Cutting fabric using a template can be as straightforward as it sounds but there are a few
tips to consider before slicing into that fabric fresh off the bolt.
While making an accurate template is the first step to accurate piecing, cutting your fabric accurately using said template is just as important.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Secure your template to your fabric before cutting
To be sure your template doesn't slip or shift when cutting, you will want to secure your template to your fabric temporarily. There are several ways you can do this, but here are a few I've tried:
Painter's tape
Spray adhesive
Magnets and a metal sheet
Painter's Tape
The easiest and most effective way I've found to avoid shifting of my templates is to use painters tape. Using a few pieces of tape, simply form loops and place them on the back of your template. I've found the tape can wear out after awhile but it is easy to replace and lasts long enough for me to use one or two sets of tape loops for one quilt.
Pros:
Can use something you might already have on hand
Easy to use
Can be easily used with a rotating cutting mat
Cons:
Will need to replace tape eventually
Difficult to secure small spaces or tight corners (due to size of tape)
Spray Adhesive
Another option is to use spray adhesive which is a temporary adhesive often used for basting quilts. This is a good option if you have spray adhesive on hand and have tricky corners or small areas that would need to be secured down that bulky tape can't get to. I do find that this option is messier in general, but if you have an old sheet and can spray outside, it is easily doable. If I'm in a pinch and need to do it inside, I'll spray over the bathtub with the fan on in the bathroom.
One tip: be sure your adhesive has dried on the back of your template before applying to your fabric or you may have spots of adhesive left on your fabric after cutting.
Pros:
Can use something you might already have on hand
Nice for tricky corners, small pieces
I find this option to last about as long as painter's tape before needing to reapply
Can be easily used on a rotating cutting mat
Cons:
Can be messy compared to tape and magnets
You'll need to replace your spray adhesive eventually
Difficult to store templates for future use due to tackiness that is difficult to remove
Magnets and a Metal Sheet
The third option is to use a strong magnet, such as a fishing magnet, and a metal sheet under your cutting mat. This is a new option I have recently tried and while I may need more time to figure it out, it's not my favorite method thus far. If you plan on doing lots of cutting from templates (this is especially helpful for large pieces for garment sewing), this may be a good option. It is more of an investment than the other two, but will last longer as you will not need to replace the magnets or sheet.
For this option, simply place a metal sheet under your cutting mat and layer your fabric and templates on top. Secure using at least two, if not three magnets (depending on the size of your pieces) per piece. For the below example, I used just one magnet in the center and found the ends shifted slightly.
Pros:
Lasts longer and only need to buy supplies once
Easy to set up
Cons:
More expensive up front
Difficult to use your ruler to cut straight edges as the magnets tend to be in the way
More difficult to use a rotating cutting mat than the other options
I found this option to work best with cardstock or a cereal box. The plastic template allowed the magnets to shift slightly.
Once you've decided how you're going to secure your template to your fabric, here are three helpful tips to ensure cutting accuracy:
1. Use a ruler on straight edges. This can help alleviate any slight inconsistencies in cutting especially if your template isn't very thick. It can also help speed up your cutting, as you can typically cut faster with a ruler.
2. Be sure to keep your rotary blade perpendicular with the fabric, especially if cutting multiple layers at once. If your blade is at an angle when cutting, you may slightly alter some edges of your fabric pieces, causing them to be too narrow or too wide.
3. When possible, cut your fabric "on the grain." Often patterns will suggest how to cut your templates, but if there is no diagram available, you will want to be sure as many edges of your template line up with the warp or weft of the fabric (or in other terms, the length or width) to avoid too much bias stretch in your pieces.
In the example below, the two long straight edges are cut on the grain.
Hop on over to Instagram and let me know if you've tried any of these or have other tips for cutting fabric using templates!
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