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Videos and helpful resources
If you are new to cutting out fabric, then read the tips below. There is also a video I made about cutting strips for a previous sew along that will talk you through the basics.
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Getting Organised
As the Rainbow Remix Quilt uses 27 fabrics, staying organised is really important. Use the tags that came with the kit or create some of your own. For cutting out I would start by just getting out the fabrics you are about to cut, so get the dark ones out first and leave the others in the box. As you cut each fabric separate them into bags or small boxes of the same size.
If you are using different fabrics then you will need to order them in rainbow order then label them. Starting with the red(est) fabric and ending with the pink label them 1 to 9 and give it either a D for dark, M for medium and LV for Low Volume.
As the Rainbow Remix Quilt uses 27 fabrics, staying organised is really important. Use the tags that came with the kit or create some of your own. For cutting out I would start by just getting out the fabrics you are about to cut, so get the dark ones out first and leave the others in the box. As you cut each fabric separate them into bags or small boxes of the same size.
If you are using different fabrics then you will need to order them in rainbow order then label them. Starting with the red(est) fabric and ending with the pink label them 1 to 9 and give it either a D for dark, M for medium and LV for Low Volume.
Cutting Out
OK so let's get cutting out. If you've managed to leave your fabric intact and have just been stroking it, then now is the time to pick up the rotary cutter and get going. The pattern page for cutting out lists all of the pieces you need and simply work your way down the list. For each fabric the cutting is broken down into the number of strips you need to cut and then the pieces you will sub-cut from each strip. If you are new to following patterns then let me explain.
The following is the first Dark fabric cutting instruction for the Grid quilt:
TIP -Before the first cut I will straighten out my fabric by trimming it, by taking the tiniest of amounts off. If you are new to cutting then have a look at my cutting strips video and it will show you how I do it.
OK so let's get cutting out. If you've managed to leave your fabric intact and have just been stroking it, then now is the time to pick up the rotary cutter and get going. The pattern page for cutting out lists all of the pieces you need and simply work your way down the list. For each fabric the cutting is broken down into the number of strips you need to cut and then the pieces you will sub-cut from each strip. If you are new to following patterns then let me explain.
The following is the first Dark fabric cutting instruction for the Grid quilt:
- (2x) 1" WOFQ strips, sub-cut each into;
- (x2) 1" x 6" rectangles
- (x1) 1" x 5½" rectangles
TIP -Before the first cut I will straighten out my fabric by trimming it, by taking the tiniest of amounts off. If you are new to cutting then have a look at my cutting strips video and it will show you how I do it.
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My favourite cutting tools and tips
New Rotary blade How many times do you put off changing the rotary blade and just make do, I know I forget. But, that feeling when you start cutting with a new blade is amazing, it really does make it easier. Magic Spray Does your ruler keep sliding as you cut? Try some Spray and Stay from Crafters Companion. This handy spray gives a fine layer of adhesive to your ruler, it doesn't stick to the fabric but it does make your ruler grip better, Magic! Stripology Ruler This one is a bit pricey and I put off buying one for years as I wasn't sure it would be worth the money, but heck it really is good. I purchased one in the summer and I love it now. For patterns where you are cutting lots of strips the same width it really does speed up the process. How do I stay organised? I'm a big fan of trying to be organised, it doesn't always stay that way once I start sewing, but I do start with the best of intentions. For the Matrix pattern you are mainly cutting strips, so just keep these in a big pile. For the Grid pattern you will be hugely helped by keeping them in bags of the same size. You can mix the colours but keep the widths of strips together. I make use of all of those plastic bags that are lying around. I wouldn't suggest buying new ones, but I seem to end up with a stash to re-use and I keep them in a box in my sewing room. I pop each pile in a bag and add a little post it note so I know what they are. Once I've made all of the units, or blocks I will then re-organise my bags so that there is one for each block. I'm also a huge fan of the Sarah Ashford project pouches (I have many), they are great for keeping all of the project bits and pieces together. You can order one from Sarah's Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SarahAshfordStudio |
Remember to post your photos using the #RainbowremixSAL and tag me @paulasteel.quilts and Lisa @modernquiltclub so we can share in your achievements and spread the encouragement.
Good luck with all of the cutting, I know for me it's the most patience testing part :) And check back next week for week 2!
Good luck with all of the cutting, I know for me it's the most patience testing part :) And check back next week for week 2!
