Instructions

1. Measure around the top edge of the cake with a ruler and mark the cake with a toothpick to set the desired width for the score marks. To make this process even easier, tape two toothpicks to the ruler at the desired width to achieve even spacing. Insert one toothpick in the previous indentation, and use the second toothpick to make a mark at the desired spacing. Press lightly so you only make a small impression instead of poking a hole through the fondant.

2. Line up a straightedge vertically with the small marks and make a second series of indications along the bottom edge of the cake. The straightedge ensures that the marks around the bottom line up perfectly with the marks around the top.

3. Hold a flexible straightedge against the cake, lining it up diagonally between a mark at the top of the cake and a mark at the bottom edge. The mark you use at the bottom edge should be directly to the left or right of the mark that falls directly beneath your starting mark at the top of the cake. You can use a piece of cardstock as a flexible straightedge, but flexible plastic can be washed and reused. You can also cut the front or back cover off of a flexible three-ring binder.

4. Line up the fondant embossing tool along the straightedge. Run the embossing tool along the straight edge from top to bottom while applying medium pressure. Move the tool only in a single direction instead of moving it back and forth, as this tears the fondant and results in uneven lines. Fondant embossing tools often have a straight cutting wheel with a blunt edge and a fluted wheel at the opposite end that creates a stitch pattern, much like a fluted pastry wheel.

5. Move the straight edge to line up diagonally with the next set of corresponding marks. Run the embossing tool along the straight edge to make the second diagonal line. Repeat this process around the entire cake.

6. Turn the straightedge so the diagonal line runs in the opposite direction. Line it up diagonally with marks from top to bottom and run the embossing wheel along the straight edge. Repeat this process around the cake to complete the quilting pattern.