Let's talk fussy cutting!

You've found a fabric you love - but how do you highlight the cutest parts in your next project?

Let's talk fussy cutting.

So many prints are just asking to be fussy cut - to center and cut out a specific design on fabric. This technique can be used for any project - just note the size pieces you need to cut, and find your favorite sections of your fabric.

Let's take a look at a few examples:

Tape lines make it simple to center your desired design.

Apply painter's tape to your ruler to mark off the size square you need to cut - in my case, it is 3-1/2". This makes it easy to see at a glance that your motif is centered.

Mark the center point.

I also use tape to mark the center point for larger squares (3-1/4" on this 6-1/2" square). By marking the center point, it's easier to align this point with the center of the design, both vertically and horizontally. Instant centering!

Remember to consider the seam allowance!

The outer 1/4" of each side of the square you're cutting will be hidden in the seam allowance as you piece. Make sure that the entire design you want to showcase appears more than 1/4" from the edges.