complete beginner:how to cut to fold

[eachpeachbarebum]

I haven't sewed for years and wasn't very good when I last tried! I have fabric to do a simple elasticated waist skirt for my dd. The pattern says to cut on the fold then cut the same piece again on the fold. I want to use the fabric economically. should I do a double fold or fold to the selvedge, cut and then fold up again? hope this makes sense! I need to draw a diagram maybe? what I want to avoid is to cut so there are just ends of fabric left if that makes sense?

[lucysmam]

On the fold would usually be selvedge to selvedge afaik/was taught. & then you pin your edge on the fold first if that makes sense?

If it's two pieces cut on the fold, depending on the width of the fabric/style of skirt, there might be enough left to make something else too maybe

[lucysmam]

Just had a thought, are you matching a pattern? That could affect where you cut along the fold & how much fabric you use so the repeats match iyswim?

(There are people about who are better at explaining than me, I'm better at 'doing', hopefully someone will spot your post & be more helpful )

[fortifiedwithtea]

Hi OP, do you mean the skirt is a front and a back with 2 side seams, no openings and just an elastic waist.

That being so, is the pattern asking you place on fold the middle of the front and likewise place on fold the middle of the back?

If I've make the correct assumption there are 2 ways of laying out the pattern on the fabric. Method 1 as lucysmam explained: fold fabric being selvage edges together, place front piece up against the fold of fabric as indicated, next repeat back piece above it.

Or method 2: if this is a tiny skirt. Lay fabric flat in front of you. Bring selvage edges to the middle making a fold on the left and right. What the DC call folding paper like a wardrobe at school nowadays. You will now be able to cut front and back out side by side. Note you may have to reverse one paper pattern piece so that the top and bottom are in the same direction otherwise one half of the skirt will be up side down.

Sorry if that was long winded, I'm better showing rather than explaining things.

[lucysmam]

I've never folded like your second way fortified, I'm now wondering if folding like that might help me get a third dress out of the remains of the gingham I have for dd1.

[fortifiedwithtea]

The second way is fresh in my mind lucysmam, it was one of the suggested layouts on a skating dress I cut out 2 days ago. Front/back knickers and front and back of dress all cut on folds. Plus the skirt which was in two pieces again cut on folds to make 2 glorified semi circles. It all came out of less than a metre and I have trimmings over to possibly use on a future project.

[lucysmam]

I'll have a go tomorrow and see, was trying all sorts this afternoon to get a third out of it but couldn't make it go!

[eachpeachbarebum]

Oh hello! sorry had a phone failure and just got back to look at this. yes fortified that was what I was meaning with the 2 folds into the centre. love the description of a wardrobe fold! in the end I did this and it seemed to work. It has left me with more usable fabric than just big offcut strips if that makes sense. I was just hesitating about cutting. it's the bit I'm most unsure about and always worry I will not get a straight edge so the grainline and pattern will be off.
Lucysmam I hope it worked for you. wish I was better at doing.As it is I'm not great at that or the explanation bit but I'm working on it.

[lucysmam]

I can get the dress but not sleeves from it folding the second way so have just about a metre left. I'll find a use for it

[lavendersun]

I often use this method of folding, especially on my favourite dress pattern, it is very economical.

Lucysmam - can you change the sleeves to a tiny cap sleeve for those balmy summer days we will no doubt have this summer?

[lucysmam]

I'll have a go, they're mid bicep ish on the other two. I can maybe pinch 4 inches back off the length of the last one which would give me dinky sleeves.