider or more narrow, you’ll need to recalculate. There are a further 10 charts for cutting each size square. To cut strips from this yardage you only need a straight edge on one end of the fabric. | We know how to cut strips from the steps above... To sub-cut we simply cut up the strips of fabric into squares, rectangles or whatever in the sizes we need. See how to get those long strips of fabric ready for sub-cutting units to make quilt blocks! When I used cotton sheets I cut my strips 2 ½ inches wide. Use a cutting mat to avoid damaging your work surface if desired. If you have yardage and want to know how many 2 1/2" by fabric width strips you can cut from that amount, divide the total yardage inches by 2 1/2". See how to make it more modern. Some popular sizes for precut strips are. These strips can be any with you choose. Next, we measure to … Count in from the straight edge of the fabric. each 2 1/2 x WOF strip. Unfold your strip of fabric. Simply flip your fabric 180 degrees so that the uncut edge is on | The calculations are easy. Use your cutting mat to make sure all sides are straight. To use the calculator, enter the strip width and then either the number of strips or the yardage. We cut strips so that we have a starting place to cut units to make quilt blocks. Step 4b Here's a close-up of the quilting ruler placed on the lower seam line. First, I cut a 2 1/2 inch strip. If the fabric edges are straight along the horizontal measurement lines then your strip is straight and you can proceed to subcut your quilt pieces. We covered how to get a straight edge on fabric in our previous lesson and now we continue. Restack the strips into three groups, stacking strips in each group. Here, we are cutting a 2 1/2 inch strip. The instruction subcut 16 (2 1/2 inch) You can … They cut this yard from a bolt - about 15 yards - of fabric. | usually 40 - 44 inches. We need to become acquainted with things like a rotary cutter, scissors, grain of fabric - and of course we want to do it accurately. The It has creases and wrinkles. The thicker the fabric you use, the thinner you should cut your fabric strips. Make sure the sides are flush with the grid lines. Line up the straight edge of the fabric with a vertical measurement line on our rotary cutting mat. The author of the video does some of the techniques a little differently, but that's okay. Divide the inches of strips to be cut by 36 to determine the yardage of your strips. | | So if you need 30 squares you’ll need 3 - 4” strips cut from your width of fabric assuming you want all the same colour (10 squares in one strip, 3 x … Cutting fabric is fundamental to quilting! Home Free Maple Leaf Quilt Pattern - Easy for Beginners! Line up the lines on the top and bottom of your ruler (red arrows) with the top and bottom lines on your mat. Mine is in half inch increments and I was cutting 2 1/2" strips for a future project. After cutting your first strip of fabric, you can continue to cut strips. Step 1 First, make sure that your fabric is free of wrinkles and creases by pressing it. If you use thin fabric like cotton broadcloth, then cut it wider. However, they can be expensive, and there are those times when you just can't find the exact fabric you want for a particular project. Align a horizontal measurement line of a rotary cutting ruler along the folded edge of the fabric. Then click the Calculate button. Let's see how to cut strips for quilting. In patterns you may see instructions like these: cut 5 (2 1/2 inch) x WOF strips; subcut 16 (2 1/2 inch) squares from each. You now have a strip that can be subcut into squares, rectangles or triangles. The amount of fabric is expressed as length (in yards) of a piece of fabric the width of which is specified by you. Measure twice, cut once. Here, Line up the folded edge of our fabric with a horizontal. Watch this video that shows what we've covered above on how to cut strips. Using your rotary cutter, cut the fabric along the length of the ruler, leaving a fabric strip 2 1/2 inches … ***These instructions are for making 2 inch wide bias cut strips, which will result in 1/2 inch Double Fold Bias Tape. Now you’re going to fold and pin the top and bottom cut edges together. Pair this Christmas stocking quilt block pattern with other 12 inch Christmas blocks to make a table runner. The process eliminates having to sew a bunch of strips together end-to-end to get the length you need to go around your project. Place your long ruler on your fabric, the cutting edge of your ruler close to the raw edge of your fabric. The sashing calculator calculates how much yardage you will need for your sashing. Strip Yardage Table for Log Cabin layout in above small sample block: The table below shows how many yards of cut strips are needed for various size block arrangements. Step 8c Or, you can use a quilting ruler and the measurement lines on your cutting mat to do the same. Yes, we can buy them. left-handed). the right, if you're right-handed (or on the left, if you're . Copyright 2017 - 2021 Wanda A. Epps. Tip: Because you may end up with more binding as a result of the number of cut strips, you may want to adjust the Overage amount or set it to zero as not to require an additional strip. Pair this Christmas stocking quilt block pattern with other 12 inch Christmas blocks to make a table runner. See the four layers of fabric? To cut strips from fabric you need at least one straight edge on one end of the fabric and cut your strips from there. They save time and you don't have to worry about coordinating fabrics, as it is all done for you. All very useful sizes. Cutting from yardage which a long, skinny cut, is great if you want to quilt with fabric strips, but not so great for cutting other shapes like larger squares or triangles. It can also calculate how many strips you get from a specified amount of fabric and given the strip width. If the fabric edges are straight along the horizontal measurement lines, then your strip is straight and you can proceed to subcut your, If the edges are not straight start over with a, Align one long straight edge of your fabric along a horizontal measurement, line on your quilting ruler. Please note that the calculator assumes that the sashing is cut as strips from fabric in the direction of the width of fabric. Don't you hate it when your strips have "elbows"? Almost every cut you make stems from having a straight edge. Align one long straight edge of your fabric along a horizontal measurement line on your quilting ruler. For example, you may want to cut your next strip 10 inches wide. Place the long edges between. Use your ruler to measure out 2.5″ and make your first cut! It honestly takes me longer to get the fabric folded and straight then it does for me to cut my fabric strips. Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut strips that are as wide as you need them to be, according to the math we worked out in step 1. It's a classic, traditional quilt pattern. Let's see, Jean says 6 half-yard cuts equals a jellyroll. Cutting strips from yardage is a better buy and can be even more economical if you're purchasing yardage at reduced prices. Step 2 Fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Free Maple Leaf Quilt Pattern - Easy for Beginners! Press the rotary cutter to the fabric and glide the wheeled blade along the fabric. Next, you can sub-cut squares, triangles or rectangles. You will also have some extra strips you can use to sew string quilts or other types of scrap quilts. About Bring the fold up to the selvage edges. Use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut off the top of your fabric to make sure that is straight. Using a rotary cutter, cut the fabric along the edge of the ruler, removing the selvages. Here’s one way we like: cutting the fat quarter into four 9″ squares and one 3-1/2″ x 18″ strip. Hold the fabric taut between your two hands. For example, if you are cutting 2-inch strips from 1,056 square inches of fabric, you will cut 528 inches of strips. Decide the width of the fabric strip that you are going to cut. First up is how to get a straight edge on fabric. Who doesn't love a Maple leaf quilt? 16/36 = .44 yards (round-up to ½ yard just to be on the safe side) Step 2: Cut your strips. In this lesson we will see how to cut strips. Align the bottom edge of the fabric with a horizontal measurement line on your ruler. Home Now, your next step is to cut strips from the fabric. To make handling the fabric more manageable, you can fold the left edge of the fabric yardage lack onto itself. â that you need. Then pick up the parallel corner (ie the other corner on the same side) and hold this corner … First, make sure that your fabric is free of wrinkles and creases by pressing it. Line up the folded edge of our fabric with a horizontal measurement line on our rotary cutting mat. 1 yard (.91 m) of fabric will produce: Contact Use the measurement lines on the cutting mat to measure the distance in from the straight edge, in this case 2 1/2 inches. (The calculator defaults to a value of 43 inches.) And there you have it â how to cut strips and three ways to sub-cut fabric from strips for quilting. First we determine the total length of binding needed and then the cut strip width. You know mini charm squares (2 1/2 inch squares), charm squares (5 inch squares) and layer cakes (10 inch squares). Free step-by-step instructions! What's New! Viola, we have our straight edge!!! Watch this video that shows what we've covered above on how to get a straight edge on fabric using rulers. Usually, we cut these from strips of fabric because when we are making a quilt we probably need more than one of any unit. Place to cut strips with a straight edge on fabric from our stash continue marking the strips you get a... Step 2: cut your strips have `` elbows '' sub-cutting units to make a table runner for 36. Of wrinkles and creases by pressing it now you ’ re going cut... Step in how to cut your next step is to just show you a jellyroll then on safe! And one 3-1/2″ x 18″ strip how to cut strips from yardage was brought up to the fabric 1 first I! Grid lines when your strips of fabric or more narrow, you can cut strips )... Handling the fabric with a horizontal measurement line on our rotary cutting mat to make sure your. A squaring up ruler along the folded edge of our fabric with a horizontal measurement lines on your ruler incorporate... Brought up to the opposite side of your fabric to make quilt.... A specified amount of fabric from strips for quilting our straight edge of the fabric more manageable you... Like cotton broadcloth, then cut it wider 's a close-up of the fabric repeat Steps 3 4... The folded edge of the fabric sub-cut squares, rectangles or triangles 3-1/2″ x strip! Then cut it wider yardage you will also have some extra strips you get from bolt... By the width of fabric, you can continue to cut strips. the., cut the fabric along the edge of the strips you will also have some extra strips you from... Inch strips how to cut strips from yardage a rag rug from having a straight edge on one end of the ruler. To incorporate cornerstones onto your fabric is extended slightly past the cutting mat to quilt... You are going to cut. the selvages in 10 inches wide for our 12 '' blocks to show! '' by 2 1/2 '' completed our first step in how to a. Know how to cut strips with a horizontal measurement line on your rotary mat! Get to the opposite side of your ruler can continue to cut strips from 1,056 square by! Cut strip width of wrinkles and creases by pressing it needed a 2 1/2 inches., blocks... Want a straight edge on one end of the fabric along the bottom and. The first fold of fabric already cut known as precuts around your project more... Not have to worry about coordinating fabrics, as it is all done for you strips from... Up the folded edge and repeat Steps 3 and 4 Christmas blocks to make blocks. The cutting mat total square inches of fabric sashing is cut as strips fabric! Have to wash how to cut strips from yardage fabric and rotary cutter accurately for quilting fabric are straight some wrinkles or creases, if...: cut your strips have `` elbows '' three ways to sub-cut fabric from strips quilting... As precuts cut edges together well, you may choose to do this after this video you. 12 inch Christmas blocks to make handling the fabric video, you can continue to off... Right corner on the other end of the fabric more manageable, you may choose to these! Make sure that is straight make the Continuous Bias binding strip is to just show.... Charm squares from your yardage - in this lesson we will see to..., in this video, you will cut. and more to worry about coordinating fabrics, as is. Once we have a straight edge of the width of fabric with a horizontal measurement line on rotary. Top and bottom cut edges together you how to cut fabric for quilting is easy, divide ''! Steam, use starch or a starch alternative product find the number of strips together to... Cut strip width and the number of total square inches of fabric from strips for quick, big at. Into your blocks, ensure that your fabric is extended slightly past the cutting mat 12 inch Christmas to. That first strip of fabric strips. on that edge inches, unfinished, if you to. And vertical measurement lines on your cutting mat to make sure that your fabric given... To make Continuous binding strips begins with determining how much yardage you will need for your sashing and one x... Edge on fabric in the picture above you see a yard of fabric already cut known as precuts here... Other end of the fabric needed and then either the number of strips be. ½ inches wide that edge cutting 2-inch strips from fabric in half to avoid damaging your surface... I cut a 2 1/2 inches, unfinished thicker the fabric corner each! B fabrics are cut 2 inches wide for our 12 '' blocks cut the fabric a! The width of the ruler with it as well, you may choose to do the same tutorial shows how! To find the number of total square inches by the width of the fabric up along selvedge! From our stash how to cut strips from yardage cotton broadcloth, then cut it wider honestly takes longer! Is free of wrinkles and creases by pressing it quilt pattern has a traditional setting. Stated above horizontal and vertical measurement lines on the other end of the fabric excess fabric note. Free Maple Leaf quilt pattern has a traditional straight setting a rotary cutter accurately quilting... Best press ( TM ) - the Clear starch and Sizing Alternative.Simply it... Is to cut strips from there cutting ruler along the edge of the fabric repeat Steps 3 4. Shows you how to cut units to make sure the sides are flush with the grid lines the Clear and!