Having the right tools for the job is crucial to the success of your quilt project. To ensure precise cutting, it’s important to have a quilting ruler, rotary cutter, and cutting mat at hand. Any slight inaccuracies in cutting can cause issues when assembling the quilt.
Here are some tips for using a rotary cutter:
- Use clean, sharp blades.
It is essential to use clean, sharp rotary cutting blades to ensure precise and clean cuts. At the first sign of dullness, change to a new blade. A nicked blade should be replaced immediately. Many quilters have experienced how much a difference a new blade makes in their cutting. They have also regretted not changing blades sooner. Consider buying rotary blades in multi-packs to reduce the cost by using coupons from craft stores such as Joann’s or Hancock’s. - Right size blade for the job.
It’s important to use the appropriate size blade for the job. A 45mm blade is a versatile and good all-purpose rotary blade. However, when cutting multiple layers of fabric, it’s better to use a 60mm rotary cutter. When cutting around curved templates, it’s better to use a 28mm or 18mm blade, cutting fewer layers at a time. This will help you to achieve more precise and accurate cuts. Additionally, it will help you to avoid fatigue and make the cutting process more comfortable. It’s also important to note that, using the right size blade for the job can prolong the life of your blades and save you money in the long run. - Attach your rotary blade correctly.
It’s essential to attach your rotary blade properly to ensure safety and accuracy when cutting. To check the blade alignment, hold the cutter with just two fingers and push it along your mat without fabric. The wheel should rotate easily with minimal effort and no wobbling. If you have to exert more force for the blade to turn, it’s too tight. You can then adjust the screw that holds the blade to a slight degree. Make sure that you have installed only one blade, as installing two blades may cause ragged cuts. It’s also good practice to double check that you’ve only inserted one blade. Sometimes, the lubrication on the blades in the packaging can make it hard to slide the blades apart, so it’s important to be vigilant. It will also help to prolong the life of your blades and make the cutting process more enjoyable. - Cut away from your body
When using a rotary cutter, it’s important to always cut away from your body in a standing position. This will help you to maintain proper control and perspective while cutting. When sitting, it can be more difficult to see the cutting line and to maintain proper alignment of the blade. Additionally, you may lose some control of the cutter, which could lead to accidents. By standing, you are able to have a better view of your cutting line, and have more control over your cutter. It’s also important to have good posture and to use your shoulder and elbow to guide the cutter instead of your wrist, this will help you to reduce fatigue and improve your accuracy. Remember that, safety comes first, so be sure to pay attention to the safety instructions that come with the cutter, and to keep your fingers away from the blade. - Apply an even pressure when cutting
When using a rotary cutter, it’s important to apply an even pressure when cutting. This will help you achieve clean, precise cuts and will also prevent the blade from becoming dull too quickly. Applying too much pressure can cause the blade to cut too deeply into the fabric, creating jagged edges. Applying too little pressure can cause the blade to skid across the fabric, resulting in uneven or inaccurate cuts. To achieve the best results, apply a moderate and consistent pressure, using your shoulder and elbow to guide the cutter instead of your wrist. This will help you maintain control and improve your accuracy. Remember that, you can always test your pressure on a scrap piece of fabric before you start working on your quilt. This will give you a sense of how much pressure you need to apply and will also help you to adjust your grip on the cutter. - Place your blade right next to the ruler.
When using a rotary cutter, it’s important to place the blade next to the ruler for precise cuts. Some quilters prefer to align the blade completely perpendicular to the ruler, this will ensure that the blade is cutting at a 90-degree angle to the ruler. However, others quilters prefer to angle the blade slightly into the ruler. This technique can give more control to the cutter but it’s important to ensure that the blade is not cutting underneath the ruler. It’s essential to find a technique that works for you and practice it. You can also try different angles, just make sure to be aware of your position in relation to the ruler and the blade. This will help you to make precise and accurate cuts while avoiding any accidents. - Use the same brand of rulers when cutting.
When using a rotary cutter, it’s important to use the same brand of rulers for cutting as much as possible. This will help to ensure consistency in measurements and prevent problems during piecing. Sometimes, when using templates, it’s not possible to stick to the same brand, but it’s important to make the effort to use the same brand whenever possible. Different brands of rulers may have slightly different measurements, which can cause inaccuracies when piecing your quilt. Additionally, when cutting, it’s important to use the printed lines of the ruler next to the fabric. Cutting with the ruler upside down will distort the lines and make it harder to achieve accurate cuts. By using the same brand of ruler and keeping the printed lines of the ruler next to the fabric, you will be able to achieve consistent and precise cuts. - Anti-slip grips to hold your ruler in place.
When using a rotary cutter, fabric grips can be very helpful in holding the ruler in place. These grips are usually made of vinyl or a similar material such as “Clear Grip” or sandpaper dots. These grips help to prevent the ruler from slipping when cutting, which can cause inaccuracies and uneven cuts. They are especially useful when cutting on fabric with a slippery surface or when using a ruler with a smooth bottom. These grips can be applied to the bottom of the ruler or to the cutting mat, depending on the product. They can be purchased or made at home, adding them to your quilting supplies will make your cutting process more precise, accurate and safe. - Cut on a mat you can rotate.
When using a rotary cutter, it’s important to use a cutting mat that you can rotate, rather than rotating the fabric. This will help to ensure accuracy and consistency in your cuts. Every time you pick up the fabric to reposition it for another cut, there is a chance for the pieces to shift and for the cutting to be off. By rotating the mat, you can maintain the same position of the fabric and avoid any inaccuracies. This technique will help to minimize fabric waste, and also help you to make precise cuts every time. Additionally, it’s important to use a mat that is large enough to accommodate the size of your project, this will give you more space to work on and will help you to reduce fatigue. Make sure that the mat is stable and that it is placed on a flat surface, this will help you to have a good control over your cutter. - Move your hands.
Stop to move your hands. When you are cutting a long strip and you need to move the hand holding the ruler, stop with the blade in the fabric and walk your hands up the ruler into better position. Then continue cutting. Your hold on the ruler will be more stable if you are “up” on your fingertips. Placing your palm flat on the rotary ruler can cause it to shift from the pressure. - Cut on the correct side of the ruler.
When using a rotary cutter, it is important to hold the cutter in your dominant hand and the ruler in the opposite hand. Cut on the side of the ruler that aligns with your dominant arm and avoid cutting towards yourself or across the top or bottom of the ruler. To maintain accuracy, turn the mat instead of turning your body. For those of you who are wondering, yes, left-handed rotary cutters are available for purchase. Some brands offer special rotary cutters designed specifically for left-handed individuals, while others have created universal models that can be used by both left and right-handed people.
When you’re finished using your rotary cutter, always make sure to store it with the blade guard in place to protect the blade. Always keep in mind that, safety comes first, so be sure to pay attention to the safety instructions that come with the cutter.
