Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: seamstress16
Date: 08-13-2005, 11:06 PM (1 of 31)
I have problems when I'm trying to cut out a large piece of fabric on my cutting mat. It is kind of small, put I haven't seen any bigger ones. How should I cut out the fabric when I have a very long piece and I need to cut it lengthwise? I need help.  -Danielle |
User: seamstress16
Member since: 01-29-2005 Total posts: 88 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 08-13-2005, 11:53 PM (2 of 31)
|
Danielle Are you cutting strips or straight lines? If you are just fold the material over till it fits on your mat. You will have to make sure that the grain is kept straight and the ends all line up. I have a cutting mat that fits my fold down table. It is huge and I bought mine from JoAnn's. I think Hancocks carries them too. Mine is white, not self healing, but I really don't use it all that much for cutting on. My biggest mat I own that I use is 36 by 24. I have 2 of these and can butt them together if I need more. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-14-2005, 07:02 AM (3 of 31)
|
I use two mats butted together when I cut out patterns and I move them around if I need to. If that works cutting out large clothing pattern pieces it seems it would work cutting strips. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 08-14-2005, 10:02 PM (4 of 31)
|
I have a 24' long 12' wide clear plexiglass 'ruler', I think its for quilting, that I use when having to cut long pieces with my rotary cutter, keeps me in line quite nicely. I have put little plastic 'bumpers' on the underside to keep it from slipping on fabric. I use it on top of the fabric with my rotary board underneath. I also have a wooden yardstick that is very straight that I can use if I need a really long piece cut.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: seamstress16
Date: 08-15-2005, 02:45 PM (5 of 31)
|
Thanks, everybody! You've been so very helpful! -Danielle |
User: seamstress16
Member since: 01-29-2005 Total posts: 88 |
From: June Harlow
Date: 08-15-2005, 10:44 PM (6 of 31)
Also, be sure to get one of those chain-mail safety gloves to protect your hand. You'd be surprised how easy it is to get sliced up !  http://www.perfectfitglove.com/images/Green_Knive.jpg http://www.whitinganddavis.com/ As you can see from their home page, they also sell mesh materials. Something I'll have to try someday. You can never have enough chain mail clothing around the home ! 
June ~
"If only I could find that missing pattern piece!" June sews on a Pfaff 1209 and a Babylock 5180 serger |
User: June Harlow
Member since: 05-30-2005 Total posts: 100 
|
From: SewAddict
Date: 08-16-2005, 02:56 AM (7 of 31)
|
That was so funny June! Funny, but true! I use my rotary cutter all the time! One thing you need to get in the habit of is closing the rotary cutter EVERY time you set it down. Just a quick flick of the thumb and it is closed. Could save fingers and toes someday. Angela |
User: SewAddict
Member since: 06-03-2005 Total posts: 25 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 08-16-2005, 05:16 PM (8 of 31)
|
One of the biggest tricks to using a rotary cutter is learning how to properly hold your rulers so that your fingers are not in the way of the cutting blade. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 08-16-2005, 07:46 PM (9 of 31)
|
My rotary cutter closes on it's own.. My DH also sharpens the cutter for me if I'm pressed for time and can't run to the store LOL MM Marilyn
Sewforme Stashaway |
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005 Total posts: 67 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-17-2005, 03:56 AM (10 of 31)
Where do you all find your large cutting mats? Mine is only 8x11", I'd love to have a large one (36x24 sounds a dream!) but that costs 50 euros (= $60) at least in France! How much did you pay for yours? 
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-17-2005, 06:47 AM (11 of 31)
|
Zabelle -- The mats are pretty pricey here too but, the way I use mine (and I don't even quilt), they are worth it. JoAnn's Fabrics is a national chain that carries them and gives regular customers on their mailing lists 40 to 50 percent coupons every couple weeks. That helps with the larger items. I cut everything out with the rotary cutter but I still haven't convinced myself to lay out the cash for the largest mat that would cover my whole cutting table. I manage by moving a 35 by 23 inch and a 16 by 23 inch mat around. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-17-2005, 11:36 AM (12 of 31)
Hancocks has a running special on every Monday Holiday throughout the year, all notions are on sale for 50 % off. That is when I purchase my pricey Items like that, Scissors, etc.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-17-2005, 12:14 PM (13 of 31)
|
Thanks Libby, that's good to know. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 08-19-2005, 06:21 PM (14 of 31)
|
I will watch the ads' from Joanns stores-there's a brand new super store just up the street from where I live (BAD place to put it!! LOL). Anyway, recently they had a sale where all quilting notions were 50% off. I got my first cutting mat, rotary cutter and 18" ruler in a kit for $27--it was regularly $48.99. I have tried the rotary cutter, and I'm convinced that it will take a lot of practice to become proficient with it. The mat is 12" x 18", and that seems to be a perfect size for me right now. I guess the motto here will be practice, practice, Practice! Good luck with your situation, seamstress16. Keep us posted on your findings!
