Please can anyone come up with a foolproof way of cutting 3" wide strips of material possibly 40" long and getting then perfectly straight? I have a large cutting board.

Not sure if you can find these in the UK but the June Taylor brand rulers have one they call Short Cut. It has channels to run your cutter along every 1/2 inch so you just select the width you want your strips and cut thet increment. The ruler is heavy so doesn't slip around. I have had good luck with it. If you can't find one you might try cutting little circles of sandpaper and guluing them on the wrong side (bottom) of your ruler to help it hold to the fabric better.

1 comment

by gillemmerson 05 Mar 2012

Sounds good will investigate thanks

Hi Gill, I've been quilting for years and I've found the best way is to fold your fabric bringing your selvedges together and then bring the fold to the selvedge. You can have more than 4 layers of fabric - cut off the rough edges with your rotary cutter and use your long ruler. Then measure 3inches and cut - you will have a perfectly even strip. Love and blessings Chris

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2 comments

by gillemmerson 05 Mar 2012

Just worried the ruler may slip or the material bobble and move - hence no straight lines!!

by jussyc 05 Mar 2012

There is a tutorial on you tube which shows you how to hold the ruler & cut your fabric. I use this method and always have straight lines.

Decided to look at E-Bay UK and you can buy the Simplicity cutter from a sewing shop on there.
Hmm only trouble is there are lots of very bad reviews whilst Meganne rates it what is a good sign again.

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by edithfarminer 05 Mar 2012

http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalo...

see Jaycotts sells this one too

Hi, Im from the UK and ordered a rotary cutter and large 6"x25" clear ruler from ebay. I already had a large cutting board. So I just fold my fabric in half and cut strips this way. Also use this method to cut patch squares for quilts. Hope this helps.

Interesting question. Wonder what we can buy in the UK, maybe someone will tell us. I will look for something like mentioned here at the quilt show-Sandownpark this summer before ordering from abroad with extra postage cost involved.

I would tear the fabric - you know everything is straight and parallel then!

2 comments

by mops 05 Mar 2012

I usually tear to get a straight edge, then fold the fabric and cut the strips with a rotary cutter as tearing sometimes gives a stretched edge.

by gillemmerson 05 Mar 2012

I agree as being narrow strips they will stretch and give a furry bendy edge.

I use a Westalee fabric guide ruler. It is very good and easy to use

Thanks for all the suggestions only problem is expense as I don't quilt this is a one off so would not get the use of a machine. Must try to find a friend with one!

Invest in a Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine.
Simply Brilliant!

Shop around for best deals.
Hugs n roses, Meganne

2 comments

by gillemmerson 05 Mar 2012

These are only for customers in the US I live in England!

by edithfarminer 05 Mar 2012

Interesting Meganne, just read lots of reviews and mostly bad. See you can buy this in the UK.

Great answers, they have helped me too!

cut a inch across your material and try to pull apart this will give you the correct grain. My mother God bless here taught me this when I was a young girl.

Go to YouTube.com type in Rotary Cutting Basics. One of the best is by Pat Sloan. She shows you what you need and how to use it. There are a number of others there you can watch also. The tools of acrylic rulers, self healing mats and rotary cutters have revolutionized the quilting world.

I use a quilt cut - one of the best investments I ever made when it comes to cutting precision cuts...the 3" cuts every time without a problem...

I am not a quilter but some great ideas here. Always learning.

I have a large board, large ruler and rotary cutter. I must use glove since I cut myself! also someone or something to hold ruler down 4" x 36". If I have straightened my material properly I can fold salvage to salvage and make good cuts! The table surface needs to be as flat as possible. Live Laugh Download Stitch!

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by bevintex 04 Mar 2012

a new blade in your rotary cutter is very helpful.

I do it the old fashion way. Measure twice, cut once. xx

I have a machine that will cut strips that come out perfect every time!Its called a Go Baby & I love it!

I have something called a strip cutting guide. it will cut strips up to 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. you can fold over your fabric. It was a freebie when I ordered quilting rulers. Now i can make my own jelly rolls. Check your local sewing center. I think it works great.
Bev