Figure yardage for die cut pieces using QuiltSandwich?

​Here's why it's necessary to take extra care preparing fabric for die cutters — 

As  die cutters pull a die through the machine, the fabric laid on the die is pressed into it and slightly stretched during the pull/ pressure of the cutting process. To minimize to possibility of mis-shaped pieces, die cutters recommend fabric be placed on the die so that the direction of least stretch, lengthwise, runs the length of the die as it is fed through the machine.

Take the stress out of preparing your fabric for die cutting! Use QuiltSandwich to help plan for their special requirements  — 

1. Calculate the extra fabric needed by die cutters to cover the shape on your die
2. Create a cutting diagram that lets you verify the appropriate shape dimension is on the lengthwise grain

Outlined below are general instructions for all die cutters — BUT because every die and every machine are different —  it just makes sense to run a test or two before cutting project fabrics!

Step by step instructions — 
​1. Choose your die
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2. Determine the dimensions of the shape you want to cut — either the cut size or finished size
​NOTE: If you want to use just a portion of a die that has multiple shapes — measure the area you want to cut and follow 'cut size' instructions.

Now, grab your iPhone or iPad so you can work with QuiltSandwich — 

3. Open the QuiltSandwich Yardage Calculator
(If you are on your iPhone, switch to SuperCalc mode)

NOTE: Each step below corresponds to the number on the picture of the Yardage Calculator.

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​4. Set the Piece Layout to Force Layout

Setting this button on the Yardage Calculator forces it to figure the yardage needed for a cutting diagram with the Finished Width (set in Step 5) on the crosswise grain.  

5. Set to 'Rectangle or Square'

​6. Before entering the Finished Width and Length, look carefully at your die and consider how it will feed into the machine:

• Set the dimension first entering the machine to the Finished Width
• Set the other dimension (running through the machine) to the Finished Length​

7. Set the Number of Pieces to the number needed

8. Now, add the extra 1/2" to the shape's finished size as required for die cutting by using QuiltSandwich's Seam Allowance setting.

This final adjustment depends on whether you set the shape's width & length as its cut size or finished size — 

• Cut size — Set QuiltSandwich Seam Allowance at 1/4" 
  Only the extra 1/4" for die cutting needs to be added, because cut size already includes a seam allowance
• Finished size — Set QuiltSandwich Seam Allowance to 1/2"
  Need to add the full 1/2" — 1/4" extra for die cutting plus the 1/4" seam allowance, because finished size does not include the seam allowance

9. Review cutting diagram

The cutting diagram should be exactly as you need it — with the pieces oriented on the fabric so that they can be fed through the machine in the direction of least stretch (the lengthwise grain) as recommended for die cutting. ​​

That's it!

​You've got the yardage you need with a cutting diagram to help you create the 7" wide strip to fold and to put through your die cutter (or to cut 4" x 7" pieces.)

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Here's an example --

The iPad shows the Calculator settings on the left. They are set for a die with  — 

• Shape cut size of a 3 1/2" width x 6 1/2" length
• Set 'Force Layout', so piece length is on the lengthwise grain
• 1/4" Seam Allowance to add the extra needed for die cutting

To the right side is the Cutting Diagram. It is very helpful, showing exactly how to prepare the fabric and cut the strip for the 4" x 7" pieces. Notice how the lengthwise grain runs the length (longest side) of the piece, exactly as it needs to be oriented to feed through the die cutter.