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
|
From: Sancin
Date: 08-19-2005, 09:16 PM (15 of 31)
|
I posted this somewhere else but my continuing seniour moments lead me not to remember. Try looking for large self healing mats in drafting shops (some cover whole drafting tables) or stationary shops. They will not have 1/4 " markings, tend to just have squares, but some do have diagonal lines for bias. They are very self forgiving and much cheaper.  Mats are one thing I would not buy unless on sale. Fortunately Fabricland has frequent 50% sales but not always mats. I must remember this week to pick up some replacement blades.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
|
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
|
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-21-2005, 01:49 PM (16 of 31)
|
Thank you for your answers! Nancy, it's so funny that you should advise this, because it is just what I did last Friday! I went into an art shop and found a 60x90cm (23x35") mat at 25 euros. Can't wait to use it! I am so scared of my rotary cutter though 
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98
|
From: bunzino
Date: 08-21-2005, 09:47 PM (17 of 31)
Don't be scared. You just have to curl your non-rotary fingers like if you're chopping w a knife in the kitchen. And don't ever try to cross your arms over and cut. Sometimes it's tempting, but it's smarter to move around the table!! Ask me how I know  nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: vickki
Date: 09-04-2005, 04:43 PM (18 of 31)
| I didn't realize you could sharpen the cutter blade,I just paid $8.00 for a new one....What did you sharpen it with?Thanks in advance Vickki |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 09-04-2005, 05:42 PM (19 of 31)
|
Here is a picture of what the sharpener looks like http://www.hancockfabrics.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=7770 TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
|
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 09-05-2005, 03:42 PM (20 of 31)
|
Ian, DH uses a sandstone.. lol.. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone out here... I like that one. Perhaps I'll get one of those so I can sharpen my own blades and am not at the mercy of my DH LOL
Marilyn
Sewforme Stashaway |
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005 Total posts: 67 |
From: vickki
Date: 09-06-2005, 07:28 PM (21 of 31)
|
Judy------ Thanks so much,I have been throwing out my old ones.(Cutter Blades).Would they be available in Canada? I live in NL and find it very hard to find sewing accessories in my town..... 
|
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: dmoses
Date: 09-06-2005, 09:51 PM (22 of 31)
|
Hi Vickki, This company is in BC. You can shop online or mail order. http://www.agreatnotion.com/catalogue/enter.html Click on 'Rulers, Rotary Mats, and Rotary Cutters' in the lefthand margin, and eventually you will get to the sharpener. There are probably other online shops-that aren't situated so far away-that sell the same item as well. Where do you live in NL? If there is a store nearby that sells rotary cutters and acccessories, maybe you could convince them to bring in the sharpeners...although they would then sell fewer blades! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
|
From: beachgirl
Date: 09-06-2005, 10:53 PM (23 of 31)
| I personally don't care much for the rotary cutter sharpnener. I have one & it's ok if you need to finish up a cutting project but it's only sandpaper. Same thing as people taking a pair of scissors & cutting through sandpaper to sharpen them. That's a no-no for good scissors. My DH sharpens them sometimes but mainly I keep them to cut paper, stabilizers, Wall paper to decorate boxes & such. I can sharpen them myself with a whet stone but I'd rather be sewing. If the sandpaper wears down, and it will, don't go buy a replacement or new one. Just take the old piece out for the correct pattern , cut a new one out of a small sheet of sandpaper & insert it. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
From: HeyJudee
Date: 09-07-2005, 09:21 AM (24 of 31)
|
Vickki, the sharpener does not return the blade to it's original sharpness when new but I find that it does extend the life of the blade -- meaning that I do get to cut with it a little longer. When they no longer cut the way I want even with sharpening, I keep the blades and use them to cut paper, e.g. to cut apart photos that I print, freezer paper patterns, etc. When you don't have any other resource it is a way to get a little more out of the blade. Here is a Canadian mail order company in Brampton Ontario that you can buy sewing and quilting items - Joanne's Creative Notions Plus (Note no affiliation with the famous US company) http://www.joannesnotions.com/ This is where I bought my sharpener 2 years ago--but I didn't order it online. They came to a needlework show in Ottawa and that is the first time that I met Joanne who is the owner of the company which she runs out of her home with her husband. You might want to order their catalogue (link on the website to order it) and they have a toll free number that you can make orders via credit card. I have had good service from them for the past two years. Good Luck! TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: Marlyn
Date: 09-07-2005, 03:33 PM (25 of 31)
Re the cutting mat. I purchased mine at FabricLand which is located in all parts of Ontario. Not sure of elsewhere in Canada. The cost was approximately $50 - $60 for a very large one. I do not quilt either, but it is just so terrific for cutting patterns, fabric, etc. I do have a complete sewing room, but still find I need the kitchen table on which to lay the mat in order to pin and cut. Marlyn
|
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
|
From: vickki
Date: 09-08-2005, 10:28 PM (26 of 31)
Thanks so much to everyone for the info on the cutter....I will order one soon. 
|
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: gm23237
Date: 10-21-2005, 05:11 PM (27 of 31)
|
If i have not said this before i love the advice and the ease of using this forum. You people have helped me out alot. Thanks for having this site, this forum and thanks all for you help.....
|
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
|
From: gm23237
Date: 11-01-2005, 06:56 PM (28 of 31)
| I get mine at Wal-Mart or at Jonann's Fabrics. you would think with area as populated as Richmond, Va. there would be more places. Also to get a machine repaired here is very expensive. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
|
From: HeyJudee
Date: 11-01-2005, 07:32 PM (29 of 31)
|
Someone mentioned in a post on this site that you can get cutting mats without the fancy diagonal lines, etc. at an art store. Well a couple of weeks ago, I went into Wallacks, an art and drafting supply store in Ottawa, and they had self-healing mats on sale. I got 18"x24" mats for $15 (Cdn) each. They were sold out of the 24"x36" size and those were only $22 Cdn. Bargain prices around my area!
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: gm23237
Date: 11-19-2005, 08:38 PM (30 of 31)
|
Where esle? My favorite sewing store in this area, WalMart for all my sewing needs! I live close to the Chester, Virginia WalMart and the lady that use to run the fabric department is still there, her name is Freda. She and the other staff members are so great and Freda seems to know what fabric to stock for our local needs. Freda is also a very talented semstress... |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-21-2005, 12:44 AM (31 of 31)
|
Isn't it nice to have a knowledgable sales person to talk to when you are looking for fabric, patterns, etc.!! I really appreciate these people, it makes my life so much easier.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-16624.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft