Tutorial: Cutting Doo-Dads

Shall we return to kindergarten where we first got to play with scissors? That may have been when I hit my artistic prime, and I have been working to get my mojo back ever since.

When I started fusing and discovered the fact that any leftover fused scrap was usable, I began to frugally slice and dice bits to add pattern and detail to my work. Over the years it became a recognizable attribute. Along the way I added hand embroidery now and then, as well some machine embroidery to emphasize the patterns. This is why I found it difficult to quilt using mostly prints, since to me it looked like anyone could have done it. Now with my own dyed fabric, in solids, blotches, stripey and watercolory effects + ALL the doo-dads, it looks to me like I did this.






I digress.
Anyway, here's how to make some of the doo-dads in this piece.

Begin with fused fabric, and a sharp pair of small scissors, a mat and your rotary cutter, small if you have one. Cut a wedge to make the mini ziz-zag strip.

Cut one wedge at a time and separate them from the whole. Save the triangles for decorating another area. ALWAYS CUT WITH THE FUSED SIDE DOWN.

To make the wedgie Vs cut a wedge and fold in half, fused side inside.

Cut the bottom off at an angle and continue to slice at the same angle to produce the V shapes. This photo shows the inside fused side. As you open the Vs you will note which side is which, or face trouble when you press them down.

To cut the tiny dots, or any size dots, cut, and turn the fabric as you cut. Practice.

This is the $7 iron I am using, teflon coated surface, so important.

When you fuse, you are working directly on the pressing table, whether it is an ironing board or like mine, a drafting table with padding and canvas top. (I made this surface myself). I use a small rotary mat and keep everything else off the quilt while I work. It helps keep the quilt nice and clean. And don't forget to always fuse on the release paper or teflon applique sheet. Forget once and you'll never do it again.