Me too, Barbie. Once I see it I can make it, but a page filled with words don't quite work as well. LOL That's what attracted me to the idea of video tutorials. It seems there are lots more like us out there. :) Thanks for following along, Lea Louise
Glad it was helpful, Sandra! Fat Quarters are my go to and this is my cutting method. You'll most likely find an adjustment or two that suits your favorite fabric sizes. Thanks so much for watching! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
Yes! Plus they're ready to go if you need a quick finish quilt! I still have lots of FQs that haven't been cut yet, but the ones I pull for a quilt do get cut. Generally there are extra pieces that are stored by size, mostly 5" charms, plus the larger pieces I like to keep too. I'm building a great collection to choose from for future quilts. Simply having cut fabric available makes starting a quilt easier and quicker. :)
You are so welcome Michelle! I was very hesitant to cut my FQs up at first. But my collection was bursting out of their bins. I still keep a larger piece of each FQ, but it's wonderful to have a stash of charms ready to quilt with too!
This is what really got me started with my current style of quilting. I had an embarrassingly large number of fat quarters and needed to get busy. Once they were cut into useable pieces I just kept quilting, and I love it! It's also how I learned to best use lots of fabrics in one quilt. So glad you enjoy my videos! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
This is my go-to, Laura! If my FQs don't get cut for use then they just decorate the shelf. I cut and add them to the pile and keep on quilting. It's also fun to see new fabrics mixed in with my fabric stash. That definitely gets me inspired! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
I like to cut 2×10" squares, leave it that big to cut into smaller sizes later or use as is, the other strip makes 4×5" squares and a 2 1/2" strip. With the larger 10" sizes, i can get 9×3" squares, 4×5" or bars or bricks etc or 16× 2 1/2" squares. The strip is half a Jelly roll or can be cut into a variety of shapes. I haven't limited my options, but the pieces are small enough to access easily. If you don't cut down sooner, the side strip can be 3 half jellies, or equilateral triangles, hst's, cut wih a template. Or make up a shape and cut it with your ruler on top, a tumbler or half bar star point ( can't remember the name just now). The 10" strip can be all sorts of shapes, you can cut smaller later, but cannot put it back on withot losing a seam allowance. Have fun whatever you choose.
Good question! Generally I'll do a quick press to remove any big wrinkles before cutting. Then I make sure each fat quarter is lined up square with the mat using my hands to do any straightening that's needed. It works well for me and I hope it does for you too! Thanks for watching! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
Great information. Thank you. As a complete beginner I have no fabric and therefore no scraps. I want to try my hand at a crumb quilt. Can you advise me on the best precuts to buy to cut into scraps/crumbs?
Hi Helen, I'm excited you're beginning to quilt! My suggestion for purchasing small pieces of fabrics are either the Mini Charms which are 2.5" or 5" charms. They are both quite economical and you'll get a nice variety of fabrics, generally 20 - 42 pieces. There are some links below the video for fabric shopping. Or if you're lucky enough to have a local quilt or fabric shop go see what you can find. Have fun! Lea Louise
I would be so afraid to cut these and then go "Oh, I could have had a V8" moment wishing I had different sizes. I really like fat quarters, and I don't buy other types of precuts as I consider them a poor value. I have experienced poorly cut and/or aligned charms and layer cakes which makes things frustrating. But I DEFINITELY would cut to make 5" charms as I would no they were perfectly square and aligned with print. Thanks for your video. (I routinely look for excellent deals on fat quarters. Hancock's of Paducah's online site consistently has some great deals that I routinely look for.
When my FQ stash reached 1,000 pieces, I knew I had to take action!!! LOL Precutting my FQ has worked great for me. I only cut about half of each one into charms and leave the rest intact. That way I still have some big pieces to work with. Plus I LOVE mixing the batiks together, so having a selection ready to go is great.
