Connecting People with the Joy of Quilting

Ready-to-Piece!^TM Kit Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ready-to-Piece!^TM Kit?

It's exactly what it says: once you open the kit package and remove the contents, you're ready to start piecing. All of the pieces are already cut, collated and counted saving you hours of time and effort and costly mistakes! (Ever make one of those quilts that requires two or three hundred small squares or triangles?)

How are the pieces cut?

We use a precision laser under computer control to cut the fabric. Cutting is extremely accurate and precise; by contrast, when cutting by hand, a ruler can slip, even slightly, when cutting and fabric edges can be a little rough if the rotary blade is not sharp. And, lasers are fast and never get tired!

What shapes can a laser cut?

A laser can cut any shape desired with the size limited only by the size of the laser bed.

How does the computer control the laser?

The laser is like a printer. With a graphic design software application, you draw whatever shapes you want the laser to cut. You then "print" the design selecting the laser as the "printer". There are various controls you can configure to adjust such things as the power and speed at which the laser operates.

Can the laser cut more than one layer of fabric?

Yes, and in fact, this is what we do when cutting fabric for the Ready-to-Piece! kits.

So, a laser is like a die cut machine?

Yes, but a laser is far more powerful and flexible. With a die cut machine, you are limited to cutting the shapes that you have dies for. If you want to cut a new shape (or cut an existing shape in a different size), you either have to order the appropriate die or, if such a die does not exist, try and get the manufacturer to create a custom die for you. With a laser, you only need to draw the new shape. Also, a laser can cut multiple shapes from a piece of fabric all at the same time. With a die cut machine, you typically cut only one shape at a time.

How do I know if a kit is a Ready-to-Piece! kit?

All of our Ready-to-Piece! kits are labeled on our web site and on the packaging for the kit with our unique and distinctive Ready-to-Piece! logo.

What if I have a pattern or fabric that I'd like a Ready-to-Piece! kit made for? Will you make a kit for me?

At this time, we are not set up to take custom orders for Ready-to-Piece! kits. However, if you want to make a suggestion, please contact us. If we receive enough similar requests, we may create a Ready-to-Piece! kit for that request.

What else do you use the laser for?

The laser is used for wood engraving ... anything that can be drawn can be engraved. For example, see our Quilter's Noteholder.