Ok, it's official. We had our first Society meeting, complete with sewing lessons and baked goodies. Mmmm Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. Really, how can you go wrong with that combination?
So, here is a re-cap of some of the most important precision cutting tips.
#1 Check your sewing equipment-When was the last time you changed your rotary blade? If you don't remember, it is time.
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| Use a Square Ruler for cutting squares, a rectangle ruler for cutting rectangles etc. |
#2 Use the right ruler for the job. Don't do overkill by cutting 2 inch squares with your 14 inch ruler. It is just too hard to navigate. Let's not try to make this harder on yourself.
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| 1st Cut - Over cut. (We are cutting a 3 1/2in strip here) |
#3 Over-cut the first cut, then go back for your precision cut. This is a much easier way to square up your fabric then trying to cut off just a sliver to square your fabric up.
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| 2nd Cut - Precision cut (3 1/2in strip) |
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| Cutting 3 1/2in strip into (2) 1 3/4in strips |
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| This helps keep your fabric straight. Rather than cutting 2 individual strips |
#4 Use your Sight Lines! Do you know where they are? Is your fabric going through the centers of each of the circles? This is what your Sight Lines are for. Use them!
#5 On the Jelly Stars pattern, pay attention to the Asterisks'. Pattern is written for traditional piecing, however the asterisks tell you how to cut for Smart Piecing. Sooo much better.
#6 When cutting your half square triangles either - A. Cut two layers together (right sides together OR wrong sides together) or B. Cut one set of half square triangles right side up, and the next one wrong side up. This will give you two triangles with opposite ends.
#7 When I sew Flying Geese units, I start on the blunt end on the right side and sew down to the point. When attaching the left side, I start on the pointed end and sew up to the blunt end.
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| Line up the pointed ends and the blunt ends |
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| See that little triangle hanging over the edge? Your needle should pierce that very first. |
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| Where the seams intersect, should be 1/4in in from edge |
#8 Become a Smart Piecing genius. Check out Kaye England's More Smart Piecing DVD. This covers cutting with all of the rulers in the Smart Piecing collection, as well as piecing tips, and lots of Kaye fun!
#9 Sign up for some Smart Piecing classes. Download our calendar at www.PineNeedles.net and sign up today!
#10 Have fun with your first two projects, and don't stress. This Society should not equal stress. Call us, e-mail us, or stop in with questions. We love to help Enjoy!
#7 When I sew Flying Geese units, I start on the blunt end on the right side and sew down to the point. When attaching the left side, I start on the pointed end and sew up to the blunt end.
