How to Cut Squares for Quilting: 3 Methods with Tips and Tricks

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If you want to start making quilts but are unsure where to start, then you should start by learning how to cut squares for quilting.

Quilt squares offer an easy way Trusted Source Sewing Projects Using 10-Inch Squares | AllPeopleQuilt.com Using precut 10-inch squares in quilts can save time at the cutting table, freeing you for more time at your sewing machine. www.allpeoplequilt.com for you to make grid designs on your quilt. You can make any kind of design on your squares and then attach them together to make a quilt.

There are many different ways on how you can cut fabric squares for quilting. Once you are done cutting, you can use the squares for different purposes and can get as creative as you want.

This guide offers easy and simple ways on how you can cut fabric squares as well as different techniques and tips to make sure that you get the best cut squares for your quilt.

Cutting Squares with Cutting Mats and Rulers

Since quilting is a delicate process that requires precision, it is essential for you to cut squares in a proper way. There are many different ways to cut squares for quilting. One such way includes using cutting mats and rulers.

What You Will Need

For this method of cutting, you will first need to gather your supplies. These supplies are readily available at any store nearby. You will need:

Rotary cutters
A cutting mat
A quilting ruler
A marker

How to Cut

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can begin cutting by following these steps:

Firstly, you will need to put your quilting material on your cutting mat. Cutting mats usually have grid lines which makes it easy for cutting across straight lines. The mat is also used to protect your table surface against any damage from the cutter. After placing your fabric, smooth it out on top of the mat.
Once the mat and fabric have been firmly placed, use a ruler to measure the fabric. Fold your fabric and make sure that it aligns with a square-edged ruler. Using a square-edged ruler ensures that you achieve 90-degree angles to cut a perfect square.
After the measurements and alignment, you can begin cutting. Using a rotary cutter, start cutting along the edge of the ruler and the fabric. Fiskars rotary cutter is one of the best cutters that provides precise cutting. Use this technique to cut along all four edges. While using the cutter, make sure that your fabric is lying on the mat smoothly and you are applying sufficient pressure to cut the fabric in one go.
Repeat this step with other pieces of fabric until you have cut your required number of squares. Keep using the ruler or the grids on the mat to ensure that all squares are of equal size.

Measuring and Marking Fabric to Create Squares

Another way to cut squares for quilting is to measure and mark the fabric. While this process requires precision and concentration, we are here to guide you through each step.

What You Will Need

For this method, you will need some basic tools. These include:

A fabric marker
A ruler
A rotary cutter
Tacks or pins

How to Cut

After gathering your required supplies, you can begin the cutting process by following these steps:

Firstly, you will need to smooth out your fabric and fold it in half to make sure that the raw edges are lining up. Once the edges have lined up, use pins or tacks to position the fabric firmly in its place. This will ensure that the fabric remains in its place while measuring and cutting.
The next step is to measure and mark the fabric. Using a ruler, draw dotted lines on the fabric. Make sure your marker is visible. For this purpose, you can use Madam sew chalk. Not only are these chalks visible but they can also be erased after you are done cutting.
After measuring both the horizontal and vertical edges, connect the dotted line. These lines will now be your guide for cutting the fabric into squares for quilting.
Follow the lines and cut along the edges of the fabric. While cutting, do be careful. Repeat these steps for each square until you reach your desired number of squares for quilting.

Using a Fabric Cutting Machine

Manually cutting quilt squares can often be time-consuming and a tiring process. But worry not, because you can always use a fabric cutting machine to achieve the best possible results in less time.

A fabric cutting machine is also easy to use due to its simple design. Even with such simplicity, the machine does not shy away from giving you the best possible technical experience in terms of its performance.

Not only that, but these machines are extremely versatile as they can work with all kinds of quilt material. You can cut a wide range of quilt squares with a fabric cutting machine.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your cutting experience even better:

Always make sure to align your quilting ruler with the piece of fabric. When the horizontal and vertical lines match, you can cut a perfect 90-degree angle accurately. This is necessary to get perfect squares for quilting.
If you are new to cutting squares, then start with basic rotary cutting. Once you feel like you have mastered the basic skills then you can start working with specialty rulers along with your cutter.

Positioning your fabric is important when it comes to cutting. Always make sure you smooth your fabric out and ensure that it’s lying flat on the surface. This helps with accurate cutting.
While cutting, make sure that you are following all safety guidelines. Keep your hands away from the blade to avoid any harm.
Rotary cutters work best with crisp fabric Trusted Source How to Use a Rotary Cutter to Cut Fabrics Learn how to rotary cut fabrics, one of the most important quilting skills a new quilter should master. www.thesprucecrafts.com . If your fabric is soft, use starch to make it crisp.
Before cutting, ensure that the blade of your cutter is sharp enough to make smooth cuts.
For people who are left-handed, reverse the ruler positioning as well as the fabric positioning mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Even if you are a beginner, you will have realized by now that cutting squares for quilting is an easy process. By cutting squares, you can easily patch them up for your quilt. This is an easy way to stitch up your fabric while making sure that everything is sized properly.

Now you know the basics of how to cut squares for quilting, making the process of quilting easy for you!