Rotary cutting strip pieces and the dreaded "v"

[Deleted]

Looking for suggestions or hints on what I am doing incorrectly. When rotary cutting strips for a a quilt block I always get a slight "v" shape at the fold of the material. I have tried everything from pressing and ironing the fabric, realigning the material, cutting smaller pieces but still have the problem. I have even watched numerous videos on youtube. Besides driving me crazy, I am wasting a lot of fabric. Any ideas on how to fix this?

[wvterri]

Are you lining up the folded edge or the selvage edge? I line up the folded edge to a straight line on my cutting mat and very rarely ever have a problem. I also don't double fold my fabric for cutting.

[dw]

Yes, do what Terri says.

[Deleted]

Hi Doris - agree with the above posts - folding too many layers will cause the "v". It sure can drive you nuts, I know.

So what project are you working on at the moment? :-) 

[Deleted]

Sept 21, 2015 23:49:51 GMT @doris said:

....When rotary cutting strips for a a quilt block I always get a slight "v" shape at the fold of the material.

It sounds like your fabric is moving under your straight edge on you. Try holding the straight edge down close to the starting point to cut half-way across your strip, then stop your rotary cutter (don’t lift it) and carefully move your holding hand to the other end of your straight edge and press down to complete the cut.

CD in Oklahoma

[Deleted]

Thanks for the hints, I will certainly give them a try. I just got back from a quilt show in North Wilkesboro, NC and finally broke down and bought the Rapid Fire Hunter's Star ruler from a vendor. I have heard positive and negative comments about the tool but it's such a pretty quilt that I just have to try to make one. When I get a couple of blocks made I will post a picture of my progress.

[Deleted]

I hadn't heard of that ruler, Doris, so I looked it up. I love the pattern itself, so if this makes things easier for you, that's brilliant. Really looking forward to seeing your pics. What colour scheme are you using?

[Deleted]

Sept 28, 2015 23:35:38 GMT @kiwifarmgal said:

I hadn't heard of that ruler, Doris, so I looked it up. I love the pattern itself, so if this makes things easier for you, that's brilliant. Really looking forward to seeing your pics. What colour scheme are you using?

Haven't picked a color scheme yet, I am just going to practice with scraps of material to see if I can make the block. The ruler has an instruction sheet with it that is really detailed. If I had seen it beforehand I would have never bought it. Someone suggested watching the videos on youtube for help with the ruler. Geez, making a quilt is supposed to be relaxing......lol!

[Deleted]

Sometimes it's easier watching someone else make something than reading 'comprehensive' instructions, LOL.

Let us know how you get on with the block. Do you keep your 'test blocks' to use in an orphan block quilt? I came across that suggestion a while ago and have started putting surplus and test blocks, as well as potential coping blocks in a separate pile. One of these days I'll play at putting them all together. There are some spectacular quilts made in this way.

[motdaugrnds]

Doris, Take a look at this: www.quiltersslidelock.com/

[Maura]

A student in my quilting class showed me this. If the fabric isn’t too big, take the two selvedge edges (even if they are cut off) and hold the fabric so there is an open “fold” at the bottom. Inch the fabric at the selvedges until you see that it all lines up, the flat fabric with the bowed part. You end up lopping off more than you think you would, but at least it will cut better.

[ann]

Maura - I've been short of fabric for projects due to how crooked the fabric was on the bolt. I hate having to buy extra yardage with prices so ridiculously high, but that's better than running short.