Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Perfecting the Product

One thing I don't like about making these stars is using a template. You can rotary cut diamonds ordinarily, but to make the stripes or plaids chevron into the center you have to use a template. I started by tracing around the template, but even though I cut inside the line, it still wasn't totally accurate, and some of the stars have these little bumps.

Then I checked my copy of Sally Collins' book Mastering Precision Piecing, and tried her technique of cutting around the template with a small rotary cutter. She says the secret of not shaving the template is to keep the cutter on the fabric until the cut is complete, not lifting it. This seems to work. I bought a small rotary cutting board for this process, and the price was worth it.

Here's a better looking star I made with the new cutting technique.

5 comments:

Paula Hewitt said...

the second star is particularly good - great fabric. thats a good tip about templates - Ive tried lots of ways not to trim the template at the same time - I didnt think of that though...

*karendianne. said...

Oh Kay, truly - I can hardly contain myself. These are rich and eye-catching.

Super tip. Next Guild Meeting I'm responsible for tips - I think I might use this one!!!

Debra Dixon said...

I usually just put the clear rotary ruler over the template and cut it with the cutter.

Love these stars! You are so brave.

Liz in Kansas said...

Wow! These stars are looking better and better. Thanks for the tip. I've wondered if I should get one of the small rotary cutters. Looks like it's worth it.

Anonymous said...

Very nice. I like these stars a lot. This will make a smashing quilt!