How To Cut Strips With A Long Ruler

ByMadeleine

How to Cut Perfect Strips with a Long Ruler: A Guide for Quilters

Cutting fabric strips is a fundamental skill for any quilter. Strips are the building blocks for many quilt patterns, and learning how to cut them accurately can make all the difference in your quilting projects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to cut perfect strips using a long ruler.

Why Use a Long Ruler?

A long ruler offers several advantages for cutting fabric strips:

  • Accuracy: Ensures precise cuts, which is crucial for piecing together quilt blocks.
  • Efficiency: Allows you to cut longer strips in one go, saving time and effort.
  • Versatility: Useful for various cutting tasks beyond strips, making it a versatile tool in your quilting toolkit.

Essential Tools

Before you start, gather the following tools:

  • Rotary Cutter: A sharp rotary cutter makes clean, precise cuts.
  • Cutting Mat: A self-healing cutting mat protects your surfaces and helps maintain the sharpness of your rotary cutter.
  • Long Ruler: A 24-inch ruler is ideal for cutting fabric strips. Ensure it has clear markings and is non-slip.
  • Fabric: Pre-washed and ironed fabric for accurate measurements.

Steps to Cut Perfect Strips

1. Prepare Your Fabric

  1. Starch: Wash and iron your fabric with starch.
  2. Fold the Fabric: Fold the fabric selvage to selvage (the finished edges of the fabric). Align the edges as precisely as possible.

2. Align the Fabric on the Cutting Mat

  1. Place the Fabric: Lay the folded fabric on your cutting mat, aligning the fold with a horizontal line on the mat.
  2. Square the Fabric: Ensure the fabric is straight and squared. Trim the edge if necessary to create a straight starting point.

3. Position the Ruler

  1. Align the Ruler: Place the long ruler on the fabric, aligning it with the vertical lines on the ruler, not the lines on the cutting mat. The edge of the fabric should match the measurement you need for your strips on the ruler.
  2. Hold the Ruler Steady: Use your non-dominant hand to hold the ruler firmly in place. Some rulers have non-slip grips to help with this.

4. Make the Cut

  1. Position the Rotary Cutter: Place the rotary cutter at the bottom of the ruler, ensuring the blade is against the edge of the ruler.
  2. Cut with Confidence: Apply even pressure and cut away from your body, keeping the blade straight along the edge of the ruler. Ensure the cutter moves smoothly to avoid jagged edges.

5. Check Your Strip

  1. Inspect the Cut: Once you’ve made the cut, lift the ruler and check the strip for accuracy.
  2. Adjust if Needed: If the strip isn’t perfectly straight, adjust your technique or ruler placement and try again.

Tips for Accurate Cutting

  • Sharp Blade: Always use a sharp blade in your rotary cutter for clean cuts. Replace it regularly.
  • Consistent Pressure: Apply even pressure while cutting to ensure a smooth, straight line.
  • Practice: Cutting strips takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect.
  • Double-Check Measurements: Always double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the Starch: Not starching the fabric means it is more likely to shift.
  • Uneven Pressure: Inconsistent pressure can cause jagged edges or uneven strips.
  • Not Squaring Fabric: Cutting without squaring the fabric first can result in crooked strips.

Conclusion

Cutting perfect fabric strips with a long ruler is a skill that enhances your quilting projects’ precision and quality. With the right tools and techniques, you can master this essential quilting task. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll be cutting strips like a pro. Happy quilting!

Feel free to share your own tips and experiences with cutting fabric strips in the comments below!

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