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  1. #1
    prisco_73 is offline Junior Member
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    Default Rotary cutting fabric ?

    Hi
    I'm new to quilting and found some great fabric. I want to cut it into 5 inch squares,like a charm pack. The charm packs come with pinked edges. Should I also use pinking shears to cut the fabric or is using a rotary cutter with straight edges suitable. I don't want the edges to fray? Also should the five inches be at the peak or the valley if using the pinking shears?
    Thanks for any advice you can give to this newbie !!

  2. #2
    Davidsgirl08's Avatar Davidsgirl08 is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    Save yourself all the aggravation and cut them with your rotary cutter. Those are done I think by machine at the manufacturers. Happy quilting!! Welcome to the addiction of quilting!!

  3. #3
    carolv is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    Someone told me they were cut like that so the machine could grab the fabric, if they used straight blades it would poof up in the middle and the whole stack would be crooked once they took it off the machine. Don't know if thats right, but it makes sense to me.
    Carol

    Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

  4. #4
    buckeyequilter's Avatar buckeyequilter is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    I agree save the aggravation and use the rotary cutter.
    Shirley aka buckeyequilter
    I work to support a sewing habit that I don't have time for, because I work!

  5. #5
    Denis's Avatar Denis is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    Once you sew them together and the quilt is quilted, you won't see any of the fraying if there is any. I'd just use a straight blade.

    If you did use a pinking blade, whether the peak or valley is the 5" measurement will be your choice because you'll be handling the fabric yourself. I'd probably go with the peak being my measurement if I did it.

  6. #6
    GrammaBabs's Avatar GrammaBabs is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    my thought is that pinking is to prevent fraying... and Jenny said in one of her tuts.... doesn't matter.. when measuring.. "just pick a spot.... top of point or bottom.. and STICK WITH IT..... just another side of it!!!
    It is ALWAYS up to YOU... your the creator ...
    Enjoy the addiction!!
    "Each day well-live and Happy;
    that's all there is to Life!"

  7. #7
    Sandy Navas's Avatar Sandy Navas is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    I just used some pinked jelly roll in a dark color as sashing on a light-color and was amazed at all the little bits that came off and had to be cleaned up. Those pinked edges may prevent fraying, but they also leave a lot of residue behind that is a PITA.
    Be warned. I am BORED.
    This could be dangerous.

    When you get cold just go stand in the corner.
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  8. #8
    Bubby's Avatar Bubby is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    I don't care for pinked edges. If I wanted to cut 5" squares I would use the rotary cutter. When I use pinked squares I go by the peak rather than the valley. The important thing is to be consistent...use either the peak or the valley all the time in the same project. I agree with Sandy about the 'fallout' from pinked edges. At my quilt shop they have lint removers all around the store to swipe up all those fuzzy bits on themselves and customers!

  9. #9
    AngelaLashley is offline Senior Member
    Batting Beauty

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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    I bought the pinking blade for my rotary cutter. It's pricey but so worth it. When I bring home new fabric, I just zip across the cut edges with my pinking blade on my rotary and toss it in the wash. I rarely have anything fray andif it does it is such a small amount I dont worry about it. It's even easier if you have a 2nd rotary cutter for your pinking blade(my 2nd cutter is in a bright zebra pattern so I dont have to check to see which cutter/blade combo I'm grabbing), then you don't have to stop and change it out everytime.
    Angela Lashley - Studio Bella Rose

  10. #10
    brook's Avatar brook is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotary cutting fabric ?

    I have a pinking rotary cutter and a regular. I prefer the regular blade and I don't have any problem with fray. The blades will give you a more precise cut than the shears. And will be a lot faster. : )
    Coleen

    "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good I can do, or any kindness I can show, let me do now, for I will not pass through this way again."

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