The rotary cutter has revolutionized the cutting part of sewing. It makes cutting faster, easier, safer, and more accurate than traditional sewing shears.
The rotary cutter is functionally a handle with a circular blade attached on one end. While the rotary cutter is quick and easy, there are some important considerations or tips to follow for maximum safety and success.
Practice safety first. While the rotary cutter comes with a convenient protective shield, when the shield is drawn back, the sharp razor like blade is exposed. Caution: It is sharp and will cut fingers and more. Prevent accidents by always practicing proper cutting techniques. Keep out of the reach of children. Never run with the rotary cutter.
Always cut with a sharp rotary blade. Never use a rotary blade that is dull or has a nick on the blade. Replace it. It may be possible to sharpen a rotary blade, but it is generally quite inexpensive, and may be better to just replace it when it gets dull or marred by pins, paperclips, staples, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other debris. Always keep the blade in its handle with safety guide on, until cutting, and then replace the safety as soon as finished.
Keep the rotary cutter clean, free of oils, free of lint, free of anything that might affect its precision cutting ability.
Hold the rotary cutter snugly in your hand with your index finger aligned with the blade as a guide so you have full control. Avoid tensing your wrist.
The rotary cutter is made to be used with a properly supported cutting surface known as a rotary cutting mat. Never ever use a rotary cutter without its mat.
Set Up your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
Plastic rulers frequently tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.
Position the edge of the ruler exactly where you want to cut. Line up the cutter with the edge. Slide the guard back. Slide the blade forward firmly along the side of the ruler. Raise the handle during the cut just slightly about 45 degrees to get good pressure down while rolling forward.
While you are cutting, keep control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
If you find it awkward to support the ruler over a long cut, stop in the middle of the cut. Leave the rotary cutter in place. (Do not move it.) Reposition your left hand until you have firm support and control. Continue the cut. If you have a non-slip ruler, it is very easy to simply walk your left hand up the ruler while cutting. If you are using a ruler that does not have special non-slip protection, make sure you stop every time you attempt to reposition your left hand. The ruler must remain in place fully supported whenever you are cutting. Always use an even pressure on the cutter.
The moment you complete the cut, put the safety on. Keep the blade covered by the safety except when you are cutting. Store sewing tools in a safe place out of the reach of children.
The more you discover about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become. Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.
The rotary cutter is functionally a handle with a circular blade attached on one end. While the rotary cutter is quick and easy, there are some important considerations or tips to follow for maximum safety and success.
Practice safety first. While the rotary cutter comes with a convenient protective shield, when the shield is drawn back, the sharp razor like blade is exposed. Caution: It is sharp and will cut fingers and more. Prevent accidents by always practicing proper cutting techniques. Keep out of the reach of children. Never run with the rotary cutter.
Always cut with a sharp rotary blade. Never use a rotary blade that is dull or has a nick on the blade. Replace it. It may be possible to sharpen a rotary blade, but it is generally quite inexpensive, and may be better to just replace it when it gets dull or marred by pins, paperclips, staples, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other debris. Always keep the blade in its handle with safety guide on, until cutting, and then replace the safety as soon as finished.
Keep the rotary cutter clean, free of oils, free of lint, free of anything that might affect its precision cutting ability.
Hold the rotary cutter snugly in your hand with your index finger aligned with the blade as a guide so you have full control. Avoid tensing your wrist.
The rotary cutter is made to be used with a properly supported cutting surface known as a rotary cutting mat. Never ever use a rotary cutter without its mat.
Set Up your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
Plastic rulers frequently tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.
Position the edge of the ruler exactly where you want to cut. Line up the cutter with the edge. Slide the guard back. Slide the blade forward firmly along the side of the ruler. Raise the handle during the cut just slightly about 45 degrees to get good pressure down while rolling forward.
While you are cutting, keep control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
If you find it awkward to support the ruler over a long cut, stop in the middle of the cut. Leave the rotary cutter in place. (Do not move it.) Reposition your left hand until you have firm support and control. Continue the cut. If you have a non-slip ruler, it is very easy to simply walk your left hand up the ruler while cutting. If you are using a ruler that does not have special non-slip protection, make sure you stop every time you attempt to reposition your left hand. The ruler must remain in place fully supported whenever you are cutting. Always use an even pressure on the cutter.
The moment you complete the cut, put the safety on. Keep the blade covered by the safety except when you are cutting. Store sewing tools in a safe place out of the reach of children.
The more you discover about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become. Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.
About the Author:
Explore more about Rotary Cutters and Beginner Sewing with Author Donna Trumble. Her sewing instructions give you the knowledge and skills to sew and quilt better than ever. Pick up your free copy of her ebook Top Ten Sewing Answers.
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