What Is Fussy Cutting? - StitchEmporium

‘Fussy Cutting’ is when you strategically cut out a specific part of a fabric’s design for a quilt block. For example, if you have some floral fabric but want to center one of the flowers for a quilt block, you would ‘fussy cut’ around the flower that you want to use. The ‘fussy cutting’ can be a square block or any shape you need for a quilt.

Sometimes you come across weird acronyms and terms in quilt patterns… The term “fussy” typically has a negative connotation, but I like to think of it as being meticulous, which is a good attribute for a quilter to have.

How to Fussy Cut

Fussy cutting requires a good template. You need to be able to visually see what you’ll be cutting out. You could use a clear ruler, but I think it’s easier to use a Square-Up Ruler. They have an open-frame design to help you better visualize what your finished block will look like.

Once you’ve chosen the motif you want to cut out, carefully position your template over the fabric to center it. Then, cut around the template, making sure to maintain accuracy. This is easiest to do with a rotating cutting mat.

Tips for Fussy Cutting Success:

Choose the Right Fabric: Look for fabrics with large, clear motifs that will stand out when fussy cut.
Consider Scale: Pay attention to the scale of your fabric print in relation to your block size. A large print might overwhelm a small block, while a small print might get lost in a large block.
Think Outside the Box: Fussy cutting isn’t limited to just squares or rectangles. Experiment with different shapes and angles to create unique effects.

Fussy cutting adds an extra layer of detail to quilting projects. With the help of Square-Up Rulers, you can visualize your designs with precision and confidence. It’s a skill all quilters should learn. Sometimes being “fussy” is a good thing.