E

Rotary Cutter Safety

National Quilters Circle Editors

Already a member?

Sign in
Duration:   1  mins

Description

Lori Baker discusses the proper safety techniques that you should implement when using a rotary cutter for your quilting projects. She suggests getting a tool that has a safety lock, keeping your fingers far from the edge when using a ruler and rotary cutter, and putting it away from reach when you aren’t using it.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

3 Responses to “Rotary Cutter Safety”

  1. Emma

    This is serious, have spent all day in emergency with a side of my finger cut in a neat edge. Be careful.

  2. Karen King

    Better yet go to the local electric supply store and buy some "cut gloves"...cheaper than ordering on line from various quilting shops plus these come in more comfortable sizes rather than one size giant cut glove! No more cutting my fingers now!

  3. Reta

    Is this a joke? Nothing to do with rotary cutters, a cartoon commercial.

We're going to talk just a little bit about rotary cutters and safety. A rotary cutter is essentially a rolling razor blade. So, we really need to respect them and treat them with care. I like the kind of rotary cutter that has a lock, so when I pick it up, I can't engage it until I unlock the lock button. And then, if I forget to re-lock it, this particular kind actually retracts the blade just when I set it down. I try to remember to lock it when I set it down. Just that little extra bit of care. When I use the ruler, I want to be sure my fingers are back. Even if I'm just cutting an 1 1/2" strip, I want my fingers back from the edge. So I always make a habit of resting my pinky on the mat, and then my hand just isn't big enough to get my fingers in the way. That pinky on the mat also stabilizes the ruler so it doesn't slide around. And just kind of be aware, like I said, that you've got a rolling razor blade in your hand. I lock it before I lay it down, when I'm done with a project, I actually put it up high so that it's not where somebody could get it and not know what they had and start playing around with it. Great tool, we just need to be aware of what we've got.

Explore Videos by National Quilters Circle Editors

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You may be interested in

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.

Sign in to National Quilters Circle

Enter your sign in info below