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Custom Fabric Cutting Service FAQ’s
 
What is this service?
We use the AccuCut Die Cutting system and dies to cut your fabric (or you can select from ours) for you. This die cutting service will provide you with an accurate cut every time! Unlike when you cut fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter, sometimes, there's the Oops! factor. With die cut fabric, every cut is exactly the same every time!
 
How does it work?
Here is what YOU do:
  1. Go through your stash. Decide how you want your stash cut using the Cutting Chart at the end of this document.
  2. Pre-wash your fabric (if applicable) and press the fabric to remove excess wrinkles. If necessary, trim the loose threads and knots caused by pre-washing.
  3. Fill out the Order Forms and pin a completed Order Form to each piece of fabric.
  4. Neatly fold the fabric, box it up and send it to us. Sorry – we do not accept COD packages.
 
Here is what WE do:
  1. Upon receipt of your package, we review the Order Form to make sure we understand your request. If there are questions, we call you. We prefer to call rather than email – since that seems to save the valuable time we would rather be using quilting rather than sitting in front of email!
  2. If you request it on the Order Form, we apply a light mist of Best Press Starch and lightly press the fabric so the fabric lies flat on the die. If you prefer that we not use Best Press, just don't check the box on the Order Form and we won't use it. Best Press Starch will NOT give a stiff feel to your fabric. It just adds a little bit of body to the fabric.
  3. We cut the fabric to fit the appropriate cutting die. Our Cutting Chart calculations include extra fabric that is required to cover the die cutting blades.
  4. We die cut the fabric and stack it neatly by size and fabric design.
  5. We call you or email you to let you know the cutting is complete & to let you know what the cutting charge plus shipping is. We will not bill or ship until we hear from you.
  6. We bill using PayPal via an email request. Just follow the prompts in the email & you will be on your way. You DO NOT have to have a PayPal account to pay via PayPal. You can still pay via credit card through PayPal and we will never see your credit card information and there are no additional fees for using the PayPal service.
  7. When PayPal gives us the OK status indicating the payment process is complete (usually by the time we get your fabric boxed up and labeled) we ship the package. We find that Priority Mail is the usually the best shipping method although we do price alternate methods and will use the least expensive method if there is a big cost difference.
 What does it cost and how long does it take?
We charge $20/hr – billed in 15-minute increments plus actual shipping charges. The minimum we charge is $20 plus return shipping – and we expect most orders to fall within the $20-$40 price range. This service includes:
  •  Pre-pressing the fabric to make sure no layers get a crease while cutting.
  •   A light mist of Best Press starch before cutting – an option you can select (or not) on the Order Form.

 

It will take you longer to go through your stash and decide how you want it cut than it will for us to cut it! Turn around time will typically be 2 days plus shipping time to and from your address.
We can usually cut 8 to 10 layers at once - which saves you time, money, and ensures accuracy! For example, we can easily cut approximately 200 perfect charm squares in less than an hour!)
 
How do I prepare my fabric before sending it to you?
  •   Make sure the fabric is clean, has no odor (pets, cigarettes, mold, etc), pet hair, heavy lint, etc. (We reserve the right to refuse to work on such fabrics.) Your cut fabric will be returned the same – no odor, pet hair, lint, etc.
  •   If you usually pre-wash your fabric, this should be done BEFORE sending it to us. We prefer not pre-wash or pre-shrink the fabric for you (having us do it will incur additional charges.)
  •  If necessary, press your fabric. If we need to do extensive pressing to the fabric to get it to lie flat for cutting, there is an extra charge. (This usually refers to pre-washed/dried fabric that has not been pressed - not fabric that has been folded on the shelf.)
 
Why do you give me the option of using a mist of Best Press starch on my fabric?
We use Best Press because we feel it gives the fabric just a little bit more body for the cutting process. However, we are aware that many people have various allergies so we give you the option to ‘Opt In’ to getting this mist. If you forget to check the box on the Order Form, we do not apply the starch.
 
On the Order Form, if I have to attach one Order Form to each piece of fabric, why do you also ask for a description of the fabric?
That is just a precaution for the person cutting your fabric. The Order Form will be separated from the fabric during the cutting process and we want to eliminate any possible mix up before it happens!
 
How many cuts can you get from a piece of fabric?
At the end of this document is a Cutting Chart to show approximately how many cuts you can expect from a piece of fabric. We have based our estimates on 40" wide fabric. We also have to take into account if the fabric is not straight on grain, you may lose a few cuts.
We make every effort to get as many cuts out of a piece of fabric as we possibly can. Keep in mind that we do have to have a little extra to cover the cutting blades – so there is always a little bit of waste. We believe in being frugal – so we keep waste to a minimum.
You can also indicate on the Order Form 'to get as many cuts out of my fabric as possible'. When you tell us this – we will cut pieces until we cannot get any more cuts out of the fabric. We have been generous with our calculations – so you may wind up with a few extra cuts!
All cuts are done on the straight grain unless you indicate otherwise.
 
