Quilt Cutting Tools

A drafting table makes an ideal quilter's cutting table.  The table can be adjusted for height, so that one does not have to lean or bend, which can be very hard on the lower back.  The drafting table is rectangular, thus is the perfect shape for holding a cutting mat. In fact, most drafting table sizes are larger than the 24 x 35 inch cutting mat, so there is room to set rulers, rotary cutters, fabric etc on the table beside the mat. The drafting table can be adjusted so that it is perfectly flat when used for cutting, and the table top can be angled when not in use - to save space.  Some tables are built more sturdily than others - so, before making the purchase, have a look at some assembled floor models at a local art supply store.

After cutting my fabric strips for my patchwork/quilting projects, I roll them onto cardboard tubes which I have saved from my kitchen papers.  This keeps the fabrics uncreased (no need for ironing), and ready for further cutting.   

If you are like me and are short of space, this is a little timesaving gem... So, reuse those cardboard tubes and recycle your sanity!

Jaycee  

Since I attend many quilting retreats, I will chose a quilt pattern, the fabric, backing and batting.  I will cut all the peices for the quilt that I wish to make, and then put the pieces, extra fabric, backing, batting, thread, and the quilt pattern in a large plastic bag and mark it.  Then all I have to do is select the quilts I wish to work on at the retreat, and I am ready to go.  As a rule you do not have a lot of room for cutting and organizing at a retreat.

Also, I keep one of my sewing totes loaded with everything I will need for the retreat, and that is also ready to go.  All I have to do is load up my machine, my quilt bags, and my tote...I am ready to go.

This saves a lot of time, as you are ready to start sewing when you get to the retreat.

I f you have a closet where you can keep your quilting supplies here is a suggestion on storage.  Buy a multi-tiered skirt hanger (one that has rubber tips on the clips) and hang your rulers and mats.

For those times when I need to trim down blocks, or just cutting smaller pieces of fabric, I made my own rotating Screwed it to the bottom of a scap piece of paneling or wood cut to the size you want.  Then on the top of the wood I glued a medium size rotary cutting mat.  Now I can just turn the board instead of the fabric, makes trimming down blocks alot easier.

I made a pouch for my rotary cutter out of pre-quilted fabric and then inserted a silica gel packet out of a shoe box.  This absorbs humidity and helps keeps the rotary cutter blade from rusting.

Hi,

I often find myself having to cut precise tiny squares, i.e. 1.5", etc.  If there is slippage, my squares are off!  So...

I went to the home improvement store and bought a pakage of rotary sander sanding paper which is sticky on one side.  I stuck 2 or three very tiny pieces on my cutting mat and even on the back side of some of my rulers.  Now....no slippage and perfect  cuts.

Carol Steavens

If you are having trouble seeing your blue fabric on a blue rotary cutting mat (or green on green, etc.), turn the fabric over with the wrong side up.  The wrong side is usually lighter and will make it easier to see when cutting.

I had two "cutlery" boxes, the wooden kind with a handle, and divided into six sections.  They are ideal for storing rotary cutters, scissors, small rulers, markers etc.  Everything stands up for easy access and visibility.  I keep it to the right of my machine, within easy reach of my cutting mat and machine.  I spray glued some non-slip "rubber" matting to the bottom so that it can't wander if my machine vibrates.  I also use a plastic cutlery tray, with a top sliding tray to store bobbins, small screw drivers, whatever I might need when sewing.  Everything stays organized and visible, again non-slip matting is glued on the bottom.

Even though my worktable is located directly in front of a window, I still find that I need extra lighting.  I tried a number of swivel clamp lights, floor lamps etc.  Always space was an issue, they were always in the way.  Finally, I placed my trilight floor lamp up on my worktable.  It takes up some space, and I must tilt it over to turn it on, but it is still a more workable solution.  A bonus is that I'm not nearly so hot, because the lamps are above, and create no shadows, and not in the way at all.  I also use "daylight" lightbulbs in all my work area lamps, so that any colour distortion is decreased.