All the quilts I’ve made so far have been baby to throw size. I’m finally tackling my first big girl quilt and you are just a life saver! By far the clearest, easiest video I’ve watched on what to do with several yards of fabric. Subscribed!
Great video! This is what i do as well but got a piece of plexiglass cut slightly smaller than my shelf width and use that to fold. That way all my pieces are exactly the same width and stack perfectly. It also optimizes my shelf space.
Thank you for another great video. I was smiling throughout cuz that’s exactly what I do, except instead of rolling the folded fabric, I concertina it, with raw edges at the start and finish folded in to prevent fraying.
Thank you! I'm going to go and refold all my stashed fabric so it's ready for use. It's one of the things that puts me off starting a project. Spotlight (in Australia) should instruct their sales people on how to fold fabric for the customers as usually it all higgledy piggledy. Great video as I have struggled with long yardage but seeing you do it bit by bit is a great idea rather than holding the whole lot in the air as I have been want to do lol.
Thank you, this was very helpful. I am about to start making block out curtains and was worried about how to level the fabric. This will help me tremendously, thank you. Greetings from Australia
I have a piece of fabric 110" wide. It is a white tone-on-tone that I need to cut 5" strips for the squares I need to include in my quilt. Question... can I accurately cut the strips WOF by folding the fabric? My cutting mat is 20" x 32".
Do you go ahead and straighten edges before you fold? I now wash and fold my fabric as soon as I return from the quilt store. Thanks for all the great tips.
Hi Candy, No, i do not straighten the edges before folding. I straighten the edges when i am starting to do the cutting for a project. Thanks for watching! Nancy
Anxious to get started on my new quilt journey, I carefully folded my fabric making sure my folds were aligned straight on my cutting board lines. Next, I cut a straight edge. I cut one 'test' strip to see if the result was as I hoped. Checking my strip, it appears to be straight without any curves where the folds were. I think because I am cutting 5" squares and not using the whole strip in one piece, I can work around any slight deviation. I did a test application of triangles to my block, and it looks good. I will square the block up when I have finished all my blocks. * Now, I have another question. Because my corner pieces are white on white, do I need to press the seam allowances to the white or can I press them to the center block? I know this creates bulk. * Would it be better to press the seam allowances open? * When I sew the blocks together, my white-on-white triangles will be forming a square with seam allowances to press as well. Which direction should they be pressed? I have also had an idea running through my head to add an accent triangle to the white or will that just complicate my quilt. My thought would be to use this accent color as one of the borders, including a white strip. ** Can anyone give any suggestions or direction to my questions?
Hi - and I'm glad you like the video :) With so many questions it's best to email me but here is some quick thoughts - press to the point of least resistance when possible. I don't use white-whites as it is truly impossible to not get any of the seams pressed away but you can do your best. I don't press open on most quilts as it makes the quilt seam not very strong for the long haul. Other than that - I would need some pictures so go ahead and email me :)
Making rag quilts but having problem cutting squares, 8 1/2 inch, from large piece material. I try and cut large piece into 1 yD pieces so easy to cut. Should I continue this process or is there an easier process?
honestly i wouldn't. Generally speaking the extra wide fabrics are meant for quilt backings although it doesn't mean you couldn't use them on the quilt tops. If i were to use a extra wide backing on the front, i would first make sure it is a top quality fabric, not all that are made for backs are considered top quality. I would then tear the length of the fabric into 44" wide long strips so that the fabric would work nicely with the other fabrics in your quilt top. Hope that helps :)
Hi Tine, No I don't - I just don't and have never had an issue that hurt my quilt, such as bleed or shrinkage. I know many quilters that do and love doing that so go for it if you want, it's just not for me - Nancy
hello Michelle - when i cut strips or plaids i do not cut the width of fabric as in this video - i cut those the length of grain. I teach this in the borders video :)
what do you do if you can not hold the fabric up due to arthritis in the shoulders and hands...Its every hard for me to cut fabric with straight lines...
Hello Barbara - i guess my first suggestion would be to use smaller pieces of fabric - 3 yards of fabric can be a bit heavy, but a 1/2 yard ? do you think you can hold up that? and a very sharp blade cutting on a lower surface like your dinning room table. And another really good idea is ask your quilting friends to help :)
Hi Teri - those are from the Great American Quilts series - they did them every year from about 1985 until 2000 or so - i have about 1/2 of the collections :)
Anyone who can answer this, please help! Complete novice here. Well... Not exactly, but I have A LOT of improving to do. I have a problem that I'm hoping a veteran can solve for me. After I wash and iron my material, I'll fold it to start rotary cutting, but when I open my cut pieces, it's slightly fatter in the fold - not symmetrical all the way from end to end. For example, a long rectangular pc may be folded at the center and will be 3.5" at the ends, but a quarter to an eighth inch off at the folds. Is this normal, or could I be doing something differently to make my rotary cutting life more symmetrical?
