QuiltSandwich Tips
on how to solve quilting problems
How can QuiltSandwich help me figure the yardage needed for Die Cut pieces?
Die cutters recommend fabric be placed on the die so the direction of least stretch, lengthwise, runs the length of the die as it is fed through the machine. These machines slightly stretch fabric during the pull of the fabric into the machine and press to cut.
QuiltSandwich's Yardage Calculator can help you take the extra care needed to prepare fabric for a die cutter by giving you control over fabric orientation as part of the yardage calculation.
1. Choose your die and determine its dimensions
Die dimensions can be given as either FINISHED size or CUT size. Determine which you'll be using in the Yardage Calculator.
If you want to use just a portion of a die with multiple shapes, measure the area where you want to cut and follow along with the cut size instructions below.
2. Consider how the die will be fed into the machine
You'll use this information to properly orient the cutting diagram so the strips are cut with the lengthwise grain (least stretch) being fed through the machine.
3. Enter piece dimensions
In Step 1 we decided whether to work with CUT or FINISHED sizes. The Yardage Calculator defaults to FINISHED size. Making the small adjustment to set seam allowance to 0” will correct the yardage calculation so it will be at cut size.
If you plan to use just a portion of a die that has multiple shapes, you'll be working with cut size and must remember to make the adjustment to set seam allowance to 0” so it working with cut size.
4 — 8. Enter dimensions and settings into the yardage calculator
Each step corresponds to a number on the Yardage Calculator image.
4. Set Piece Layout to option 'Force Layout'. This will direct the cutting diagram to put piece length on the lengthwise grain (least stretch).
5. Set shape to Rectangle or Square.
6a. Set Finished Width to dimension first entering the machine (to the crosswise grain).
6b. Set Finished Length to the dimension running through the machine (to the lengthwise grain).
7. Set number of Pieces.
8. Adjust standard seam allowance to oversize piece for die cutting. The adjustment is slightly different if you are working with cut size or finished size.
CUT Size. Leave seam allowance at 1/4" for the extra needed for die cutting.
FINISHED Size. Increase seam allowance to 1/2" so it includes both a 1/4" extra for die cutting AND the 1/4" seam allowance for assembly.
9. Review cutting diagram
Confirm the cutting diagram is exactly as you need it — with the pieces oriented so that they will feed through the machine in the direction of least stretch (lengthwise grain) as is recommended for die cutting.
For this example, the lengthwise grain is correctly running the length (longest side) of the piece, exactly as it needs to be oriented to feed through the die cutter.
