can be cut crosswise, at right angles to the selvedge, or lengthwise, which is parallel to the selvedge (diagram A). Many quilters are used to cutting crosswise but there are advantages to cutting lengthwise.
Cutting a crosswise strip – To cut a crosswise strip fold the fabric in two smoothly, right sides out, with selvedges aligned. Place it on the cutting mat with the fold aligned with a horizontal mark on the mat and cut a narrow vertical strip to straighten the edge (B).
Now move the ruler to the right and cut a second strip to the desired width. If left-handed, cut from the right side instead of the left. Fabric can be folded more than once for multiple-layer cuts.
Cutting a lengthwise strip – Cutting fabric this way produces more stable strips because the straight grain is less stretchy than the crosswise grain. In addition, the print on a fabric follows the lengthwise grain, so when cut the pattern is less likely to be skewed. Fabrics can be stacked, usually four layers, and then be cut without folding, as shown here.
Trim off the selvedge first (C) and then cut strips to the desired width (D).
Squares and Rectangles
A square is a four-sided shape with four equal sides and four angles each 90 degrees. To draw a square with seam allowances = finished size + 1⁄2in (1.3cm) (diagram A).
A rectangle is a four-sided shape with two matching pairs of sides and four angles each 90 degrees. To draw a rectangle with seam allowances = finished width + 5⁄8in (1.6cm) and finished length + 11⁄4in (3.2cm) (B).
Cutting – Cut the fabric into strips first and then re-position the ruler to cut the strips into squares or rectangles of the desired size (C).
Cutting an individual square – If only one or two squares are needed, these can be cut individually rather than cutting many from a strip. Position a square ruler on one corner of the fabric and make two cuts along the two edges of the ruler, making the size slightly bigger than required (D).
Take the cut square and turn it, re-positioning the ruler so the cut edges line up with the desired measurement on the ruler. Cut the other two sides of the square so the square is now true (E).
Cutting multiple patches – It is far quicker and more efficient to cut patches from stacked strips. When a strip has been cut from several layers of fabric (as described previously) leave the strip in place on the mat and carefully move the rest of the fabric to one side. Rotate the mat 90 degrees and use the rotary cutter to trim a scant amount from the short end to tidy the strip.
Re-position the ruler to cut the desired size of patch, and sub-cut in this way all along the length of the strip (F).
Half-Rectangle Triangles
A half-rectangle triangle is a rectangle divided on the diagonal to produce a tall triangle. It has three unequal sides and one 90 degree angle.
Drawing – To draw the shape with seam allowances = finished height + 5⁄8in (1.6cm) and finished width + 11⁄4in (3.2cm). Cut this rectangle once on diagonal to yield two units.
Alternatively, draw a rectangle on paper without seam allowances and mark it into two triangles. Add a 1⁄4in (6mm) seam allowance around all three sides of one of the triangles. Cut the fabric to this size.
Cutting – Cut fabric into strips first and then into rectangles of the desired size (as calculated in diagram). Re-position the ruler so the 45 degree line aligns with the edge of the rectangle and cut across the diagonal. Check the diagonal cut is sloping in the direction you require.
Half-Square Triangles
A half-square triangle is created by dividing a square on the diagonal. The triangle has two equal sides and one 90 degree angle.
Drawing – To draw the shape with seam allowances = draw a square with a finished height + 7⁄8in (2.2cm) and divide the square once diagonally to yield two units.
Alternatively, draw a rectangle on paper without seam allowances and mark it into two triangles. Add a 1⁄4in (6mm) seam allowance around all three sides of one of the triangles. Cut the fabric to this size.
Cutting – Cut fabric into strips first and then into squares of the desired size. Re-position the ruler so the 45 degree line aligns with the edge of the square and cut across the diagonal. In quilt instructions a symbol may be used to indicate when a square is to be cut into half-square triangles.
Quarter-Square Triangles
A quarter-square triangle is created by dividing a square on both diagonals. It has two equal sides and one 90 degree angle.
Drawing – To draw the shape with seam allowances = draw a square with a finished base + 11⁄4in (3.2cm) and divide the square twice diagonally to yield four units.
Cutting – Cut this shape in the same way as half-square triangles but make a second cut across the other diagonal. In quilt instructions a symbol may be used to indicate when a square is cut into quarter-square triangles.
Equilateral Triangles
An equilateral triangle has three sides each the same length, with three angles each 60 degrees.
Drawing – To draw the shape with seam allowances = finished height + 3⁄4in (1.9cm).
Cutting – Cut a fabric
