Gadget Girls

Blonnie: You Can Strip and Still Keep Your Clothes On!
When I first started quilting, of course I just used lots of strips. Easy and a good way to learn. My very first ruler was the Shape Cut which my sister Carla suggested that I needed. And boy what an investment that was. The Shape Cut and my rotary cutter became my best friends! You can make 1" to 12" strips with ½" cuts in-between. So from 1, 1 ½, 2 and so on, you can strip away. You can layer your fabrics and cut different colors at one time. Whenever I go on retreat someone is always asking if anyone brought their Shape Cut. It is a must for every quilter. I would think you all would have one, but then again, I thought you would all have a Bobbin Saver also. But that is the fun of all this-introducing all these gadgets to you. But seriously, the Shape Cut needs to be in all your sewing rooms. Thank you June Tailor!

I agree with Blonnie that the Shape Cut is a very useful tool for quilters to have in their bag of tricks. It really is amazing how quickly you can cut a lot of strips in a very short time. The Shape Cut is a square heavy plastic "grid" that has channels placed every ½ inch from 0 to 12". You begin by placing the folded edge of your fabric along the solid line that runs along the width of the Shape Cut. By making your first cut in the number "0" channel with your rotary cutter all the way to the top of the grid, a perfectly straight and even edge is produced. From then on, cut strips in the width you need. When you run out of channels, just pick up the Shape Cut without moving the fabric and place it to that the "0" mark is slightly away from your last cut edge. Then begin cutting strips again until you run out of fabric or channels.

Another handy feature of the Shape Cut is that after you've cut your strips and before moving the fabric, you can easily cut squares. Pick up the Shape Cut, turn it 90 degrees and place it on the fabric so that when you cut in all the same channels, you end up with lots of squares in no time at all. There are instructions for cutting triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and chevrons. I haven't actually cut any of those shapes with this tool but perhaps someone has and can tell us what they think. I use it mainly for cutting strips for strip-piecing and binding. I've also used it a time or two to cut fringe on fleece scarves. It does take a bit of getting used to when you first use the Shape Cut. It can seem awkward to place your rotary cutter in the small opening and apply even pressure as you're cutting up the channel. Once you practice a bit, you should feel comfortable and can "strip" like a pro!
Carla's Rating: