View previous topic :: View next topic
:: View posts since last visit |
Author |
Message |
woodpekr

Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA Oregon Portland
|
Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:36 am Post subject: Alternate Applique Cutting Tools |
|
|
So, I've got a little pair of Ginger scissors that I use for applique. I got to fooling arond with a Seam Ripper on some scraps and if it had a better edge ( tried sharpening it with not much success) I think it would work well.
This year at Ft Worden Deb Cooley taught applique using a hot cutter, that seems dangerous to me. I did a walk through of the classroom and everybody seemed to be doing OK and Deb produces beautiful kites.
Anybody using tools other than scissors for your applique work? _________________ Rich Durant
Portland, Oregon
 |
|
Back to top |
|
knotronda Kite Builder II


Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 797 Location: Lincoln City, OR USA
|
Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 12:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
It appears that everyone is using scissors because there has not been one response to your question. The problem with using the Seam Ripper vs the gingers is that you might have less control over the cutting with the Seam Ripper. And, the scissors can shear the fabric rather than rip the fabric. Does this make sense? (It did to me at the time I wrote it )
Have you done anything lately using the Seam Ripper?
KR |
|
Back to top |
|
RonG
Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 40
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 6:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've always used small, sharp scissors for the best success. I've also messed around with seam rippers, which work nice when they're sharp but are also a little riskier.
I've heard about people using hot cutters, but how would you avoid buring the underlying layers of fabric when doing applique? |
|
Back to top |
|
KiteSquid Master Kite Builder


Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 2956 Location: USA Virginia King George
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 7:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
Gingher G-5 scissors for me or I also have used some other brands of Sewing scissors that I modified...
RonG wrote: | I've heard about people using hot cutters, but how would you avoid buring the underlying layers of fabric when doing applique? |
I would like to see the answer to this question as I have not been able to figue it out... _________________ VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA
P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???
P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier. |
|
Back to top |
|
rx8doc
Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 76
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 8:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
Place a thin sheet of metal under the fabric to be cut and the Hot Knife.
Just dont leave it in one place too long.  |
|
Back to top |
|
RonG
Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 40
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
rx8doc wrote: | Place a thin sheet of metal under the fabric to be cut and the Hot Knife |
Let's say you have 4 layers of fabric, and you want to cut way the top layer. How do you get the thin sheet of metal between layers one and 2? Assuming of course that all 4 layers have been stitched together (as they usually would) before you start cutting away. The only way I've ever figured is to start the cut with scissors, then insert a small shield of metal between the layers and start hot cutting, moving the shield around with the hot cutter. Seems really awkward, and would require both hands with none left to hold the fabric. |
|
Back to top |
|
woodpekr

Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA Oregon Portland
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
Deb Cooley does applique with a Hot Knife. She will be giving her "Hotsy Totsy Appliqué" workshop on Wednesday at the convention.
http://www.aka.kite.org/con2004schedule.html _________________ Rich Durant
Portland, Oregon
 |
|
Back to top |
|
kiteguy Kite Builder II


Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 1223 Location: USA - Kansas, Overland Park - Near Kansas City
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
woodpekr wrote: | Deb Cooley does applique with a <a href="http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=34_94">Hot Knife</a>. She will be giving her "Hotsy Totsy Appliqué" workshop on Wednesday at the convention.
http://www.aka.kite.org/con2004schedule.html |
Well, seems that there will be quite a few people that could shed some light on the subject, then. I can hardly wait. Not that I intend to hot cut. I seldom hot cut anything anymore. However, I always eager to learn something different.
Actually, there should be quite a few people that could shed some light right now, as she has presented this class at Ft Worden as well. _________________
Dave Ellis
Kites + Kids = Education |
|
Back to top |
|
KiteSquid Master Kite Builder


Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 2956 Location: USA Virginia King George
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Maybe she is doing Applique instead of reverse applique like I do. _________________ VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA
P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???
P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier. |
|
Back to top |
|
robkite
Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 110 Location: Olympia, WA
|
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 1:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Deb use's a palette knife under her hot tool (which is a Stencil burning tool with a fine tip) She moves the burner and knife along together. It's amazing to watch but difficult to duplicate. But you also have to remember that Deb has been building kites for probably 20 plus years and she does it comercially she has a lot of practice. _________________ Robkite
Rob Pratt
robcp@msn.com
Ft Worden Kitemaker conference web site: www.kitemakers.org |
|
Back to top |
|
|