Rotary Cutting with BlockBase by Barb Vlack

Many quilters are using rotary cutting extensively to hasten their cutting time and increase their accuracy in cutting shapes or pieces for blocks. Following are four ways to use BlockBase in combination with rotary cutting.

Strip Cutting

For strip cutting, print out the templates, with seam allowance, for your block. The desired width of the strip would be measured from each template. For example, if you have a square that measures 2½" on a side, you would cut a strip that is 2½" wide and then cut it into 2½" squares.

If you have a half-square triangle template that measures 3½" from corner to the tip of one side, including the seam allowance, cut your strip 3½" wide. Notice that BlockBase will cut off some of the seam allowance at the sharp corners of a triangle template, just as you probably would do during construction. For this reason, you might want to tape the template to the ruler as an accurate shape cutting guide, as described below.

Half square triangles and quarter square triangles are easy to rotary cut from strips once you know the finished dimension.

Measuring Templates

From the BlockBase template for a half-square triangle, measure the finished size and add 7/8". For rotary cutting, cut a strip the width of the fabric that is this dimension, and then cut that strip into squares. Cut each square diagonally to get two half-square triangles. Note that the fabric grain line is straight along two edges of the triangle.

From the BlockBase template for a quarter square triangle, measure the finished size andadd 1¼". Cut a strip to this width and cut the strip into squares. Cut each square diagonally in each direction to get four quarter square triangles. Note that the fabric grain line is straight along the longest side of these triangles.

Using Templates and Rulers Together

For some template shapes, you may want to make a guide for cutting to attach to your acrylic ruler. Print out the template from BlockBase and cut it out along the outside line of the seam allowance. Tape this shape to the under side of your acrylic ruler and use it as a guide for rotary cutting. Position one side of the shape along the edge of your ruler and use the other sides as cutting guides in the same way you would use the angle lines already printed on most acrylic rulers.

Using Templates Printed on Freezer Paper

Another tip for rotary cutting patches from BlockBase templates is to print out (or trace) the templates onto freezer paper. Trim the freezer paper from the roll to 8½" x 11" to fit through your printer. Use only a dot matrix or an ink jet printer. Do not try to print onto freezer paper with any printer that generates heat, such as a laser printer or copy machine. Cut out the freezer paper template along the outside of the seam allowance and iron it onto your fabric stack. Line up your acrylic ruler along each edge of the template ironed onto the fabric and cut with your rotary cutter.


	Home Products Users Retailers Support Forums Blog Media Do you EQ? Artist