Cut perfect strips and squares with OLFA Cutters and Omnigrip Rulers

By the end of yesterday’s post, we were all at our ironing boards pressing away with our beautiful OLISO PRO TG1600 Pro Plus Smart Iron – Tula Pink; so pretty.

Today we cut fabric, to do so, we need:

• all the fabrics
• OMNIGRIP Ruler – 8¹⁄₂″ x 24″ (21.6 x 61cm)
• OLFA 45mm RTY-2/DX/MAG Ergonomic Rotary Cutter – Magenta
• OLFA RM-MG – 24″ x 36″ Double Sided Rotary Mat

Before we start cutting the strips for the quilt, it’s important that we square off the fabrics. This ensures that the edges are straight, and the fabric is on grain, that helps ensure your pieces are the correct size and your quilt stays nice and flat.

Fold the fabric lengthwise, matching the selvage edges (the factory-finished edges). Smooth it out so it lays flat with no ripples. The fold should be straight and flat, with no twisting.

Line a vertical line of your OMNIGRIP Ruler – 8½” x 24″ (21.6 x 61cm) ruler with the fold to ensure you’re cutting at a 90° angle. Using your rotary cutter, trim off the uneven edge to create a clean, straight edge.

Once the fabric has been squared off, cut 14 strips. All strips should measure 2½” wide by the width of fabric (WOF).

To cut a 2½” strip, line up a vertical line of your Omnigrip ruler with the folded edge of the fabric. Then, align the 2½” mark on the ruler with the cut (squared) edge of the fabric. Hold the ruler firmly in place and cut along the edge with your rotary cutter.

You’ll need to cut 14 strips total: some for the interior border and some for the binding. You can use one fabric for both, or two different fabrics, it’s the quilter’s choice! I used red fabric for both the interior border and the binding.

If two separate fabrics are going to be used, here’s how to divide the cuts:

• 6 strips for the interior border
• 8 strips for the binding

Now that the 14 strips of each fabric are cut, it’s time to subcut them.

From five strips of each color, cut 82 (2½” x 2½”) squares.

Note: Chances are, only 80 squares can be cut from the five strips. Two squares will need to be cut from one of the remaining nine strips.

With the remaining strips, take 9 strips of each color and cut them in half. Each piece should measure approximately 2½” x 20″. If your strips are a bit longer, that’s totally fine—just aim for close to 20”.

Once all the strips are cut, take one (and only one) of the 2½” x 20″ pieces and sub-cut it in half again. Then put one of the 2½” x 10″ pieces aside. It will not be needed.

Continue the cutting instructions for the remaining fabrics. Remember to use the OMNIGRIP Ruler – 8¹⁄₂″ x 24″ (21.6 x 61cm), the OLFA 45mm RTY-2/DX/MAG Ergonomic Rotary Cutter – Magenta and the OLFA RM-MG – 24″ x 36″ Double Sided Rotary Mat, for accuracy.

Join me tomorrow as we piece the quilt top.

This is part 2 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 1: Press, Cut, Quilt! Get ready for a Jelly Roll Quilt with a fun twist