Dull blades cut poorly, and are more of a safety concern than sharp ones. Rotary cut along the right side of the ruler again.Â. If the piece has a bend in the middle, the fabric's left edge is no longer square. The first cutters had a straight handle and a 28 mm blade. Cut along the right side of the ruler with the rotary cutter. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Do this slowly at first, or you'll risk cutting your pattern. When using a string, be sure not to allow the string to become caught in the rotary cutter. If the reverse side of my cutting mat weren’t so dirty, I would use that because it has no lines to distract me. The rotary cutter may be easier on your wrist as you roll the blade instead of using your wrist and fingers to maneuver the blade. Use even pressure the entire way through each cut; this ensures that all materials will receive an even cut. A commercial tool such as the RuleSteady can help keep fabrics from shifting and protect your hand. Spread your fingers out to hold the ruler securely, but take care to keep fingers out of the cutter's path. Use tissue or a dry cloth to remove fibers or lint off the blade. To cut with a rotary cutter, keep the fabric layers and pattern if you are using that on the mat together with pattern weights. I tried a few styles out, but seemed most attracted to the small size. So many people shy away from working with knits because they are stretchy and tend to be more slippery. Line up the crisp folded edge to the bottom of your mat. How to Use a Rotary Cutter on Fleece After you choose the right size of blade, and you can go up to 60 mm if the fleece is really thick, you are … Because its blade operates at such high speed and is so thin, it allows detailed scroll cuts in a wide range of materials. Long (stretchy) bias strips are sometimes used to make quilt binding and for applique shapes that bend easily into graceful curves, such as flower stems. Since I often worked with knits, transferring this technique into cutting the ribbing for neck and waist bands was a natural jump. Step 2 – The first cut will be to the right edge to square up the fabric. You do not want the fabric layers to shift. Top 5 Ways to Use a Rotary Cutter 1. If they do not, square up the end again before cutting more strips. Not only does this produce a more straight line, it takes more accurate measurements for hems and buttons. How long has it been since you treated yourself to a new rotary cutter … I also bought the 6 x 24 ruler. A rotary cutter is one of those small things that can make your (sewing) life easier. Afterward, they flip the fabric around and cut from the left. Ashley Briggs from Olfa shows easy ways to use different rotary cutters that are available on Joann. The things you need to use the rotary cutter efficiently are mats (the self healing mat or a hard surface mat) and pattern weights. However, it's fine to work with shorter strips until you are comfortable with long ones, and strips of fabric cut along the fabric's less stretchy lengthwise grain work nicely, too. To make sure the leading edge of the fabric is at a 90-degree angle to the bottom of the strip, open one of your rotary-cut strips to its full width and look at the area near the fold. Rotary cutters cut a lot faster than scissors! Align the correct line on your ruler with the angled edge of the fabric and the 45-degree line with the fold. Accurate rotary cutting is essential for successful quilts and quilt blocks. Some people still use scissors to cut fabric and it’s okay. Attach gripping tabs to the bottom of rotary rulers to help keep them from slipping on fabric. Use spray starch or sizing to make fabrics stiffer. Read through all the instructions to get an overview of the process. Line up the fold with one of the horizontal lines on the cutting mat, or, if your mat is unlined, use a square rotary ruler. This tool is made specifically to be used with rotary cutters. This can cause premature wear, poor quality of cut, and an excessive power requirement. To be honest, it is a matter of preference. Crisp fabrics are easier to rotary cut. Olfa 45mm Deluxe Ergonomic Rotary Cutter. Correct the problem, and move on. Roll the cutting blade along the pattern line. This one was submitted via my question form and asked, “How do you cut straight?” So I’m going to share how to use a rotary cutter today, which, when combined with a ruler and a mat, can get you perfectly straight cuts. For example, use the 3 inch mark on the ruler to make a 3 inch wide strip. New quilters can save money by practicing with inexpensive muslin or bargain fabrics before cutting more expensive quilting fabrics. Start with the rotary cutter positioned against the edge of the ruler, BELOW the fabric, and hold the rotary cutter at a 45 degree angle. With the edge squared up, it's time to rotary cut the fabric strips required for your project. Use medium sized or small rotary cutters like the 18 or … Then poke holes in the