Can you take a combination of the die cuts and actually have enough cuts for a complete block?
Absolutely! Check out our examples of blocks you can create using the dies we have in stock. As time permits, we will even be adding block assembly instructions. However, if you have been quilting for a while, you can probably figure out how to assemble the blocks with no problem! Our block samples will include 6", 8", 10" and 12" blocks.
 
I have a stripe fabric – can you cut the fabric into strips or shapes so that they all have the same stripe color combination?
We provide you with the option of telling us which direction you want the stripes to run (where applicable); however, if we take the time to ensure that every cut piece has the same coloration of stripes, be aware that the cost will go up and there is always the possibility of wasted fabric.
 
Can you cut shapes for a Drunkard's Path or Double Wedding Ring?
We certainly plan to add this set of dies to our collection. If we get enough requests beforehand, we will certainly expedite getting these dies in-house. When the dies are available, they will have a notch on all curved pieces to make it easier to piece!
 
I have some fabric I would like you to cut. What is the best way for me to explain to you which fabric I want cut into which shape?
We have tried to make this as simple as possible for all of us. When filling out the Order Form, we ask that you pin (tape leaves a residue) a completed Order Form to each piece of fabric. That way, we are not trying to figure out which piece of fabric you call teal – when we seen it as green! You can always pin (or tape) a little swatch to the Order Form instead.
 
If I send you too much fabric, will you return the extra?
Absolutely! It is your fabric – we just provide the service! We will cut the number of pieces specified on your order and will return anything larger than a sliver (unless you want those, too). Of course, we always recommend you get a few extra cuts – just in case!
 
Can you cut fabrics other than cotton?
Yes – w can cut wool, flannel, batting, silk, cotton, linen, etc.
 
Do the cut pieces include seam allowances?
Yes – the Cutting Chart contains two columns – one for actual cut dimensions and the other for finished sewn dimensions (assuming you are using a perfect ¼” seam allowance). If the chart indicates 5" x 5" in the Cut Dimensions column, then the cut you receive is 5" x 5". The finished sewn piece would be 4 ½” x 4 ½”.
 
I am not sure about some of the cut sizes (like the triangles and parallelogram). Can I get a sample of the exact size so I have a better understanding of what I will be ordering?
Absolutely! Just call (404-444-6470) or email us (Lynn@EncoreQUilting.com) to request an entire set of actual die cut paper pattern pieces - free of charge! We will provide enough pieces to create your own block! Keep in mind that these pieces will include seam allowances and will be marked indicating the corresponding die # in our inventory. Therefore, your actual paper block will be larger than the sewn block.
 
What if I have a piece of fabric that I have already cut some pieces out of – in other words - it does not a have straight edge - can I still send it to you for custom cutting?
Absolutely! We will work with any shape of fabric to get the best results we possibly can. It is probably best that you do not try to straighten the edges because we may be able to squeeze one more cut out of it.
 
I like my fabric to be cut on the straight grain. Do you do this?
Absolutely! We are firm believers that the grain of fabric is extremely important. We make every attempt to keep our cuts on the straight grain. If we find we are having difficulty cutting a piece of fabric & you give us permission to cut if off grain, then we will. Otherwise, consider it always cut on the straight of grain!
 
What is a Parallelogram?
Well, the Internet says this “…the opposite or facing sides of a parallelogram are of equal length and the opposite angles of a parallelogram are of equal measure.” We say, check out the diagram below the Cutting Chart – and you’ll say ‘Oh yeh, that’s what you call it!’

 
Cutting Chart **
YIELD
Die #
Cut Dimensions
Sewn Dimensions
Fat Qtr
18x21
½ yd
18x42
1 yd
36x42
5S
5" x 5"  Square
4 ½” Square
11-14
21-24
42-48
25JR
2 ½" Strip
2” Strip
6-7 (21")
6-7 (WOF)
13-14
65S
6 ½” x 6 ½” Square
6” Square
4
10
20
65HS
6" ½” Half Square Triangle
6” Square
8
20
40
475HS
4 ¾” x 4 ¾” x 6 ½” Triangle
4 ½” x 4 ½” x 6” Triangle
9-12
24
54
475S
4 ¾” x 4 ¾”Square
4 ½” x 4 ½” Square
9-12
18
36-42
35P
Parallelogram ****
Parallelogram ****
12
24
56
35-65R
3 ½” x 6 ½” Rectangle
3” x 6” Rectangle
8-10
20-24
40 - 48
35S
3 ½” x 3 ½” Square
3” Square
12-16
24-30
66-72
35HS
3 ½" Half Square Triangle
3” Square
36-39
90
210
** The YIELD is approximate – depending on the actual fabric dimensions before cutting. The number of cuts is based on non-directional fabric.
 
 
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