Materials & methods
Choose paper weight for the project
Paper weight is only part of the story. A bend, a fold and a small glue test reveal how a sheet will behave.
Materials & methods
Understand tools, joins and small things that go wrong.
Materials & methods
Choose between corrugated and solid board
Look at a cut edge before choosing a piece of cardboard. Different structures suit dividers, templates and small boxes.
Materials & methods
Use and store fabric scissors
A fabric cutting test should feel controlled from the first bite to the tips. Size alone does not make a pair of shears suitable.
Materials & methods
Use a rotary cutter with a cutting mat
A rotary cutter works with its mat and guide. Set up all three before trying to cut a stack of fabric strips.
Materials & methods
Make controlled cuts with a craft knife
A stable guide and several shallow passes make precise paper cutting easier to control than one forced cut.
Materials & methods
Choose rulers for measuring and cutting
Measuring, drawing and cutting place different demands on a ruler. Check the zero point, edge and underside before using it.
Materials & methods
Catch small measurement errors before cutting
Two pieces can share the same written measurement and still fail to fit. Trace the mismatch before cutting another set.
Materials & methods
Choose adhesive for paper joins
Think about coverage and moisture before adding more glue. A small trial joint can prevent a rippled paper project.
Materials & methods
When fabric glue does not replace a seam
An adhesive may hold a decoration while failing at a bag handle. Decide what the joint must withstand before choosing glue instead of stitching.