[Too Busy]

I have never been good at this... even in HS Home Ec, I was really good at the sewing part, but my projects would always look bad b/c I am so bad at cutting out the fabric.

Right now, I am working with cotton jersey to make some CD-friendly pants for my DD. Next is a pair of fleece pants. I am worried about starting on the fleece because it was expensive and I don't want to ruin it.

Any hints? I don't have anyone nearby to help and my DH is just as bad as me :LOL

 

[AinNJ]

do you have a rotary cutter? my edges used to be all jagged and messed up before i got my rotary cutter. the blades can be expensive, but WELL worth the investment!!

i haven't tried it, but i've been told that if you put a sheet of metal under your cutting mat (found at the hw store) and super duty magnets on top of your fabric & pattern, the magnets will hold everything in place and keep it from shifting.

 

[kerc]

do you pin the pattern to the fabric?

if you have a rotary cutter you can either pin the fabric to the pattern or use pattern weights (i use tuna cans) to hold the fabric in place.

Are your scissors sharp?

 

[ladywolf]

I hate cutting out patterns! I find that what really helps is LOTS of pins. And patience with myself. I find if I rush the pattern does not cut right.

 

[Too Busy]

Thank you for your replies... I Was getting seriously depressed that I would never be able to sew anything right :LOL

I don't have a rotary cutter, but I think I might ask DH for one for Xmas! Sounds like it might work.

Currently, I use TONS of pins... and I try so hard to be careful. It took me nearly an hour to cut out one side of the pants

So I'm not rushing... or at least it doesn't feel like I am.

I might do the tuna can thing... and I'm going to have DH sharpen my scissors when he gets home. That might help too!

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[tboroson]

Iron the pattern so it lays flat and doesn't wrinkle! With woven fabrics, it helps to make sure your fabric is freshly ironed. With knits and gauzy wovens, be cautious with your pinning because it'll shift the fabric around. Be patient with your pinning. I do like rotary cutters and weights insead of pins, especially for very fluid fabrics.

 

[2tired2clean]

Another thing you can do is iron the pattern on to fusible interfacing, it makes the pattern much easier to deal with and cut, and also makes the pattern stronger so it will last longer.

 

[Kari_mom]

Are you using scissors or shears? Shears look like this :_ with the blade at the bottom so that when you cut fabric the shears glide along and lift the fabric off the cutting surface as little as possible. Scissors look like this :- and the handles cause the fabric to lift waaay up and distort your cutting. Shears often have nice long blades for nice smooth strokes as well.

It is a small thing but it can make a difference.

I also agree with pressing the pattern pieces. When I pin pants patterns, I first align the pattern with the grain, then I put a pin at each top corner, smooth down to the crotch and pin, smooth down and pin the other edge, and work my way down pinning about every 6 inches until I reach the lower corners.

I hate this part of sewing too, but it is so important to get it right, isn't it?

 

[happy2bmommy]

Are you using scissors or shears? Shears look like this :_ with the blade at the bottom so that when you cut fabric the shears glide along and lift the fabric off the cutting surface as little as possible. Scissors look like this :- and the handles cause the fabric to lift waaay up and distort your cutting. Shears often have nice long blades for nice smooth strokes as well.

I just had to say that you're so clever to figure out a way to type that in symbols!
I'll just agree that scissors are EVERYTHING when you want to cut neatly. I'd get on JoAnn's mailing list and buy a pair of Ginghers with a half off coupon as soon as you can. I treated myself to a pair of these when cutting out my wedding dress fabric (major stress occasion), and I'd have a hard time going back to cheap scissors now.

 

[Kari_mom]

Thanks Happy Mommy! I am glad someone understood what I was trying to say!

Would you be surprised to hear that I am a scissor fanatic and my dh is scared to use any of the 20+ pairs we (ok, I) own because he is sure that I will tell him they are the wrong ones?? :LOL I just believe in the right tools for the job, and cutting fabric is one place that good shears/scissors make a big difference.

The Joann's coupon idea is a great way to buy a good pair of shears.

 

[ChattyCat]

nak. scissor fanatic is funny. growing up I as scared to ttouch any scissos in our house for fear my mom would go ballistic... but, a few weeks ago dh used my ginghers to cut about200 index cards. i was so upset!

:

 

[JLav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2tired2clean Another thing you can do is iron the pattern on to fusible interfacing, it makes the pattern much easier to deal with and cut, and also makes the pattern stronger so it will last longer.

Great idea! I've been trying to figure out a better way to save patterns I want to use again.

 

[Kari_mom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by momma2emerson nak. scissor fanatic is funny. growing up I as scared to ttouch any scissos in our house for fear my mom would go ballistic... but, a few weeks ago dh used my ginghers to cut about200 index cards. i was so upset! :

: I try not to go too ballistic....

My condolences to you and your Ginghers, I am sending wishes for a speedy recovery!

 

[Too Busy]

Thanks, mamas!

I am using shears... my MIL bought them for me last Christmas. They are really sweet, but apparently had been used by my DH ( un benknownst to me) for cutting other stuff and needed sharpened.

I'll give it another shot with the pressing and see if that helps!

Thank you for your replies!!!

 

[kerc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by momma2emerson but, a few weeks ago dh used my ginghers to cut about200 index cards. i was so upset! :

eeek. The horror!
I might go ballistic.

 

[Sophiasmomma]

How have you been??? I have also gotten the "sewing bug" but stink at cutting out my patterns!! I made my Mom cut them out! :LOL I did manage to get a better pair of shears and it does help somewhat!