Cutting Pentagons

There are two steps to cutting pentagons with the QuiltCut2. First, you need to make a pentagon template, and then you use the template to cut your pentagons. Instructions for both stages of the process are provided below.

Making a Pentagon Template

Use the pentagon, with its 5-sided shape, for the center of 5-pointed stars. Because cutting each side identically is critical to this shape, we recommend you create an accurate template first, then use it with the QuiltCut2 to cut your pentagons.

Step 1

To make the template, you will need template plastic or stiff paper, tape, a compass, a pencil, paper-cutting scissors, and a ruler. Use a compass for making the most accurate template. You can also make a template with a ruler if a compass is unavailable.

Step 2

Tape the template plastic or paper to the center of the Cutting Mat on the QuiltCut2. Place the Cutting Guide -set at 90°- on the Side Rail. Draw a line along the edge of the Cutting Guide on the template material. Draw the line longer than the side of the pentagon will be.

Step 3

Place the Cutting Guide on the Clamp Bar Rail and set it for B (72°/18°). Slide the Cutting Guide toward one end of the drawn line and draw another line, crossing the first line as shown. Draw the second line longer than the side of the pentagon will be.

Step 4

Slide the Cutting Guide out of the way. Set your compass for the length of the pentagon’s side. Place the point of the compass on the intersection of the two lines drawn in steps 2 and 3 Rotate the compass to draw arcs across both lines as shown.

Step 5

Change the Cutting Guide to the opposite B (72°/18°) angle. Slide the Cutting Guide to align one edge with the arc intersection drawn in step 4 as shown. Draw the third line.

Step 6

Slide the Cutting Guide out of the way. Place the point of the compass on the intersection of the lines from step 5. Draw an arc across the third line.

Step 7

Place the Cutting Guide on the right Side Rail. Change the angle to the left-hand D (54°/36°) setting. Align the edge of the Cutting Guide with the intersection of the line and arc as shown. Draw the fourth line.

Step 8

Slide the Cutting Guide out of the way. Place the point of the compass on the intersection of the lines from step 7. Draw an arc across the fourth line.

Step 9

Move the Side Rail to the opposite side of the QuiltCut2 and place the Cutting Guide on the Side Rail. Change the Cutting Guide to the opposite D (54°/36°) angle and line up the edge at the two arc intersections as shown. Draw the fifth line.

Step 10

Check the sides of your pentagon template by measuring from angle to angle with the compass or ruler. Each side should be exactly the same length. When it is perfect, cut out the template carefully along the lines.

This method requires you to turn the fabric piece instead of leaving the strip undisturbed on the Mat. You will still need to use the template you just made.

Because of their angles, the most efficient method for cutting pentagons is cutting from one set of strips. For cutting several fabrics at once, layer the strips for a total of 6 to 10 layers.

Note: When using templates with the QuiltCut2, align the edge of the Template to the edge of the Cutting Guide whenever possible and cut against the Cutting Guide instead of the template.

Using your Template to Cut Pentagons

Step 1

To make the template, you will need template plastic or stiff paper, tape, a compass, a pencil, paper-cutting scissors, and a ruler. Use a compass for making the most accurate template. You can also make a template with a ruler if a compass is unavailable.

Step 2

Remove the template and cut along Cutting Guide. Move remaining fabric out of the way without disturbing the strip.

Step 3

Place the Cutting Guide on the Clamp Bar and set it for left-hand B (72°/18°). Cut off a corner at the end of the strip as shown.

Step 5

Rotate the cut piece clockwise. Place the edge you cut in step 3 on a horizontal line on the Cutting Mat. Set the Cutting Guide on the left-hand B. Align the template on the fabric and carefully butt the edge of the Cutting Guide against the edge of the template. Remove the template and make the cut.

Step 6

Replace the template and rotate the cut piece counter-clockwise, placing the just-cut edge on the horizontal line. Butt the Cutting Guide against the left edge of the template. Move the template out of the way and make the cut.

Step 7

Place end of strip from step 4 back on the Mat. Align one edge on a horizontal line and place the template on the fabric as shown.

Step 8

Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have cut the next set of pentagons.