Hi Dawn, Honestly I'm not sure I totally understand your question. I'm not sure if it will help, but have you watched any of my videos on Power Cutting? Would love to meet you to help in person :) - Nancy
Because 108 inch white fabrics are generally used for backings. I don’t pre-fold them. I always pre-wash 108 inch wide back in store because the fabric is often not as tight of a weave as the regular quilters cotton’s.
Awesome tutorial!!!! Also, as an aside, such a beautifully dressed and groomed lady! So nice to enjoy seeing a healthy, middle-aged woman instead of the stress of watching a poor obese, gasping for breath person as is often the norm. I sometimes feel myself almost panting in sympathy with some of the poor wheezy people who create craft tutorials. 😮🌷🌷🌷
This is fabulous. Cutting 10" strips from yardage can be daunting to say the least. This is beyond manageable. Thank you for sharing ❤
I am learning to quilt and this was so helpful. Thank you!
All the quilts I’ve made so far have been baby to throw size. I’m finally tackling my first big girl quilt and you are just a life saver! By far the clearest, easiest video I’ve watched on what to do with several yards of fabric. Subscribed!
Great video! This is what i do as well but got a piece of plexiglass cut slightly smaller than my shelf width and use that to fold. That way all my pieces are exactly the same width and stack perfectly. It also optimizes my shelf space.
I love these folding technique, thank you. I have started folding all my fabric these way, I do prewash everything except precuts.
Thank you for another great video. I was smiling throughout cuz that’s exactly what I do, except instead of rolling the folded fabric, I concertina it, with raw edges at the start and finish folded in to prevent fraying.
Wow- this is awesome and makes it less scary! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you! I'm going to go and refold all my stashed fabric so it's ready for use. It's one of the things that puts me off starting a project. Spotlight (in Australia) should instruct their sales people on how to fold fabric for the customers as usually it all higgledy piggledy. Great video as I have struggled with long yardage but seeing you do it bit by bit is a great idea rather than holding the whole lot in the air as I have been want to do lol.
You can do it!
Than You for giving left handed instructions!!!!! Not many people that of us
Thank you, this was very helpful. I am about to start making block out curtains and was worried about how to level the fabric. This will help me tremendously, thank you. Greetings from Australia
Glad it was helpful!
Your one of my fabri' quilters
Thank you so much I have made so many mistakes cutting large fabric
I use a 5lb weight to help keep my fabric on the table when I'm folding/cutting a large piece of fabric...it's like having a third hand :)
Nice review. I use my 6” x 24 or 6.5” x 12.5” ruler to start my folding. It gives a little more stability to the roll.
I fold my fabric around a ruler too. Fabric ends up the same size and stacks perfectly.
I have a piece of fabric 110" wide. It is a white tone-on-tone that I need to cut 5" strips for the squares I need to include in my quilt.
Question... can I accurately cut the strips WOF by folding the fabric? My cutting mat is 20" x 32".
Do you go ahead and straighten edges before you fold? I now wash and fold my fabric as soon as I return from the quilt store. Thanks for all the great tips.
Hi Candy,
No, i do not straighten the edges before folding. I straighten the edges when i am starting to do the cutting for a project.
Thanks for watching!
Nancy
Sorry I didn’t tick the last 2 vidios it went straight to the 3rd Visio,still think you are the best
Great tips and thank you very much for sharing
Thanks for watching!
This is how I do it. It’s a time saver!
That's a nice piece of fabric. You have enough to share! 8-)
Anxious to get started on my new quilt journey, I carefully folded my fabric making sure my folds were aligned straight on my cutting board lines. Next, I cut a straight edge. I cut one 'test' strip to see if the result was as I hoped. Checking my strip, it appears to be straight without any curves where the folds were. I think because I am cutting 5" squares and not using the whole strip in one piece, I can work around any slight deviation.
I did a test application of triangles to my block, and it looks good. I will square the block up when I have finished all my blocks.
* Now, I have another question. Because my corner pieces are white on white, do I need to press the seam allowances to the white or can I press them to the center block? I know this creates bulk.
* Would it be better to press the seam allowances open?
* When I sew the blocks together, my white-on-white triangles will be forming a square with seam allowances to press as well.
Which direction should they be pressed?
I have also had an idea running through my head to add an accent triangle to the white or will that just complicate my quilt. My thought would be to use this accent color as one of the borders, including a white strip.
