Читать книгу The Quilter's Bible - Linda - Страница 11

Today’s measuring and cutting tools are easy to use, fast and efficient. For advice See Rotary Cutting.

• Snips (1) ­– These are short scissors that work with a squeezing action and are useful for snipping threads and cutting off ‘dog ears’ (small areas of fabric that show when seams are joined on pieced units).

• Rotary cutter (2) – Although scissors can be used for cutting fabric, a rotary cutter will make the task easier and quicker. These have very sharp blades that can slice through many layers of fabric simultaneously. They are available in several metric sizes, with the small 28mm and larger 45mm diameter sizes being the most useful. Handle shapes vary so choose one that is easy to operate and comfortable to use. Circle cutters are also available.

• Acrylic rulers (3) – There are dozens of rulers, often called quilter’s rulers, including square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal and diamond rulers. There are specialist rulers for all sorts of tasks, for example, making half-square triangles and piecing designs such as Double Wedding Ring (see Curved and Fan Blocks). To begin with you really only need a 24¹⁄₂in x 6¹⁄₂in (62cm x 16.5cm) or 18in x 3in (46cm x 7.5cm) rectangular ruler and a 12¹⁄₂in (32cm) square ruler. Normal rulers are fine for designing but should not be used for rotary cutting as they are not robust enough.

• Cutting mat (4) – Mats with a self-healing surface are used with rotary cutters and are available in many sizes. Choose the biggest and best you can afford with clearly marked measurements and grids – an 18in x 24in (46cm x 61cm) size is useful. Store mats flat and away from direct heat and sunlight.

• Scissors – A large pair of sharp fabric shears will be needed, plus smaller sharp-pointed embroidery scissors. Keep a pair of scissors just for paper and card.

• Tape measure – A standard tape measure with imperial and metric measures will be needed. Use a good quality one that will not stretch.