How do you cut?

I am really interested in learning how other sewers cut fabric, because for me fabric cutting is a very slow process.

I'm so intrigued by pattern weights because they would make the cutting process much more streamlined: no need to spend half an hour pinning the pattern pieces to the fabric. I also fear that my fabric shifts ever so slightly when I push in the pin.

I understand that weights are not appropriate for very slippery fabrics, such as satins or linings, but I'm curious: do they really work on wools or cottons? Do they hold down the fabric sufficiently? Have you used them with success?




In regards to the cutting itself, I would love to have an ergonomic cutting table of proper height. Instead, I cut on my large cardboard measuring board placed on the guest bed (I would use a table, but mine isn't big enough!).




However, I attempted something new this weekend: Susan Huxley's "Sewing Secrets from the Fashion Industry" suggests that rotary cutting blades can be used to cut most pieces.  I cut the fabric on the floor with a plastic cutting mat on top of the carboard mat, under the fabric.



I felt that it worked fine, but that the fabric tended to shift, even though I pinned it and held it down.  I am begining to think that there is no quick fix to speed up the cutting process. 

How do you cut your fabric?  What methods have you found that work well for you?

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