I was asked about the markings on my dies – what are they for? I use a ruler and mark a quarter inch around the dies to show where my place for fabric should be for the amount of waste possible – most of the time I also measure the space and write the number down – like using the hexie die that I have the fabric should be 5×6 inches. The markings are especially helpful when using scraps. This wasn’t my idea when I first got my dies someone mentioned it to me but I don’t remember who that was as I have had mine for about 10 years I guess.
Even with marking for an odd size piece like this you have scraps
that biggest piece though can be pressed and used
A lot of times if I am not in a rush I will measure and cut fabric
And then fan fold it in place – this one was folded in half giving me four layers as it was double layered in the photo above.
containers of hexies – I have another container that has a variety of left over colors from the center of the quilt – but the colors in the boxes are the main colors I will be using in the star points so that is what I am cutting right now
We went to Cracker Barrel for supper last night and then took a short drive to a small park by the water and took a short walk before coming home – this is by the boat dock – it was a pretty evening
Quilting on Yuletide from Wednesday night – I did get a Hunter’s Star block pieced and another laid out but no photos I will get that on tomorrow – linking to Wendy’s Quilts and More —
I had noticed markings on accuquilt dies, but didn’t quite understand how they were marked. Thanks for explaining. Looks like you two had a beautiful view for your walk. What did you order at Cracker Barrel? I’m a fatty and always overload on their carbs.
Dear Karen,
Accuquilt dies make quilting so much easier to cut. Cutting the fabric just that much larger, keeps waste to a minimum. Love the science we apply to all the projects and gadgets we use to quilt and sew. Beautiful spot to enjoy after your meal. Have an amazing weekend.
Looks like those measurement markings on your dies are pretty helpful – you don’t have to think about it every time you pull a different one out. Cute boxes to store pieces in, too! Dinner out and a walk by the lake sound lovely. That is a pretty view!
Such a great tip. I have the Accuquilt Cutter but since I am more inclined to improv piecing, I don’t immediately think of dies. Oh yeah, those ones :-O I am loving Yuletide – so cozy and inviting, just like a grandma’s hug. Have a great weekend!
I find the dies you use for cutting just fascinating and often wonder if they’re something I should invest in. They seem like such timesavers!
Thank you for sharing the pictures of your walk, they’re just lovely!
*hugs*
Tazzie
🙂
On my three drives down the I95 to Florida, we would often stop in Cracker Barrels. Neat places. Meanwhile, that seems like a very useful markings to have on the dies…Accuquilt should consider doing that marking for folks.
I admire your organization there.
I’ve never seen it used dies so it was interesting reading about yours. Dinner out is always a treat, and lovely views to finish off your outing.
Marking the dies like that is brilliant! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been a bit too stingy and ended up with incomplete fabric patches that couldn’t be used! Yuletide is looking great; I can’t wait for the colder Flannel Quilt Weather to arrive!
You have a different hexie die than I do. I do pretty much the same as you. I love my Accuquilt! I need to cut more hexies. I decided I didn’t like the 36 hexies I had cut for outer row in the star. (I’ll use them in another hexie star.) But I can work on my curved Drunkard’s Path seams in the meantime. Your trip out to the lake looks wonderful!
You’re so good to use your dies, and mine are still waiting for me to use them. I know I will use them though, so it’s all good. 😉 Pretty drive and Cracker Barrel is always a good choice!
Thank you for showing and explaining your markings. I think I’ll mark mine with a silver sharpie. It will be really visible. I am trying to decide what pattern to use on a cute grouping of fabrics I’ve put together. Now to find the picture of what I want to do. And hopefully I’ll have enough fabric to actually do it!
I do the same with my dies. I also write the size pieces, too as it helps make the whole process a bit smoother. I toss caution to the wind when chopping up my scraps and worry less about the sizes and more about processing the pile!