Blocks & shapes

Split a shape with the blade

Pick up the blade in the Shape Designer and drag it across a shape to split it, along a straight, circle, fan or curved ruler. Then tap away the pieces you don't want.

Where to find it

Shape Designer → left panel → Split with the blade → Pick up the blade (K)

Open the Shape Designer
In the Shape Designer, the blade cuts a circle across and then down into four quarters, three are tapped away, and a quarter circle is left

How to do it

  1. In the Shape Designer, with a shape on the piece, press Pick up the blade under Split with the blade, or press K.
  2. Choose a ruler: Straight, Circle, Fan or Curve. Across splits every shape the blade crosses; One piece only the one under it.
  3. Drag across the shape and let go. It splits in two, curves and all.
  4. Tap each leftover piece you don't want to throw it away; ⌘Z brings one back. Press Put the blade down when you're done.

Good to know

  • Fan sets how many blades and whether the top is Rounded or Open, for Dresden plates.
  • The same blades are on the quilt designer's rotary cutter, for cutting pieces on the quilt itself.
Who can use it
Free with a Quiltler account
Where it works
Web studio

This guide answers

  • How do I cut a shape in half?
  • How do I make a quarter circle?
  • How do I cut a curve through a shape?
  • How do I split a circle into wedges?
  • How do I get rid of the leftover piece after a cut?