2 unrelated questions. Elastic? Making a straight cut?

[Dani_Phen]

I'm working on two projects and both are unrelated but I have Q's.

I am trying to make some fitteds for DS out of some prefolds. What is the best elastic for this or doesn't it matter?

Also I drive myself nuts when making blankets or anything where I have to make a long straight line. It takes forever for me to make a straight line. How do you cut a straight edge on fabric when making blankets, napkins, and hankies?

Thanks.

[IndoorKitty]

Hey-o. Just posted this handy tip on another thread:

Fun fabric tip for wovens: make a 3/4 inch notch in the fabric at the spot you wish to cut it. Grab both sides of your notch, pull, and voila! Your fabric will rip in a straight line on the straight of grain. This great for sheets and other fabric cuts that are cumbersome to cut with scissors or rotary cutters.

Also great for truing up fabric that was cut crooked at the fabric store, or wound onto the bolt all wonky. After you tear, you may need to smooth the torn edge a bit. Sometimes it ruffles up on you, but it's nothing a bit of ironing and stretching can't fix.

[tibeca]

For vertical cuts, I use a cutting mat, rotary cutter and quilter's square. It makes the MOST perfect straight lines.

[jengojengo]

Originally Posted by tibeca For vertical cuts, I use a cutting mat, rotary cutter and quilter's square. It makes the MOST perfect straight lines.

yea, what she said.

On the elastic, I just used the 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch polybraid from Walmart. Worked like a charm.

[Rdesonia]

1/4" elastic or lastin for the diapers.

I do the rip method! I spray down the edges with water, iron,& trim. (Sometimes I don't trim if I'm turning it in twice or doing a french seam. ) I also have a rotary cutter which saves a lot of time.

[Dani_Phen]

Great! Thanks so much ladies. I always sit on the floor and try my darndest to get it straight then I get frustrated. I have a rotary cutter and a small cutting mat. One of the two things on my birthday wish list is a bigger mat. (along with a coffee maker...LOL)