@@InspiredQuiltingbyLeaLouise That's a whole different perspective. My FQS (fat quarter stash) is a faction of that! Accordingly, I protect it from cutting as a dragon would protect its jewels. One thing I have done with fat quarter's is cut them in strips (all the same, variable, and pair them with a companion solid. I then make a shopping bag by sewing the strips together (stitch and flip works too). It's a great way to create a useful and beautiful bag. I've given several of these as gifts. I also use my scraps to make fabric for "scrap bags"...sew it up; make a shopping tote; attach handles, line with fabric of choice (gently used sheeting from thrift stores makes great liners) and gift (or use). strong. useful. beautiful. like all women~!
You're absolutely correct, Sharon! The heavy creases and folds definitely need pressing first. I've found with gentler wrinkles that I can use my wide ruler to keep the fabric nice and flat as I cut. When in doubt, press first! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
Thanks for your question, Joan. Generally when there are just light folds in the fabric I don't worry too much about ironing first. It's the heavy wrinkles that I don't want to cut through otherwise the pieces don't end up square. Thanks for watching, Lea Louise
LOL! Sorry JC, you're not the first to say that. Yes, I do recommend pressing fabrics with deep wrinkles, but I do tend to work around those folds. The truth is that I need a new iron and just haven't bought one. I'll put that on my list. Though there's no guarantee that I'll press every piece, every time. Thanks so much for watching. :) Happy Quilting...and ironing, Lea Louise
THANK YOU so much for the free fat quarter cutting guide! I'm a visual learner, and these guides are very helpful!
Me too, Barbie. Once I see it I can make it, but a page filled with words don't quite work as well. LOL That's what attracted me to the idea of video tutorials. It seems there are lots more like us out there. :)
Thanks for following along,
Lea Louise
I was not sure how to tackle fat quarters for patterns, but this makes a lot of sense! Thank you!
Needed this one again lol TX Lea ❤😘
Thank you for posting this useful video!
Glad it was helpful, Sandra! Fat Quarters are my go to and this is my cutting method. You'll most likely find an adjustment or two that suits your favorite fabric sizes. Thanks so much for watching! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
I have used fat quarters for cloth napkins, placemats and table runners!!! 😄
They certainly are versatile, Sheila! I've sewn FQs together as a backing, too. Sure appreciate you watching! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
You're right! Sometimes making that "first cut" is the hardest when starting a new project. Cutting them in advance takes that out of the equation.
Yes! Plus they're ready to go if you need a quick finish quilt! I still have lots of FQs that haven't been cut yet, but the ones I pull for a quilt do get cut. Generally there are extra pieces that are stored by size, mostly 5" charms, plus the larger pieces I like to keep too. I'm building a great collection to choose from for future quilts. Simply having cut fabric available makes starting a quilt easier and quicker. :)
That fabric is sooo pretty!!
I think so too! Batiks are so vibrant.
You are the Best.❤
You are awesome!! Sure appreciate you watching! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
You're so right! I think pre-cutting my FQs into sizes I use will be so helpful! Thank you❣️
You are so welcome Michelle! I was very hesitant to cut my FQs up at first. But my collection was bursting out of their bins. I still keep a larger piece of each FQ, but it's wonderful to have a stash of charms ready to quilt with too!
@@InspiredQuiltingbyLeaLouise Ooh, I like that idea of keeping a larger piece of FQs. Thanks again!
Good ideas..... Thank you for the video 😊👍
This is what really got me started with my current style of quilting. I had an embarrassingly large number of fat quarters and needed to get busy. Once they were cut into useable pieces I just kept quilting, and I love it! It's also how I learned to best use lots of fabrics in one quilt. So glad you enjoy my videos! Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
Love!
