Need help cutting yardage please

[Moira2109]

Hello, I need to cut nearly 3 yards of fabric into strips. It is both too wide and too long for my cutting board by far. Can someone please suggest a good tutorial for the best method of squaring up and cutting yardage? I'm a newbie to quilting and have only used smaller cuts until now. Bit scared of the yardage and would like to see someone do it. Thanks.

[KPH]

I usually fold long yardage in half, lining up the fabric with the lines on the mat. Then make a clean cut to have a straight cut. Then I use the lines on the ruler to make my strips.

[grammaterry]

same way I do it.

[Deegles]

I would tear the fabrics with the grain. You will get perfect strips the full length of three yards.

[chelea]

This may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoBKOv3Azzw

[redcaboose1717]

Welcome to MSQC Moira!
I have this video in my quilting tutorials and when I first started quilting I did use this method...it's a great method to learn!

This may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoBKOv3Azzw

[surfergirl]

I would tear the fabrics with the grain. You will get perfect strips the full length of three yards.

Tearing fabric does not always work because some bolts aren't wrapped straight at the manufacturer, they're wonky. How do I know cause after I tore it to make it straight I was off by almost 6" when folded in half, OUCH!

[Vonnie]

I clear off my cutting table so the fabric can fall off the edges neatly. I fold it in half like it comes off the bolt. Then get my longest ruler and start cutting and scooting the fabric, then cutting and scooting the fabric until I have cut it length wise. I like to do this for borders especially if the fabric has a pretty border print. If it does have a pretty border print, then I don't fold it, I just cut a single layer at a time.

[JCY]

If it makes it easier for you, you can cut your yardage into 1 yd. cuts for easier handling. That way you don't have the drag of the fabric over the edges of the table. I have never ripped fabric -- always use the ruler & a rotary cutter for a clean edge. Welcome to the world of quilters.

[Moira2109]

Thanks everyone. I watched the tutorial, took a big breathe, folded the material and made the cuts. Worked out great. This is my 3rd quilt and finally all my blocks are the right size so far and my quarter inch seam is finally consistent. I always used pre cuts before but I don't always like every fabric in a selection. I think I like the idea of yardage better so I can choose every fabric. I get more confident each time I get the hang of something else.