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Cutting fabric squares is a strange thing. Its something that seems simple to do but hard to master. It can take lots of attempts to get the perfect square.

Well if you are yet to get the perfect square, which is absolutely vital if you’re going to make a patchwork quilt, there are a couple of ways to do it.

Make a Template

This is a fast and simple solution. Get some thick cardboard or vinyl, a pair of scissors and a ruler. Mark out the dimensions of the square you want and cut it out of the cardboard/vinyl.

You may then place this perfect square on top of your material and use your rotary cutter on the outside.

With A Set Ruler

You’ll be able to find some specialized rulers in most craft shops. These look like ‘L ‘ shapes and typically have a 90 degree angle. They should also have measurements down each side.

Simply cut along the inside of the ruler to along each side to the length each side of the square must be. When you have cut out two sides, flip the ruler over the diagonally opposite side and repeat.

There are a couple reasons these strategies are at the very top of my list. First off its quick. While this might not seem like much, if you are making a quilt with 40 squares and it saves you half a minute per square, you’ve saved 20 minutes on your quilt.

Secondly, these strategies don’t need you to mark out any lines. This is great as there is no chance of unintentionally drawing on any piece of the material and having to throw that section out.

As a bonus, its straightforward to make perfect triangles too.

Once you have your squares, simply cut your squares diagonally form one corner to the other and you will get perfect triangles each time.

Don’t forget to use a guide or ruler for the cutting so you get a good, straight edge on every side!

To get more great tips about the way to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green’s how to make a patchwork quilt website now!

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