** Can anyone give any suggestions or direction to my questions?
Hi - and I'm glad you like the video :)
With so many questions it's best to email me but here is some quick thoughts - press to the point of least resistance when possible. I don't use white-whites as it is truly impossible to not get any of the seams pressed away but you can do your best. I don't press open on most quilts as it makes the quilt seam not very strong for the long haul.
Other than that - I would need some pictures so go ahead and email me :)
I like you method. Thank Nancy
You are so welcome
Awesome tip!
Thanks
Awesomeness as always
Thanks again!
So appreciate your knowledge!
I appreciate that!
Thank you what a great tip
Glad it was helpful!
Super useful, huge tnx!
Making rag quilts but having problem cutting squares, 8 1/2 inch, from large piece material. I try and cut large piece into 1 yD pieces so easy to cut. Should I continue this process or is there an easier process?
either will work but cutting the fabric in to yard sections might waist a little bit of fabric.
When cutting squares for rag quilt do cut on grain or does it matter which way cut?
Generally on the grain but I don't think it would matter much :)
What about 108 inch wide fabrics? How do you fold and cut those?
honestly i wouldn't. Generally speaking the extra wide fabrics are meant for quilt backings although it doesn't mean you couldn't use them on the quilt tops. If i were to use a extra wide backing on the front, i would first make sure it is a top quality fabric, not all that are made for backs are considered top quality. I would then tear the length of the fabric into 44" wide long strips so that the fabric would work nicely with the other fabrics in your quilt top. Hope that helps :)
Do you prewash and iron your fabric before folding and storing for future use?
Hi Tine, No I don't - I just don't and have never had an issue that hurt my quilt, such as bleed or shrinkage. I know many quilters that do and love doing that so go for it if you want, it's just not for me - Nancy
hello from Belgium, I just saw your fold technic, but I wonder if your stripes, or gingham fabric, are still straight?
hello Michelle - when i cut strips or plaids i do not cut the width of fabric as in this video - i cut those the length of grain. I teach this in the borders video :)
what do you do if you can not hold the fabric up due to arthritis in the shoulders and hands...Its every hard for me to cut fabric with straight lines...
Hello Barbara - i guess my first suggestion would be to use smaller pieces of fabric - 3 yards of fabric can be a bit heavy, but a 1/2 yard ? do you think you can hold up that? and a very sharp blade cutting on a lower surface like your dinning room table. And another really good idea is ask your quilting friends to help :)
Good method
curious, I have my fabric stored in bins, would it be better to store them on a shelf?
Hi Barbara, Yes - the issue is the bins, they can hold moisture and that will leave brown spots over time - shelves or open top drawers is best .
@@QuiltingWithNancy thanks.
Is that an ironing board and did you make it?
It's called Big Board - it is approximately 20-60 and fits over most ironing boards - you can make one yourself :)
Genius!
Nice! What are the books stacked on the table in the video? Just curious.
Hi Teri - those are from the Great American Quilts series - they did them every year from about 1985 until 2000 or so - i have about 1/2 of the collections :)
ah! thanks, i'll watch that video 😉👋🏻
Anyone who can answer this, please help! Complete novice here. Well... Not exactly, but I have A LOT of improving to do. I have a problem that I'm hoping a veteran can solve for me. After I wash and iron my material, I'll fold it to start rotary cutting, but when I open my cut pieces, it's slightly fatter in the fold - not symmetrical all the way from end to end. For example, a long rectangular pc may be folded at the center and will be 3.5" at the ends, but a quarter to an eighth inch off at the folds. Is this normal, or could I be doing something differently to make my rotary cutting life more symmetrical?
Hi Dawn, Honestly I'm not sure I totally understand your question. I'm not sure if it will help, but have you watched any of my videos on Power Cutting? Would love to meet you to help in person :) - Nancy
I just watch your video and I wants to see the width and the length of the table
That is my Big Board - it is 22x60" with an pressing surface.
How to cut long straight piece without any wave in between the strip?
Great Basics 2: Power Cutting th-cam.com/video/0lgmT5BEc4M/w-d-xo.html
Perfect
Genius!!
WOW :) Thanks
How do you fold a 108" piece of fabric?
Because 108 inch white fabrics are generally used for backings. I don’t pre-fold them. I always pre-wash 108 inch wide back in store because the fabric is often not as tight of a weave as the regular quilters cotton’s.
Awesome tutorial!!!! Also, as an aside, such a beautifully dressed and groomed lady! So nice to enjoy seeing a healthy, middle-aged woman instead of the stress of watching a poor obese, gasping for breath person as is often the norm. I sometimes feel myself almost panting in sympathy with some of the poor wheezy people who create craft tutorials. 😮🌷🌷🌷
Well thank you :) - that was very nice.
Do you wash your fabric first
I do not, but that is just my preference, you can if you want.