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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Straightline Laser Level-Not Just For Hanging Pictures!


This week I'm working on some draperies for some dear friends who have just finished building their dream home (literally...they built most of it themselves!).  I wanted to share a little trick I use for cutting wide drapery fabric straight across.  I used to measure from the cut end of the fabric about 5 or 6 times across the width and sort-of just eyeball a cutting line, but that was time consuming and didn't always give the straightest results.  Then, a light bulb went off in my head one day. 
Don't you just love it when that happens?

First, I measure the length I want down one edge and make a small cut.


Then, I do the same on the other edge.  I grab my handy laser level (affiliate link) and adjust the beam so that it starts at one cut and shines across to the other cut.  I don't use the bubbles at all, just the line up the laser beam.


Sometimes I need a little obstacle to stop the beam so I can tell where it's hitting the cut on the other side.  Next, just follow the line with your scissors and voila!  A perfectly straight cut all the way across!  It does help to start your cutting on the opposite side of the level, that way your hands aren't blocking the light as you cut across.


I darkened this picture up a bit so hopefully you can see the red laser line.  I was cutting as the sun was streaming through the windows today, so it was a little tricky to see the line, but if you're in low light or even working at night where you can dim the lights a bit it works especially well.




Linking up with: Savvy Southern StyleThe Shabby Nest, Remodelaholic,
Crafty Texas Girls

Cornerstone Confessions 
Thrifty Decor Chick
Home Stories A to Z


*This post contains affiliate links.

Would you like to comment?

  1. Thanks so much for sharing that tip. I have tried a large carpenter's square to try to get the fabric cut straight...sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I will have to get out my laser line next time I need straight lines.

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  2. Clever, girl!! I clearly need one of those! Hope you'll get to share some of their home!

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  3. Great idea, could have used this earlier when I spent hours making sure I was cutting fabric correctly for roman shades. Thanks again, will use this in the future!

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  4. WHAT A GREAT IDEA!! I LOVE my laser level! It is one of those gadgets that has made my life so much easier and this tip has done that again! Thank you for sharing this! Always learning awesome stuff from you!

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  5. Genius!!!!!! I would never have thought of that!!

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  6. This is absolute GENIUS!! I love it when folks think outside the box ... this is so far outside that box! I do a lot of carpentry work, and my father-in-law got a laser level for me a few years ago for Christmas. I don't use it often, since it's a pain to set up and I'm so accustomed to working with regular long bubble levels. I guess I'm going to dust that puppy off and move it up to the sewing room. Mama has some drapes to sew.

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  7. This is one of the moments for me when I question if there is any neurons firing in my brain. I use my level for everything else, whey not this. And I am right at the tail in of a giant drapery project for some clients! I guess better late than never, right! Thanks so much for this post. From your newest follower. Hope you'll hope over and check out my blog as well. www.savvyshanty.blogspot.com

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  8. CLEVER!! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  9. You are a GENIUS! And just in time for the 15 yards of chevron fabric I have looming over my head! ;)

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  10. wow! what an incredible tool! Might need to look into this!

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  11. I'm pinning this! I'd love for you to link it up to my party. Just for linking up you could win $20 of vintage jewelry from Parisienne Girl. http://trophyw.blogspot.com/2012/01/will-craft-forfree-jewelry.html

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  12. Jennifer? Who makes the level you use? I am looking for one and have gotten lost in the world of you tube videos and home improvement websites :)

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  13. Hi Patti-Ann, The brand is Strait-Line, Laser Level 120. I'm not sure where to buy it because my husband bought it for me but I believe they are on Amazon. Good luck!

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  14. That's a cool idea, using a laser to cut a straight scissor line on fabric. My parents are very proud of their kids and grandchildren, and they have dozens of pictures hanging all over the place. Instead of letting them using a chalk line and a bubble level on their kitchen wall, I should just get them some level lasers to get everything hanging right. A feather duster should be able to take care of everything else.

    Paul | eastcoastlasers.com.au

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