How to Cut Fabric Strips
(Perfect Alignment for Quilting and Binding)
@JustGetItDoneQuilts
@FatQuarterShop
@sewandquiltwithaprilsawtelle
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cutting perfectly straight fabric strips is the foundation of successful quilting and garment finishing. Using a rotary system ensures your strips are consistent in width and perfectly on-grain.
Materials Needed:
- Pressed fabric
- Rotary cutter with a sharp blade
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Acrylic quilting ruler (at least 24″ long)
- Flat, sturdy work surface
Tips for Success:
- Always square up your fabric edge before you start cutting your strips.
- Measure your width using the lines on the ruler, not the lines on the mat.
- Walk your hand up the ruler as you cut to keep pressure even and prevent the ruler from slipping.
1. Fold and Align Fabric
- Fold your fabric with selvages together. Ensure there are no wrinkles or “swings” in the fabric by making sure the fold lies flat and straight.
2. Square Up the Raw Edge
- Place your ruler near the left raw edge (if right-handed). Align a horizontal line on the ruler with the bottom fold. Cut a clean edge to create a perfect 90-degree start.
3. Measure the Strip Width
- Flip the fabric or move to the other side. Place the ruler over the fabric, aligning the desired width measurement line exactly on your previously squared edge.
4. Cut the Strip
- Apply firm pressure to the ruler. Push the rotary cutter in one smooth motion away from your body along the edge of the ruler.
5. Verify Accuracy
- Open the strip to ensure it is straight without any “elbows” or V-shapes at the fold. If it’s not straight, re-align and re-square your edge.
Top FAQs for Cutting Strips:
Why does my fabric strip have a “V” shape in the middle?
This happens when the fabric fold is not perfectly perpendicular to the cutting edge. To fix this, ensure your selvages are perfectly aligned and the fold hangs straight before squaring up your edge.
Should I cut strips on the grain or on the bias?
For most quilting blocks, cut on the grain (cross-grain). For curved edges or binding that needs to stretch, cut your strips on a 45-degree bias.
How many layers of fabric can I cut at once?
With a sharp 45mm blade, you can typically cut 4 to 6 layers of quilting cotton accurately. Cutting too many layers increases the risk of the fabric shifting under the ruler.
What is the best size ruler for cutting strips?
A 6″ x 24″ acrylic ruler is the industry standard for cutting strips, as it spans the entire width of folded quilting cotton (WOF).
