Have a Look at how I make Crazy Quilts
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Stazjia
I am English and I've written freelance for UK magazines, a couple of books and online. My Google Profile more »
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More About Recycling Fabric
Make Do and Mend
Cut Fabric Quickly
and In Straight Lines
Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/28/2012)
When I first started quilting, I used scissors for cutting up fabric into patches. Scissors are fine for crazy quilting but not if you need patches all the same size. I quickly realised that the quick and accurate way to get these was with a rotary cutter, pictured here.
Yes, it could be dangerous if used carelessly and it obviously should never be left somewhere accessible to children. It's also essential, in my opinion, to use a proper cutting mat otherwise you will inevitably damage the surface you use. In spite of this, using a ruler or other straight-edge, you can cut through several layers of fabric in one go and cut your patches to the size you require. I would never use anything else when accuracy is important.
A Cutting Mat is Essential
It Will Protect the Surface from the Rotary Cutter Blade
18" x 24" SELF HEALING CUTTING MAT IN GREEN
Amazon Price: $10.83 (as of 05/28/2012)
This cutting mat is self-healing and measures 18ins by 24ins. You just put your layers of fabric on the mat and then use your rotary cutter without worrying about damaging the table or desk below.
I find the vertical and horizontal lines on the mat very useful as I line up my ruler top and bottom (or left and right) with the ones showing around the fabric. That way I get a straight line every time.This is another piece of equipment that I use all the time when I'm preparing patches for quilts.