This is my go-to, Laura! If my FQs don't get cut for use then they just decorate the shelf. I cut and add them to the pile and keep on quilting. It's also fun to see new fabrics mixed in with my fabric stash. That definitely gets me inspired! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
I like to cut 2×10" squares, leave it that big to cut into smaller sizes later or use as is, the other strip makes 4×5" squares and a 2 1/2" strip. With the larger 10" sizes, i can get 9×3" squares, 4×5" or bars or bricks etc or 16× 2 1/2" squares. The strip is half a Jelly roll or can be cut into a variety of shapes. I haven't limited my options, but the pieces are small enough to access easily. If you don't cut down sooner, the side strip can be 3 half jellies, or equilateral triangles, hst's, cut wih a template. Or make up a shape and cut it with your ruler on top, a tumbler or half bar star point ( can't remember the name just now). The 10" strip can be all sorts of shapes, you can cut smaller later, but cannot put it back on withot losing a seam allowance. Have fun whatever you choose.
Do you ever press those fat quarters prior to cutting them up? Takes for sharing!
Good question! Generally I'll do a quick press to remove any big wrinkles before cutting. Then I make sure each fat quarter is lined up square with the mat using my hands to do any straightening that's needed. It works well for me and I hope it does for you too! Thanks for watching! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
Great information. Thank you. As a complete beginner I have no fabric and therefore no scraps. I want to try my hand at a crumb quilt. Can you advise me on the best precuts to buy to cut into scraps/crumbs?
Hi Helen, I'm excited you're beginning to quilt! My suggestion for purchasing small pieces of fabrics are either the Mini Charms which are 2.5" or 5" charms. They are both quite economical and you'll get a nice variety of fabrics, generally 20 - 42 pieces. There are some links below the video for fabric shopping. Or if you're lucky enough to have a local quilt or fabric shop go see what you can find. Have fun!
Lea Louise
@@InspiredQuiltingbyLeaLouise thank you so much. What a wonderfully clear and concise answer. I appreciate that.
Shouldn't I iron or press the fabric to get the most precise pieces?
I would be so afraid to cut these and then go "Oh, I could have had a V8" moment wishing I had different sizes. I really like fat quarters, and I don't buy other types of precuts as I consider them a poor value. I have experienced poorly cut and/or aligned charms and layer cakes which makes things frustrating. But I DEFINITELY would cut to make 5" charms as I would no they were perfectly square and aligned with print. Thanks for your video. (I routinely look for excellent deals on fat quarters. Hancock's of Paducah's online site consistently has some great deals that I routinely look for.
When my FQ stash reached 1,000 pieces, I knew I had to take action!!! LOL Precutting my FQ has worked great for me. I only cut about half of each one into charms and leave the rest intact. That way I still have some big pieces to work with. Plus I LOVE mixing the batiks together, so having a selection ready to go is great.
@@InspiredQuiltingbyLeaLouise That's a whole different perspective. My FQS (fat quarter stash) is a faction of that! Accordingly, I protect it from cutting as a dragon would protect its jewels. One thing I have done with fat quarter's is cut them in strips (all the same, variable, and pair them with a companion solid. I then make a shopping bag by sewing the strips together (stitch and flip works too). It's a great way to create a useful and beautiful bag. I've given several of these as gifts. I also use my scraps to make fabric for "scrap bags"...sew it up; make a shopping tote; attach handles, line with fabric of choice (gently used sheeting from thrift stores makes great liners) and gift (or use). strong. useful. beautiful. like all women~!
I am surprised you did not press the fq's before cutting. I would not be accurate without pressing.
You're absolutely correct, Sharon! The heavy creases and folds definitely need pressing first. I've found with gentler wrinkles that I can use my wide ruler to keep the fabric nice and flat as I cut. When in doubt, press first! Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
Why didn't you iron the fabric first??
Thanks for your question, Joan. Generally when there are just light folds in the fabric I don't worry too much about ironing first. It's the heavy wrinkles that I don't want to cut through otherwise the pieces don't end up square. Thanks for watching,
Lea Louise
Please STOP!!!
You have a great idea BUT press your fabric first for accuracy!
LOL! Sorry JC, you're not the first to say that. Yes, I do recommend pressing fabrics with deep wrinkles, but I do tend to work around those folds. The truth is that I need a new iron and just haven't bought one. I'll put that on my list. Though there's no guarantee that I'll press every piece, every time. Thanks so much for watching. :)
Happy Quilting...and ironing,
Lea Louise