Slash and Burn

I'm teaching a class today that features mock patchwork.  We'll be layering 15" squares of fabric, marking a grid, sewing on either side of each grid line, and then slashing on the line to make some fun chenille accents.  Then, we'll cut away four of the nine top-layer squares to make the block look pieced.  It seems appropriate to use a slash cutter the day before Halloween!  When you're using a slash or chenille cutter, remember that the blade is exceptionally sharp, and the cutter can slip.  So use steady, firm, even forward pressure--you don't need too much--and start each cut with a snip from your little sharpie scissors.  This will help prevent a jackrabbit start that can lead to slashed seamlines!

Rotary Cutting Tips

The rotary cutter looks intimidating, but it's such a useful tool.  Rotary cutting is a valuable skill to master.  For rotary success, follow these simple steps:

1. Find the corner of your acrylic ruler where the 1 inch lines intersect.  This is your 1 x 1 corner, and it should always be on the upper right.
2. Fold your fabric along its length.  Make sure the fold is along the straight grain.  The cut ends of the fabric will probably not be even.
3. Put the bulk of the fabric to your left.  Lay your ruler on the fabric, so that all off the cut ends of the fabric extend past the edge of the ruler.  Align a grid line of the ruler exactly on the fold of the fabric.  
4. Put your left hand on the ruler, and cut with your right.  Make a smooth, even cut, running the rotary cutter along the edge of the ruler.  Always cut away from you.  This is called straightening the edge. After your cut is made, click the safety switch.
5. Rotate your fabric so that the bulk is to your right.  Keep your 1 x 1 ruler corner on the upper right.  Find the grid mark on your ruler that you need, and align it to the straight  edge of the fabric.  Make another smooth cut.  
6. Remember to put some muscle into your left hand--plenty of pressure keeps the ruler from shifting.