To cut a pattern piece from patterned fabric so that a specific design element, such as a flower or character, is perfectly positioned within the piece. Quilters and garment makers use this technique to frame motifs inside patchwork blocks or center them on pockets and bodices. It requires more fabric than standard cutting because pieces cannot be nested tightly together.
Heard on the job
I had to fussy cut the bodice panels to make sure the large roses landed exactly in the center of the chest.
Insider tip
Always use a clear acrylic template when fussy cutting so you can see exactly how the motif will look before making a cut.
Also heard as
- fussy cutting