How To Cut Straight Fabric Strips For Quilting?

My inability to cut my cloth straight, despite the fact that I have the necessary tools, is a persistent issue for me. As a result, whenever I sew, there is always something that is not in the correct position. I beg you to please assist me since it is driving me insane.

Answers for Quilters

The initial cut you make should be straight on the cross-grain of the fabric. This will ensure that your quilt will finish up in the shape that you envision for it (perpendicular to the selvedge). After you have correctly folded the cloth for cutting and squared the edges, it is simple to do as follows:

	Hold your fabric with the raw edges on top, allowing the selvedge edges to hang straight down to the floor. Fold the fabric in half, right sides out, matching selvedge edges, and lining them up so they are straight and together. This is one of the most difficult parts, and it is amazing how much the cross-grain edge (the raw edges) can be off even though the cut appeared straight at the fabric shop. This is also one of the most critical steps.  If the selvedges are not lined up correctly, the strips will not be straight; there will be bends in the strips, and you won’t be able to make square squares – they will be misshapen.
	As an extra step, check the bottom fold of the fabric, to be sure that there are no gaps or wrinkles there either.
	Once your fabric is folded, and you are confident you will cut straight strips, lay it down (folded) on your cutting mat.
	Fold your fabric again, lining up the bottom fold with the selvedge edge. Line up the folded piece of fabric on the mat with a horizontal gridline.
	Make sure that the selvedges and folded edge stay even with each other, and line up your ruler with a vertical line on your cutting mat. Move the ruler sideways until all of the raw edges are clear of the ruler and will be cut off.  You will probably want to go about ¼” past the raw edge into the “good” fabric to make sure you catch all of the fraying threads.

After you cut the first strip, unfold it and hold it up to see if it is straight.  If it has a bend re-fold the fabric, matching the selvedges again, cut a skinny strip to even the ends, then cut a new full-size strip and check again.

Usually after one or two cuts, I can get the fabric strip straight. I’ll admit that I have a piece of black fabric that I have not ever been able to cut a straight strip from. I wouldn’t begin to guess why, but I’ve already wasted about 1/4 yard trying!

I have given up cutting strips from that piece, and will use it only for small squares or backing.

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