Easy Cutting with Cardboard Patterns

Do you have patterns that see frequent use — or do you have to cut many of them out at one sitting? Converting those paper patterns to cardboard will be a great help. This is what I have done with my merino wool headbands/ear warmers pattern.

This will save time. No aching hands using this method, either. Any time I have to cut out 25 of something, my hands really ache. Guess I should add: when I don’t have a cardboard pattern.

Here’s how to do it. Lay the paper pattern on a piece of cardboard. Weight it down or tape it down to prevent shifting. Trace around it with a pen, pencil or marker. Use an X-acto razor blade or sharp knife to cut out the pattern piece from the cardboard. It is helpful to layer another spare piece of cardboard underneath the one you’ll be cutting, to protect the work surface. Transfer all pattern markings and label the pattern.

Now use that cardboard pattern, along with a cutting mat and rotary cutter, to cut out your fabric. The cardboard provides a stiff enough guide to keep the rotary blade on course. Just the weight of your free hand (the one that isn’t using the cutter) keeps the cardboard in place from shifting. However, use a fabric weight if you’d prefer or think it necessary for your particular application.

Over the weekend, I cut out 25 merino wool headbands/ear warmers in less than five minutes. Thank you to my friend Christina (who comments here now and then) for mentioning this tip to me a few years ago.