Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi I was wondering if paul has a tutorial on how to do that quilt affect on a cake and what kind of tool I need is it a diamond shape cutter?

I use a stitching tool to get the stitched line effect. You do need to measure around the top and bottom though before you attempt it to get the lines evenly spaced. The even spacing can be achieved by taping 2 cocktail sticks to a tape so they are about one and a half inches apart and then gently marking the top and bottom of the cake. I also use a piece of card cut to a 45 degree angle and use that as guide for the lines. If you measure the circumference of the cake you can then divide it down to get the spacing exact…….I haven’t tried a diamond cutter……I would be interested to see if anyone has any other ways to do it, as it is quite hard work to get it looking neat.

I tried the diamond cutters on a dummy cake and personally didn’t get a very clean design. I have the diamond impression mats that I bought on ebay and these are the excellent for getting the design for me, either that or measuring the distance out as rosemaryw mentions but I’m lazy and prefer the impression mat as it’s quicker 🙂

Thanks for your answers maybe I will give that one a miss and think of something else until I get an impression mat 🙂

Hello woodyscakes

Paul does have a tutorial here http://www.cakeflix.com/handbag-cake-lesson-5-bag-detail-sides-and-zip
Hope it helps you achieve the look you want!
There are a couple more answers here which may also help.

Thanks madeitwithlove. I’ve decided I will try this another time . A client has left it up to me to do what I want on her cake so wanted to try something new that I haven’t done so changed my mind to do a little draping on the cake with maybe a nice flower. Is it best to use half fondant and half gum paste for a swag? Or all fondant?

I always use half and half. It can be rolled out a lot thinner than fondant. You’ll get a more fabric look. I also dust swags with shimmer dust and sometimes use a texture mat to give a bit more interest. That would be up to you if you want to have a little play. I love swags and bows, they look so romantic. You’ve got lots of flower tutorials to choose from, we’re sooo spoiled here! x

Oh yeah that sounds nice with luster dust. I done this lady’s wedding cake a year ago and she left it to me and now it’s her 1 yr anniversary she just wants a small fruit cake but said I could do what I want 🙂 so I would like to try something new. Pretty new to cake making but I enjoy it when I get asked to do a cake I’m hoping to slowly get more cakes to do. Still got lots of equipment to collect yet not a cheap hobbie . Thanks for all ur help madeitwithlove lx

You’re welcome! I’ve got so much equipment I wish someone would take it off of me!! Seriously though, you can get some inexpensive things on ebay. I bought lots of plastic cutters similar to the PME, silicone moulds, texture mats and metal cutters too. I already had all the cake tins from years back so at least that was one less expense. It is expensive but remember to ask for things you need as presents. I also do chocolate work, another expense for a hobby which doesn’t pay it’s way! Good luck with the cake, your customer must be pleased with your work, she came back. x