Start With the Right Equipment.
Assemble all the stuff you need BEFORE STARTING so that you’re not searching for equipment halfway through.
Make sure your fabric cutting table is high enough. Gone are the days when I used to cut out fabric on the floor – I really find that difficult now. Most of us end up using the dining table and these are usually too low. Especially if you are cutting out a big project.
Dining tables are about 30 inches high, and most sources say that a cutting table should be at the height of your elbows (which of course varies from person to person). You’ll need your table to be approx. 38 inches high. I recently discovered table height adjusters – such as these HERE (I’m not an affiliate) They work really well and having them has made a massive difference to my enjoyment of working on patterns and cutting out fabric.
Wash and Iron the Fabric
Washing and ironing your fabric before you start is an essential step in the cutting out stage. Pre-washing removes finishes and allows the fabric to shrink before sewing, helping to prevent size changes later. Pressing the fabric flat also ensures accurate cutting, that leads to a better-fitting, more professional result.
Use Pattern Weights Instead of Pins
Pinning fabric can be time-consuming and tedious. Instead, try using pattern weights to hold your pattern in place while you cut. You can make pretty pattern weights such as THESE (click forfree pattern) – but you could also use washers or tins of baked beans!
Draw Round the Pattern Pieces
If laying out your pattern pieces with fabric weights, you can draw round the pieces using taylor’s chalk or a fabric pen (this will wash out – or just fade away). You can also mark any other marks and notches that need to be on the fabric at this stage.
Use Sharp Scissors or Rotary Cutters
Sharp scissors are essential during the cutting out stage, as they ensure clean, accurate edges that help your fabric pieces fit together properly. Using blunt scissors can snag, drag, or distort the fabric, leading to uneven seams and a poorly fitting garment. This is one of the most important of my 8 top tips for dressmakers. Sharp scissors give you control, precision, and a more professional finish from the very start of your dressmaking project. I like Fiskars scissors which you can BUY HERE
Rotary cutters can also be a great tool during the cutting out stage, especially for achieving smooth, precise lines on straight or gently curved edges. They’re fast, accurate, and particularly useful when cutting multiple layers of fabric, though it’s worth noting that not everyone enjoys using them and some dressmakers prefer the feel of scissors.
It’s important to choose the tools that suit you best—just remember that a rotary cutter must always be used with a proper cutting mat to protect both your blades and your work surface.
Batch Cutting: Save Time at the Cutting Out Stage
Cut in batches during the cutting out stage by preparing the fabric for several sewing projects on the same day. This is one of my 8 top tips for dressmakers because it helps reduce setup time, keeps you focused, and makes dressmaking feel far more manageable.
With each project collect everything you will need – elastic, buttons , sewing cotton etc, and then roll up together and tie with a fabric offcut
You can make up the projects on another day or over a period of time.
Use a Template
If you need to cut out a specific shape or size repeatedly, consider making a template out of cardboard or another sturdy material. This will help you cut more accurately and quickly.
Tune In While You Cut
Listening to music or a simple podcast while you work can make the cutting out stage feel more enjoyable and less of a chore. A familiar soundtrack or easy-listening podcast helps you relax and stay motivated without demanding too much concentration. For 8 top tips for dressmakers, creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere can make a big difference to how smoothly your sewing session flows.
See more of my tutorials HERE
There are some affiliate links in this article – which means that I will get a small amount of money if you buy something through the link. However it does not alter the cost to you.