Laurens' Top Tips for accurate cutting out when dressmaking

Love it or hate it, cutting out your fabric before you start sewing up your garment is an essential step and getting it right can make a huge difference to your finished garment and help to make the construction process easier too.
In this video I want to share with you my top tips for cutting out your fabric, ready to sew your own clothes. From pre-washing and pressing to optimising the cutting out space you have, ensuring the fabric is on the straight grain, for knit and woven fabrics, as well as all the different options there are when it comes to actually cut into the fabric, I'm sure you will find hints and tricks to help you improve this stage and get a great finish on your dressmaking project.
Not sure how to pre-wash your fabrics? Check out my previous post on this guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog/wash...
Prefer to my cutting out tips - check out the corresponding blog post for this video guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog/my-t...

[@lesleyalex6953]

I wish I could have found this information explained so clearly when I was starting out it would have saved a lot of frustration! Thanks for posting.

[@kimhandy1861]

Thanks Lauren! Great information 💕

[@seasews]

Thank you for your very helpful tips. I use a 6’ folding table for cutting out which I bought from Amazon some time ago which makes life easier. Easy to put away when you have finished cutting.

[@heathermyers2763]

Thank you, great tips. I've rarely ironed my fabric before cutting out, but will now!😊

[@marygreen7225]

Great video Lauren, Thank you so much.

[@christinecrabb1911]

Sounds very fancy with the projector cutting out method, love hearing about new methods, thank you 😁

[@janebrettell1737]

Very interesting and very useful thank you.

[@tracyfrost]

Great video thank you

[@marathorne6821]

Very comprehensive guidance, Lauren, thank you! 👍

[@julieedwards6937]

This part of dressmaking is very tricky for me, I live on a narrow boat so no floor space ,I have to cut out on the roof which is curved . It also means I can’t use a rotary cutter which I think gives a better edge. Lovely video thankyou 😊

[@Sewsew60]

Great video, full of really useful information!

[@MsSparkleyspice]

Excellent... thank you.

[@donnabronner4837]

Great content.

[@lifesbanquet4501]

Love your details. Have you done a similar presentation on marking pattern details?

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

I don't I'm afraid but will certainly add that to my list! Thank you :)

[@maureencullen1008]

Fantastic,as always.Which is the best way to sharpen scissors?I have tried various gadgets and ended up with completely blunt scissors.

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

The micro serration ones I have can't really be sharpened. I've been using them very frequently on a large variety of fabrics for at least 5-6 years I'd say and they are still in very good condition, like new really. If you have flat blades, the only scissor sharpeners I have come across are fiskers ones, which from the little experience I have with them seem ok. There aren't many around now but if you have an old fashioned iron mongers or hardware store near you they may sharpen them for you with a special machine

[@Ali-ps8rm]

Some really helpful tips- thank you. Off-topic, but what is the top you’re wearing - love it!

[@dinaa4596]

Looks like the zadie jumpsuit to me

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

Aw thank you. Its a jumpsuit! We still have some left available as a kit, I'll pop the link here guthrie-ghani.co.uk/sewing-society/kits/zadie-jumpsuit-kit

[@Ellsped10]

I'm new to using the rotary cutter. I find it very useful but, the one I have keeps getting loose i.e. the blade. I have to screw the blade tight after every couple of cuts. Is that normal or is there something wrong with the way I use the cutter?

[@kimhandy1861]

That's never happened to me and I've been using the rotary cutter for years. Sounds like there's something wrong with yours not you. I'd Google your brand to see if others have had that problem. Good luck!

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

Hello, perhaps you are not applying force evenly through the blade as you press down so more strain is on one side and causing it to come loose, or it could be you got unlucky with a faulty cutter?

[@Ellsped10]

@@kimhandy1861 Thanks. I'll do that! I think I bought a cheaper brand :( so maybe that's why!!

[@Ellsped10]

@@LaurenGuthrieGhani Thanks, I'll try to pay attention to the way I'm cutting. If that doesn't work then I have to invest in a better quality one! Now I know why these things are considered "investments"!😁❤❤

[@heathermyers2763]

Also, be sure you have the little "bent" washer between the blade holder and screw which holds it together. The yellow brand ibn the video have those - it's purpose is to hold it tight.😊

[@judithglavas9030]

It is a cardinal rule at my house not to touch my sewing shears