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From: stitchedup
Date: 06-04-2006, 07:28 AM (1 of 10)
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hi all, just need a little advice on cutting fabrics..I've been using scissors cutting out pattern pieces but can"t seem to get nice clean edges with the cut...the problem is worse when its folded , ie. two thicknesses of material together...I've been trying to keep the scissors as flat to the table as possible while cutting but still find it hard to end up with cut exactlly on size...pretty sure my scissors are sharp enough, maybe my technique needs help....is it better to use a cutting wheel and board maybe... cheers gordon |
User: stitchedup
Member since: 04-10-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-04-2006, 08:23 AM (2 of 10)
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Gordon, I had the same problem for years. Now I cut everything with a rotary cutter. Just put it down on the pattern and follow the lines. It works great. Just be sure your blade is sharp and keep your fingers and your kids out of the way. It's faster and easier on the back and the fabric can't wiggle around because you don't move it while you are cutting. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2006, 10:26 AM (3 of 10)
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ARe you using dressmaker scissors? They are the ones with the bent handles that ride on the table. The round portion of the scissors should fit your thumb and the slope of the handle should be set so that it is larger toward you hand...the larger grip should fit your fingers and it be very close to the table. The offset blade should ride on its edge right on the table. When you come to small turns, etc, you should rock the handle so that the small point does the fine cutting. If the round portion is not larger toward your hand, you are using the wrong "handed" scissors. They should be comfortable and not cut. They should feel balanced in your hands. Dress makers come in sizes from 6 1/2 inches to about 10 and even larger for industrial sewing. I like the 6 1/2 and 8 1/2 inch for most projects. Straight scissors pick up the fabric from the table. I also find that if I use a smooth even cut. Usually those edges come when you aren't timing the motion of your hand with the cut of the scissors so the fabric "bunches" as you go, making little pleats at the back of the scissors. The distance between the pleats indicates how much your rushed the cut. Start slowly until you get the "feel" for cutting the scissors and then start to pick up your speed. You can still cut quickly, but slow down the movement of your hand to be in time with the scissors as you go. If you are cutting on a wooden table you can often hear the scissors "sing" when you are cutting correctly. Scissors are an investment. I keep a special pair near my cutting area that is used JUST for paper. I also keep a special (cheaper) pair that I use for metalics and sequins. If you do a lot of fine sewing on chiffons you need to keep a special pair for that too. The paper and metalics dull the scissors, the metalics will can actually cause little burrs and nicks in the scissors. Chiffons need especially sharp scissors with no burrs or "other problems". pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 06-05-2006, 06:06 PM (4 of 10)
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Just curious, Pam, if a rotary cutter will do a decent job on chiffon? I've only started using them, but have found them to be a great time and back saver. Of course, I haven't tried them on anything so sheer yet. Thanks. Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2006, 07:03 PM (5 of 10)
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It should do just fine. Dororthy would probably tell you "absolutely". Be sure that it is sharp. I'd rip the fabric to get a straight of grain before I started though (I do.) First time I did this I thought I'd die but that is the only way the local bridal shop (cuts) tears their chiffons and many of their satins. (I cut satin but I do find ripping the chiffon helps me find the SOG easily and give me a great place to start).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-06-2006, 06:59 AM (6 of 10)
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Well, since you didn't ask me I'll just say "absolutely." Just go slowly. If it wiggles put paper under it, just as you would with scissors. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: stitchedup
Date: 06-06-2006, 07:26 AM (7 of 10)
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wow Pam , you make it sound like an art form...there's been no singing on my table , just cursing... my scissors could be the problem as you said the material is lifted off the surface with each cut,due to them not being true dressmakers scissors...looks like I'll need to upgrade ,and or try the rotary cutter, thanks all , gordon |
User: stitchedup
Member since: 04-10-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-06-2006, 10:14 AM (8 of 10)
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It is kind of an art form. A good pair of sharp dress maker scissors can make a world of difference in your end product. Remember that if you start out poorly the outcome can never be at its full potential.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-06-2006, 12:37 PM (9 of 10)
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Scissors are an investment. I keep a special pair near my cutting area that is used JUST for paper. I also keep a special (cheaper) pair that I use for metalics and sequins. If you do a lot of fine sewing on chiffons you need to keep a special pair for that too. The paper and metalics dull the scissors, the metalics will can actually cause little burrs and nicks in the scissors. Chiffons need especially sharp scissors with no burrs or "other problems". I do sort of the same thing. I have a pair for paper, and I have two pair of pinking shears (one for natural fibers and one for synthetics considering I can't evenremember the last time I used pinking shears for anything). I've heard that they are more expensive to sharpen and that synthetic fibers can be hard on blades. Speaking of metallics would you say that metallic thread would be dull little embroidery scissors? |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-06-2006, 12:53 PM (10 of 10)
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Over time I would think so. I don't know that cutting a single thread now and again will significantly dull them. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have a different pair for metalics. I don't use it very often (not all that original).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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