How on earth ........

[brenmar]

..... do I cut a 92"x6" lengthwise strip when my largest cutting mat is just 24" long. This is for a quilt measuring 80" square and allowing for mitred corners. I know how to fold and cut across the grain by folding from selvedge to selvedge (so is that the only way) but for such a long length have you any tips? I don't want any 'bowing. I'd rather not join shorter strips when I already have the length in my 3 yards of fabric. H-E-E-E-LP!'

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: How on earth ........

V-E-R-Y. C-A-R-E-F-U-L-L-Y!

Sorry, that's all the advice I can muster up! Just keep it lined up on your mat and carefully slide the fabric as you cut the sections.

If you have room, I highly recommend the larger mats. I just got a 24" by 36". It is very convenient to have one that size.

[Bubby]

Re: How on earth ........

Open up your fabric and fold it lengthwise twice. Make sure your selvedges are lined up perfectly and everything is smooth. Trim off the selvedge edges. This will give you a 27 inch length to work with. You should be able to scoot your cutting mat or your fabric as you get to the end of cutting your 6 inch strips lengthwise. I do this all the time and everything works fine. Just make sure everything is flat and smooth before cutting. You can even pin in a few places to make sure things don't shift. If you pin be careful where you put them so they won't be hit by your rotary cutter.

I have done this dozens of times because I make a lot and King quilts. It has always worked for me. I love working with borders that aren't pieced, especially if it would be difficult to match if you had to piece it. The key here is to take your time. Good Luck!!

[Vonnie]

Re: How on earth ........

I have one of those cutting mats/tables that are very long and wide (I think 36 X 60").

I like to do 10" borders so I just drape my fabric over the table and using my 6X24" ruler and suction cup holder just take my time and cut and shift. I do two vertical (length of fabric) cuts at a time. I find it easier than trying to cut all four strips at the same time.

The important thing to remember is to take your time. Don't be in a hurry. I'm getting ready to make a quilt sandwich with a quilt I did this way. The border fabric is a really pretty asian print that matches a panel in the center. It's a queen size quilt for my oldest son. After I cut the borders I used Bonnie's method (Quiltville) for cutting to size.