Part of achieving precision and beauty in quilt-making is using the right tool for the right job. A rotary cutter is composed of a wheeled blade and a handle, just like a pizza cutter. Because your hand doesn’t nudge the cloth or otherwise get in the way, it’s easier to cut in a straight line along a ruler than it is to use scissors. This helps to make the edges of your squares sharp and clean, speeding up the process of quilt-making considerably.
Moreover, a wide variety of rotary cutters are available, with different kinds of blades that use different metals, narrower or wider blade diameters, and different types of handles for ease of use. There are even some rotary cutter kits with fun accessories that make your quilting experience easier and more fun. In this article we’ll go over the various types and variables to consider when buying or using your own rotary cutters.What to Look for in a Rotary Cutter
Is there a rotary cutter designed for left handlers? It seems I am always having to cut at an awkward angle or turning the material around to get the correct direction of the blade. I have tried to take them apart and put blade on other side but not totally satisfied with that either
Hi Kathi. Yes, they do make rotary cutters specifically designed for left handers! You can search online and find several, here is just an example of one:
https://www.amazon.com/Gingher-45mm-Rotary-Cutter-01-002904/dp/B0026IPASQ
Hope this helps!
Kathi and all fellow southpaws
Most rotary cutters are for either hand. I particularly like my Quilters Select cutter. Adaptable to either hand.
The “My Comfort Cutter” shown in this article – did not link to a video or the Grace Company. It would be a nice addition.
What about wave/pinking blades? Preferences, likes and dislikes?
Dear Daniel,
Thank you for your patience while I got the answer from the expert, here is the reply:
Hi,
I do like using both the wave and the pinking blade, however I have never used the pinking blade as it is probably recommended for- meaning to pink the edge of a fabric that I don’t want to ravel. I actually use those blades when I want a fun edge on something that I am going to applique.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle
Are the blade sharpeners that are sold, good enough to sharpen blades into usable form?
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your patience while I got the expert on this, here is the reply:
Hi,
This depends on the blade sharpener. You may want to read reviews about the specific one you are looking at. I, personally, will send my blades to a professional to have them sharpened, rather than doing it myself, so I know that they are good and sharp.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle
I thought this was a new article as it came in today’s news’s letter, turns out it was written 3 plus years ago. Recycled news ?
I am left handed and I use the Olfa straight handle rotary cutter. I just turn it so the blade is on the side against the ruler. This is how I prefer to use it. I cut either left or right handed. I have been quilting for over 20 years.
Quite a few useful tips here
I always have an area in my material that did not cut, I have to get my scissors and add another time consuming step. What can I do to properly cut the entire piece of material? My mentor has the same problem and has quit using her rotary cutter all together. We both have Friskars.
Hello there, thank you so much for your tips! Hope now I can choose the perfect rotary cutter for cutting fabric
Is there a difference between a rotary cutter wheel and a scoring wheel
Hello Theresa!
That’s a great question and we’d love to help!
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