Quick wins for a faster PC:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
When sewing several long fabric strips together, reverse the sewing direction with every new seam: sew one seam from one end, then start the next at the opposite end. This quilting tip can help reduce bowing or distortion as the joined piece grows.
How to alternate sewing direction
-
Place the next strip right sides together with the sewn unit, aligning the long edges. Keep the fabric flat and avoid stretching or pulling it into alignment.
-
Sew the first seam from one end to the other, using the seam allowance specified by your pattern.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
For the next strip, turn the work so you begin stitching at the opposite end. For example, if the first seam began at the left end, begin the second at the right; begin the third at the left again.
#1 Best Overall
Quilting Ruler- 12.5 * 12.5" Slotted Rulers for Quilting and Sewing Quilt Strip Rulers for Fabric Precise Cutting- Easy to Read: This 12.5 by 12.5 inch quilting ruler is made of high clear transparent acrylic, double color sight lines and large print numbers that show up on light and dark fabrics. High clear acrylic to see through the sewing ruler for a precise cutting
- Ruler to Save Quilting Time: Square up blocks up to 12 inches;The ruler is designed with 26 grooves for the blade to cut, with one every 1/2 inch, effectively saving your time in cutting fabric strips and making the cutting more even and accurate without moving your ruler
- Charming Shapes：It is very convenient and fast to use the 45 degree and 60 degree angles to cut binding（Stripes）,squares， triangles, diamonds, trapezoids and parallelograms
- Package：Ruler Dimension: 15inch*13inch, Comes with nonslip self adhesive silicone grips can help you avoid slippage of the ruler and template when using the rotary cutter, so that the cutting is safer and more accurate
- Aftersales: If the products arrived broken,welcome to contact for a reasonable solution
-
Keep switching ends with each added strip. The technique changes where you start sewing each seam; it does not mean changing the direction in which you press seams.
American Patchwork & Quilting recommends alternating direction when several strips are added, describing it as a way to help prevent bowing or distortion. The guidance is instructional, not a measured guarantee that every cause of distortion will be fixed. American Patchwork & Quilting Editors, “The Trick to Sewing Long Strips” (September 13, 2017)
Rank #2
- SEWING AND QUILTING RULER: Large acrylic ruler for precise measurement, with highlighted seam allowances, easy-to-read measurement lines, and broken grid lines for fabric edge visibility
- PRECISION ART SUPPLIES: Ideal for measuring and making precise cuts through fabric; Bold 3" x 18" measuring grid makes measurements easy to read with speed and accuracy; Non-slip vinyl feet can be removed or added for secure cuts
- LONG LASTING AND RELIABLE: Thick acrylic material for lasting durability after sustained use; Fiskars craft supplies and materials are built to last
- QUALITY TOOLS FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS: From scissors and cutting mats, rotary and paper cutters, to classroom essentials, scissors for kids, and quilting and scrapbooking supplies, Fiskars crafting tools are designed to help you express yourself
- INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars 3" x 18" Acrylic Sewing Ruler; Full lifetime warranty
Remember which end to start from
Place a pin at the end where the next seam should begin, then move it to the opposite end after sewing. The pin is just a reminder, not a required sewing tool. You can also use the selvage end as a directional cue. American Patchwork & Quilting Editors, “The Trick to Sewing Strips” (March 9, 2018)
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteKeep the strips relaxed and follow the pattern
Align the long edges on a flat surface and pin the strips without stretching them. Robert Kaufman’s Supernova pattern gives that handling advice; its instructions also call for 1/4-inch seams and pressing seams open unless otherwise noted. Those seam and pressing directions belong to that pattern, so use the allowance and pressing method specified for your own project. Robert Kaufman Fabrics, “Supernova” (copyright 2014)
Rank #3
- Easy to Read: This 12.5 by 12.5 inch quilting ruler is made of high clear transparent acrylic,double color sight lines and large print numbers that show up on light and dark fabrics. High clear acrylic to see through the sewing ruler for a precise cutting.
- Ruler to Save Quilting Time: Square up blocks up to 12 inches;there is a cutting groove each 1/2 inch increments, just hold the rotary cutter perpendicular to the ruler along the groove and cut carefully, you don't need to remove while cutting,cutting several strips in one minute， it reduce rotary cutting time so much！
- Cutting Shapes：It is very convenient and fast to use the 45 degree and 60 degree angles to cut binding （Stripes）,squares，triangles, diamonds,trapezoids and parallelograms. Both Left-handed or right-handed people can use our 30/45/60 angles to cut.
- Package：Ruler Dimension: 15inch*13inch, Comes with nonslip self adhesive silicone grips can help you avoid slippage of the ruler and template when using the rotary cutter, so that the cutting is safer and more accurate.
- Aftersales: If the products arrived broken,welcome to contact for a reasonable solution.
The alternating-direction tip is meant to help keep long seams accurate as strips are joined. It does not replace accurate cutting, the project’s seam allowance, or gentle handling of the fabric. A Machine Minute video from AllPeopleQuilt also describes reversing direction and tracking the start with a pin or selvage, including examples of strips from 12–15 inches through 42 inches; these are examples in the video, not a stated limit for the technique. AllPeopleQuilt, “Machine Minute: Secrets for Sewing Long Strips” (circa 2016)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made in the USA with high quality acrylic and precision measurements ensuring accuracy for your quilting, sewing, patchwork, and crafting projects.
- Creative Grids exclusive non-slip grip allows you to easily slide the ruler over the fabric until positioned correctly. Then, when slight pressure is applied, the grip holds the ruler in place, eliminating slipping while you cut.
- Easy to read black and white markings, with cutting slots every 1/2in.
- Whole inch, half inch and quarter inch increments are marked. Additional markings for 1/4in and 3/4in cuts are also included.
- For quick reference, 1-1/2in cuts are highlighted with black stars and 2-1/2in cuts with black squares.
Rank #4
- ARTS AND CRAFTS STAPLE: Fiskars Sewing Ruler (6 in. x 24 in.) is an ideal size for cutting fabric from the bolt
- PRECISION ART SUPPLIES: Clear ruler has incremental grid lines and two-toned markings for visibility on light and dark material. 30-, 45- and 60-degree line indicators make it easy to cut at perfect angles.
- LONG LASTING AND RELIABLE: Fiskars craft supplies and materials are built to last
- QUALITY TOOLS FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS: From scissors and cutting mats, rotary and paper cutters, to classroom essentials, scissors for kids, and quilting and scrapbooking supplies; Essential for holiday gift wrapping supplies
- INCLUDES: Fiskars Sewing Ruler; Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
