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  1. #1
    sewelegant is offline Senior Member
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    Default Why "cut on the left"?

    I'm a newbie and was reading the thread about bad habits. Someone stated that they cut from the right instead of the left. What in the heck are they talking about? How do you know which is the right or left of the fabric? And I'm right handed, so naturally I'd cut on the right side. This one's got me confused!!

  2. #2
    Dragonfly's Avatar Dragonfly is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    I don't recall the exact thread you mention but my guess is that they are talking about measuring and therefore cutting from the left edge of the fabric which would be the correct way if you are right handed, I have two left handed students and they cut from the right edge.

    You would start any cutting by squaring up or straightening an edge, this is normally done on the 'right hand' side, you would then turn your fabric (or mat with fabric on) so that your straight edge is to your left. You then measure with your ruler or with your mat lines to the point you wish to cut. This gives you a known straight edge to measure and cut from, so you are measuring and cutting from the left but to the right hand side of your ruler. This is reversed if you are left handed. I hope this helps.
    Lynn

    "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning to dance in the rain" Anonymous.

  3. #3
    sewelegant is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    Makes perfect sense now! I wasn't thinking of turning the mat. Thanks, Dragonfly.

  4. #4
    K. McEuen's Avatar K. McEuen is online now Moderator
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    They could have also been talking about cutting on the right or left side of the line on your ruler. If you are right handed, if you cut on the left side of the line there is a good chance your block will be a bit small. If you always cut on the right side, you are giving yourself a couple extra threads, which can really make a difference. These "rules" would be reversed for a left-handed person too.
    K is for Karen

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  5. #5
    phoots's Avatar phoots is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    Now I'm totally confused. I didn't know there were "rules" about which side to square up and which side to cut from. I always square my fabric on my right side of the fabric and that is the side I always start cutting from. Am I wrong?

    Pam in Vegas

  6. #6
    brook's Avatar brook is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    When your squaring a block you put the ruler on the right side. When you are cutting pieces strips of fabric, you cut from left to right. : )
    Coleen

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  7. #7
    Dragonfly's Avatar Dragonfly is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    Pam like most things in life there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way, there is the way that works best for you. The technique for using the rulers and rotary cutters have been established for what will 'generally' give you the most accurate and consistent cuts while being safe, but it is not a rule. From my experience in teaching I have found that mostly people have gone out and bought their tools without anyone ever actually showing them the best or safe way to use them. BUT, don't assume that there is only one way, I have learnt a lot from students who were not showed how something 'should' be done. There are videos available on the internet that show several ways of cutting, try some of them and pick what works for you.
    Lynn

    "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning to dance in the rain" Anonymous.

  8. #8
    rebeccas-sewing's Avatar rebeccas-sewing is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    Ladies - that was really confusing! I'm with Dragonfly!
    Rebecca in Baarn, Netherlands by way of Orange County, CA.

  9. #9
    Bubby's Avatar Bubby is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    If you are right handed most of the time you want to cut with your ruler on the left. One thing NOT to do is to try to cut on the left side of your ruler with your cutter in your right hand. Rotary cutter accidents can be serious and reaching under your holding arm to cut is a dangerous practice. Barb

  10. #10
    mamaquilt's Avatar mamaquilt is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Why "cut on the left"?

    Quote Originally Posted by rebeccas-sewing View Post
    Ladies - that was really confusing! I'm with Dragonfly!
    @ rebecca
    nice avatar picture, I guess from this winter in London.

    I'm with you and Dragonfly!

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