Getting Started Series: Using a Rotary Cutter

Lately I have had a number of people ask me "how do I get started" making a quilt.  So, I decided to go back to the basics.  Today: How to use a Rotary Cutter.

Not long ago a newbie quilter picked up my rotary cutter and went to town.  She was not holding it properly, she was CUTTING TOWARD HER and even trying to cut on the opposite side of the mat.  I almost fainted!

I read the following on Facebook and thought it was well written and worth re-posting.

"Be safe with knives. Most of us are pretty solid on that fact by the time we're old enough to operate a sewing machine. And yet, when it comes to using a rotary cutter... things can happen. 

Obviously the rotary cutter is a wonder-tool we couldn't live without. So fast! So efficient! So precise! The thing is, it has a really (really!) sharp blade, so you need to be a lot more careful than if you were just snipping away with scissors. These 12 tips will help make sure you get to your sewing with all 10 fingers intact.

1. Remember, that blade is sharp!

Yes, we are repeating ourselves But it's easy to get careless once the crafting excitement sets in. This is a razor blade, people. Always handle it with care. 

2. Match brands

No, you cannot cut this corner. The blade really needs to fit perfectly into your cutter for it to work correctly and safely. Make sure you always buy the same brand and size blade that came with your cutter originally. 

(CRQ Comment: I'm not sure this is so important.  Anyone have a comment on this?)

3. Consider the size

Rotary cutters come in many sizes, and you may want to stock up on a few different ones so you can match them to your project. For example, if you’re cutting something small, using a large cutter is just inviting trouble. The opposite is true as well, where using a small blade on thick layers forces you to over-push, and risk a dangerous slip. 

4. Use a ruler

Not only will this keep your cuts straight, it also gives you a safety barrier between the blade and your hands. But not just any ruler will do — use one that's at least ¼” thick to give the blade something to cut alongside. Otherwise, in a distracted moment your slicer may jump up onto the ruler and run right into your hand. 

(CRQ Comment:  you may also consider a ruler grip such as one of these.)

Gypsy Grip

Ruler Handle

5. Put down a mat

A self-healing mat does more than protect the surface below. It also helps the blade glide along smoothly, reducing the risk of a bump, slip, ouch! 

(CRQ Comment:  The same friend who mis-handled the rotary cutter also used her kitchen bread board the first time she was making a quilt solo because she didn't remember that I had a special cutting mat.  Ha Ha...she gave me quite a laugh!)

6. Cut away from the body

Always, always cut away from your body, never by pulling the tool towards you. Makes sense, right? A rotating mat can help here. 

(CRQ Comment:  You may want to consider gloves. Personally, I do not use them but every time I pick up the cutter I am uber aware of where my left hand is and I PAY ATTENTION to what I am doing!)

7. Stand up while cutting

We'd love to say it's fine to cut from a comfy seated position, but it's much safer to stand. That way you can put your body weight into the cut for a firm, secure slice. Plus, you have a better view of your work if you're standing over it, meaning you always know exactly where that blade is. 

(CRQ Comment:  I do sit down sometimes when I'm using the cutter, but it is not as comfortable and the blade can sometimes slip.  You want to be very careful.  Also, you might consider using bed risers to raise your cutting surface if you are experiencing back pain while cutting for extended lengths of time.)

8. Close the safety

Just make it a habit: Always close the safety cover right away. As you pull the cutter up from the fabric, shut the plastic cover right then and there. That way if you accidentally drop it, it won't cut your fabric, bare feet, or something worse! 

9. Keep it sharp

You've probably heard this one before: a dull blade is way more dangerous than a sharp one. If your cutter is dull, you have to apply even more pressure, which only increases the risk of slip-ups. Avoid this issue altogether by replacing your blades often. 

(CRQ Comment:  Don't skimp on blades.  Do not buy discount blades and replace them often.  I've heard you should replace your blades after changing your sewing machine bobbin 4 times. This is also a good time to change your sewing machine needle.)

10. Change the blade carefully

So we just told you to change the blades. And when you do, do it with plenty of caution. This means taking a peek at your cutter's manual if you're not completely sure on the process.

How to replace the rotary cutter blade:  Click Here

11. Discard blades safely

Stop right there — don't just throw that blade in the trash! Carefully cover up its edges with thick tape to make sure it does no harm further down the road. 

(CRQ Comment:    I use a Sharps container to dispose of all used blades, needles and bent pins.  Basically anything that is sharp.)

12. Store safely

Once crafting time is over, put that puppy somewhere far away from kids, or anyone who might not immediately recognize it for what it is."

I'm also listing a few YouTube videos showing how to use a Rotary Cutter.
 
Missouri Star Quilt Company video
Fons & Porter Quilty video
Vanessa at Crafty Gemini