Pinning & Cutting Fabric Techniques

Speak to anyone who sews, and they will let you know that all the steps leading up to sewing take longer than the actual sewing itself. These steps can include pattern drafting, fabric preparation, pattern placement, pinning, cutting and marking.

In this post I will focus on two steps in which you can easily improve your skills. These include pinning and cutting fabric. Other areas will be covered in future posts.

Pinning

Pinning well will ensure the fabric cut out, looks like the pattern. Here is how I approach pin placement.

Pin corners with pin point at the corner. It will lay pattern down flatter than pin head side.

Everywhere else position pins parallel to pattern edge. 

Cutting Fabric

Lets use the table to our advantage. Keep the bottom blade of your fabric shears always sitting on the table. This will give each cut a stable feel.

The only time I will ever lift up the fabric shears from the table, is if I am cutting out a small pattern the size of my hand.

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If you are right handed cut with the pattern to the right of your shears and the fabric to the left. Reverse if you are left handed.

You will notice a cleaner cut that resembles your pattern. WOOT!

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Hope you have enjoyed these few pinning and cutting techniques that will make your a better sewer. If you have any questions feel free to leave them below.

Happy Sewing!
Photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios