Hello, lovely quilters!
Welcome back to Week 2 of the Cascade Bloom Sew-Along (SAL)! I’m thrilled to see the progress everyone made in Week 1, and I can't wait to dive into this week's tasks with you. If you missed last week's activities, don't worry—you can catch up anytime. Let's get quilting!
Week 2 Focus: Cutting Fabric Using Templates
Cutting Fabric In Action!
I put together a YouTube video to demonstrate how I like to cut my fabric when working with templates. You can watch and follow along over on YouTube here or check it out below!
This week, we’re honing our skills on cutting fabric using the templates printed in the pattern. Precision is key here, and I’m excited to share some tips and tricks to make this process as smooth as possible.
Why Accurate Cutting Matters
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Fabric
- Ironing Your Fabric: This step is very important! Making sure your fabric is flat and has no wrinkles in it ensures that the fabric pieces you cut will be exact. I like to use a misting water bottle or a fabric starch to help get my fabric extra flat.
- Using a Rotary Cutter and Ruler: Hold your ruler firmly and use a sharp rotary cutter to make clean, straight cuts when cutting out your initial width of fabric (WOF) strips. This is especially important since your template pieces need to be cut from this strip! Any wobbly or fabric miscutting could result in fabric wastage.
- Positioning Your Templates: Lay your fabric out on a flat surface and place your templates on top. Make sure to align the grain of the fabric with the lines on your templates to prevent any distortion.
- Handling Curves and Angles: Go slow! Making your way around those curves can feel a little strange at first. There's no rush here! It's more important that you cut the pieces correctly than to be finished quickly. You can use fabric markers to trace the templates onto your fabric before cutting. This extra step can help ensure accuracy and make the cutting process less daunting.
Recommended Tools for Cutting
- Rotary Cutter: Ensure the blade is sharp for clean cuts.
- Cutting Mat: A good mat will protect your surfaces and keep your fabric from slipping.
- Templates: Printed templates are your guide to perfect pieces with this quilt pattern.
- Fabric Markers: These are great for tracing templates and making precise cuts if you'd rather use this method!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Misaligned Cuts: Double-check your template placement and use pins or weights to keep your templates in place while cutting.
- Template Shifting: If your templates tend to move, consider using a small amount of fabric glue or double-sided tape to keep them secure.
Community Engagement
I love seeing everyone's progress! Here are some highlights from our community:
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Week 3
Next week, we’ll be moving on to making Block A1s. Stay motivated and keep stitching—every block brings us closer to a stunning quilt! If you have any questions or need more detailed instructions, feel free to reach out in the comments or join the Cascade Bloom group chat over on Instagram.
