Quilts and More - USA (2020 Winter)

CUTTING

AllPeopleQuilt.com 97

1. DIE-CUTTING
   TOOL
   These tools use dies
   for cutting multiple
   layers of fabric at
   one time. Center
   layers of fabric over
   die blade, cover
   with plastic mat,
   and roll die through.
   3. ACRYLIC RULER
   Use a thick, clear
   acrylic ruler with
   your rotary cutter.
   To ensure accurate
   measurements, use
   markings on ruler
   and make sure it
   does not slip as
   you cut.


2. ROTARY
   CUTTER
   Rotary cutters
   have round blades
   that enable you to
   cut straight-edge
   shapes quicker and
   more accurately
   than with scissors.
   They come in
   various blade and
   handle sizes.


3. ROTARY
   CUTTING MAT
   Always use a cutting
   mat designed for
   your rotary cutter.
   The mat protects
   your work surface
   and helps keep the
   fabric from shifting
   as you cut.


4. SCISSORS &
   SHEARS
   Have a pair of
   scissors or shears
   reserved only for
   cutting fabric. Using
   your fabric scissors
   to cut paper,
   interfacing, and
   other materials will
   dull blades faster. A
   smaller pair of snips
   is ideal for cutting
   threads as you sew.

Blades on rotary

cutters are extremely

sharp. Close or

retract the blade

(^1) after each cut.
2
3
4
5
Not sure what to buy?
The following are good sizes to start with:
Cutting mat: 17 ×23" with 1" grid and hash marks every^1 ⁄ 8 "
Acrylic ruler: 6 ×24" with hash marks every^1 ⁄ 8 " and 45° and 60° angles
Rotary cutter: 45-millimeter blade
tip
096-103 Back to Basics.indd 97 FINAL 9/26/19 3:21 PM