At Thimbles, we know one truth that every quilter must eventually learn: your project is only as good as your cuts. Uneven edges or wobbly strips can throw off piecing and make quilting far more frustrating than it needs to be. The great news? With the right approach, you can accurately cut fabric confidently and consistently.
Here are 10 tried-and-true tips for cutting fabric accurately, the very habits we encourage our quilting community to practice at the cutting table!
1. Prep your fabric first
Take a moment to press your fabric before you cut. Creases and folds may look minor, but they can distort your measurements and cause uneven pieces. Smooth, flat fabric is the first step toward precise cutting. We shared how we’ve used Magic Premium Quilting & Crafting Spray to prep our fabrics in the above video after Sewposium 2024.
2. Always measure with acrylic rulers (not your cutting mat)
It’s tempting to use the grid printed on your cutting mat, but those lines are not designed for precision, and mats can warp or stretch over time. Instead, always measure with clear acrylic rulers. Their markings are manufactured to exact standards, and because they’re transparent, you can line them up with both your fabric edge and the grain.
Cutting mats are also malleable and more flexible than a hard acrylic ruler. Cutting mats can warp over time, and the more you use them, the more indentations they can develop, which will also warp measurements.
3. Keep your blade sharp
A rotary cutter does its best work with a fresh blade. If:
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You find yourself pushing harder than usual
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Threads remain uncut after using your rotary cutter
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You’re going over the same cut more than once
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Your fabric looks ragged, with frayed edges
It’s time to replace your rotary blade! A sharp blade glides smoothly, leaving edges that are crisp and accurate.
The frequency with which you’ll need to change your rotary blade is dependent on how many quilting projects you make, and how many pieces and how much trim you’re cutting for each project. You will likely need to change out your rotary blade every 3-4 projects or sooner (is it an intense paper piecing project with a million tiny pieces? Definitely sooner!).
We like the Quilters Select rotary cutter and Olfa Ergo rotary cutters.
4. Square up your fabric before you start
Before cutting strips or shapes, align your fabric’s selvages and trim the raw edge to create a clean, 90-degree baseline. That first squared edge will guide all your other cuts and help maintain consistency.
5. Use “double ruling” for oversized pieces
Sometimes you need a strip longer than your biggest ruler. Rather than guessing, use two rulers together. Overlap them slightly so the measurements line up, then cut with both in place. This “double ruling” method ensures accuracy on pieces longer than a single ruler can measure. Want to see it step-by-step? Watch the above short tutorial.
6. Steady that ruler
Place your non-cutting hand firmly on the ruler to hold it in place. Even a small slip can throw off your cut. Many quilters add non-slip grips or sandpaper dots to the back of their rulers for extra stability.
One of the reasons why we love Creative Grids rulers is because they’re very grippy. They have very effective “grip dots” that cling to the fabric and make it easy to maneuver your ruler and your fabric without slipping around.
Read our Quick Guide to Quilting Rulers for more great tips for quilting rulers!
7. Cut away from yourself
Always push the rotary cutter away from your body rather than pulling it toward you. It’s not only safer, but it helps keep the blade steady against the ruler edge. Rotate the mat or reposition your fabric if needed—don’t contort your arm.
8. Follow the grain
Whenever possible, align your ruler with the fabric grain. Cuts made along the grain are more stable and less likely to stretch out of shape when you start piecing. This is especially important for long strips or borders.
9. Slow down on angled cuts
Triangles, diamonds, and other non-square shapes require extra care. Double-check ruler placement and make each cut deliberately. Sometimes it’s easier to cut one side, lift the ruler, then rotate and cut the next edge rather than trying to cut multiple sides at once.
10. Build consistent habits
Accuracy comes from repetition. If you always line up your ruler the same way, measure from the same edge, and cut with steady pressure, your pieces will fit together more predictably. Think of it as developing “muscle memory” for quilting.
Cutting With Confidence
Accurate cutting may not be glamorous, but it’s what makes quilting satisfying rather than stressful. From using acrylic rulers to mastering the double ruling technique, these small adjustments can transform your cutting routine and set you up for success at the sewing machine.
At Thimbles, we love sharing the little tips that make a big difference. Try these out next time you’re at your cutting table, you’ll be surprised how much smoother your quilting journey becomes! Interested in learning more quilting skills? Check out our class roster for beginning quilting classes, mastering machine basics, and more!
