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Fabric cutting tips

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Always cut on a flat surface and clear the decks

before you get cutting.

Always use sharp scissors or a sharp rotary

cutter for cutting your fabrics. This will ensure

that you get clean and accurate cuts every time.

If you are using a rotary cutter ensure that you

cut on a rotary cutting mat. See Fig b.

Follow the grain lines on your patterns to ensure

that fabric designs don’t appear wonky (see

Understanding Patterns).

Try laying the fabrics and interfacing/interlining

pieces carefully on top of each other and then

laying the pattern pieces on the top before

pinning all layers and cutting. See Fig c.

However, if your stacked up layers are too tall

you will end up with very scruffy edges and your

scissors won’t be happy at having to cut through

all of those layers. If this is the case, try layering

your lining and exterior fabrics together and

cutting, and then layer your interlinings together

and cutting.

If using fabrics with a directional pattern and

you are layering your fabrics before cutting (as

suggested above) be sure to check that your

fabrics are the right way up. You don’t want to

end up with fabric pattern pieces with designs

that are upside down.

Working with laminated cotton

Though they may look the same, the new laminated

cotton fabrics differ from the heavier oilcloths.

Laminated cottons are far more home sewing-

machine friendly. I’ve had lots of fun experimenting

with this fabric and I’ve found it a treat to sew

with. Here are some tips to help ensure you enjoy

working with it too!

Ironing: if you are careful, laminated cotton can

be ironed/steam ironed. Always iron on the WS

using a medium setting and pass the iron over

the fabric in quick sweeping movements. Never

let a hot iron sit on the fabric or it will pucker

and misshape.

Getting Started

c

d

Fig c Another pattern cutting time-saving trick is to stack

and pin the fabric and interfacing pieces on top of each other

before cutting.

Fig d Sewing clips are essential when working with

laminated cotton and are quick and easy to use.

Reinforcing: for larger bags and/or hardworking

bags, I strongly recommend ironing woven

fusible woven interfacing onto the WS of the

fabric. Use steam to ensure a good bond. Without

interfacing, the fabric has a tendency to stretch.

Clip together: never use sewing pins on

laminated cotton. Sewing pins will ‘scar’ the

fabric leaving unsightly holes that cannot be

removed. Instead use sewing clips or mini

bulldog clips to hold pattern pieces together

before stitching. See Fig d.