plastic foam with an awl to hold shafted bits, and slice crevices with a utility knife to hold cutoff discs. Lay the fabric out on a smooth cutting surface. How do you use the rotary cutter? When using a cutter for the first time, go slowly to keep lines fluid. The square ruler's left edge should be near, but inside the left edge of the fabric, roughly where you will make your square cut. Avoid hand fatigue and work comfortably when you hold the cutter in the right position with precise alignment. The end of your fabric is now squared up. This shifting can mak… With this cutter, because it is heavier, I do not need to push down to cut my fabric - less pain in my wrist. Many types of grippers are available commercially, including clear versions that won't obstruct your view of ruler lines. And we had been sewing, quilting, and cutting fabric long before a rotary cutter came along. Rotary cutters are also ideal for smooth cuts through multiple layers of fabric, and can be quicker and more ergonomic, for some, to use. Place your hand firmly in the vertical center of the long ruler to hold it in place and roll a rotary cutter from bottom to top along the ruler's right edge. Place a long rotary ruler to the left of the first ruler on top of the leading edge of the fabric and flush against the square ruler. Do not depend on the rotary cutting rulers for accurate measurements. I broke my wrist earlier this year it was very hard for me to cut 2 layers of fabric because of having to use pressure on the cutter. QUILTING. Unprotected surfaces will be permanently scarred, and you’ll dull the rotary cutter blade. These qualities make them so comfortable to wear, but kind of annoying while cutting. However, just as scissors have evolved, so too has the rotary cutter. Check it lines up along the entire length of the ruler. This rotary-bit organizer may just inspire a renaissance of rotary tool use in your shop. OLFA’s rotary cutters are used around the world today. Cutting is my least favorite step in sewing, so anything that makes it easier is a plus. Cutting is my least favorite step in sewing, so anything that makes it easier is a plus. SEWING. After squaring up, the leading edge should be at a 90-degree angle to the fold. Video Demo of a … For best results, align the tool with a grid ruler. Square up as many times as necessary to keep strips accurate. Back in 1979, the first rotary cutter was introduced by OLFA, and it revolutionized sewing, making fabric... 2. Always roll the rotary cutter away from your body and follow any safety guidelines that came with your cutter. The fabric's cut edge should now be at a 90-degree angle to the folded edge. I use the ruler as a guide to run my rotary cutter along. You can find the kit here. The rotary cutter will cut the fabric as it rolls. Friction-fit a piece of 3/4-in. Make sure a horizontal line near the bottom of the ruler lines up with the fold. Step 1 – Take your fabric piece and lay it on your cutting mat, so the raw edge is on the right side. It fits my hand perfect, runs around curves like nobodies business…and so- I use it every day. Never use a rotary cutter on any surface other than a rotary mat. Remove the square ruler. Continue until you have the number of bias strips required for your quilting project. Extend the blade on your rotary cutter and place it right next to the ruler. A rotary cutter allows me to simply lay out my pattern, put down some pattern weights, then cut cut cut! The hand holding the ruler should be … Various blade sizes can help you navigate through everything from intricate patterns to thick fabric and batting. By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our, How to Make Magic 8 Half Square Triangle Units, How to Sew an Easy Log Cabin Quilt Pattern, How to Make Easy Half Square Triangle Units for Quilts, Definition of a Fat Quarter of Fabric and How It Is Cut, Facts About Fabric Grain that Every Quilter Should Know, How to Choose the Best Tools for Beginning Quilters, Easy Baby Quilt Patterns for Brand New Quilters, Use This Easy Method to Make Quilt Binding Strips. If at all possible, beginning quilters should stick to one fold; each new fold makes inaccurate cuts more likely. Line up your ruler with the folded edge using the lines to make … Always check the state of your tools: is the blade of the rotary cutter sharp? This is because you have to lift your fabric up in order to cut it with fabric scissors. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. This ease-of-use is the reason that rotary cutters have won the admiration of quilters. Make sure a. It’s another Fiskars, a stronger and … A rotary cutter is basically a circular blade that “rotates” as it cuts! The sharp blade cuts into the mat but doesn’t leave any evidence behind that it … A rotary cutter allows me to simply lay out my pattern, put down some pattern weights, then cut cut cut! If it isn't, press out the bold fold and refold it with selvages matched and parallel. If you are left-handed, work from the opposite side of the fabric, placing fabric and rulers in mirror-image positions. Cut along the right edge of the ruler to square up the end of the strip. All rotary cutters have a blade…depending on the brand they have different sizes. A rotary cutter is designed to cut rough plant material, from thick pasture grass to tree saplings with trunks up to 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick. Place the fabric on the cutting mat, fold near the bottom edge, side to be squared on the left. Starting on the side of the fabric closest to your body, roll the cutter along the ruler away from your body with firm pressure. Some quilters square up an edge from the right side of folded fabric, aligning a rule on the ruler with the bottom edge and trimming off a small excess on the right. Rotary cutters are extremely sharp and will cut you! The rotary cutting mat is also called a self-healing cutting mat. If you are working on a small rotary cutting mat, you may need to fold the fabric lengthwise again, making it four layers deep. It's not unusual for the leading edge of the fabric to become out of square after several cuts. Place your rotary ruler near the right end of a cut strip, aligning a horizontal rule with its lower edge. Lay the Omnigrid ruler horizontally on top of the fabric. It revolutionized how people cut fabric by switching them from using scissors to rolling a circular blade over the material. After all, the first rotary cutter was manufactured in 1979. A rotary cutting mat should always be under the fabric when you’re using a rotary cutter. Make sure to hover over the cutter as it moves to catch any missteps. How to cut a straight line on fabric using the right tools. Slide the Omnigrid to the edge of the fabric until you reach your desired width. Align the 45-degree mark on a long rotary ruler with the fold in the fabric's bottom. Janet Wickell Fold the fabric along its length, selvages together. Tips for Using a Rotary Cutter. Individual patchwork shapes can be sub-cut, understand some basic terms and techniques. Learn about correct hand positioning to cut through layers of fabric. It offers an adjustable cutting height from 1½ to 9 inches (4 – 23 cm). Scroll Cutting The Ryobi Speed Saw is especially useful for cutting odd or unusual shapes. The instructions are written for working right-handed. plastic foam in a snap-lid plastic food container. When cutting fabric using a rotary cutter, lay the fabric on a cutting pad to avoid damaging the surface. Janet is the author of the Rodale book "Classic American Quilt Collection: Stars" and has contributed to dozens of other books and patterns as both a writer and editor. This is the best rotary cutter on the market! Always rotary cut fabric using a rotary mat to protect your work surface. Hold the ruler in place and cut along its right edge. Align the mark on the long ruler that corresponds to your desired strip width to the left edge of the fabric. This is used to cut lengths of fabric (normally in conjunction with this Acrylic Ruler and Self-healing mat). Use medium sized or small rotary cutters like the 18 or 28mm for curved cuts, tight corners, and trimming seams. It’s very easy to slide your hand in the path of the rotary cutter so make sure your hand stays completely on the ruler and off the path. Fold the fabric along its length, selvages together. Its perforating blade will, as the name implies, perforate paper. The bolt fold should be straight, with no pull lines. Hey y’all, today I’m answering another of your sewing questions. How to Use a Rotary Cutter: This video provides a basic introduction to using a rotary cutter to cut perfect fabric strips for quilting (or other projects).Let me apologize in advance for my video technique-- it was a one take deal and I think you'll get the idea.If you have a… Your email address will not be published. Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. A rotary cutter is used in making a long straight or curved cut into material. Disclosures, Subscribe below to receive the latest quilty news and offers from Cotton + Joy. If you are cutting folded over pattern pieces with fabric scissors, you may find that the two layers of fabric shift around over each other. Use rotary mat’s gridlines only for positioning fabric. Use a ruler to produce the straightest lines possible. Rotary cutting long strips of fabric is the starting point for most rotary cutting tasks used in today's quilt patterns, especially strip-pieced quilting projects. Individual patchwork shapes can be sub-cut from strips as needed. Before you rotary cut the long strips required for a quilt pattern, it's important to square up one end of the fabric. Fiskars Craft 60mm Rotary Cutter – Ideal for Thicker Materials. Turn the strip around and cut segments from its left edge in the same way you cut the original fabric strips, aligning the strip with markings on the ruler as required for each shape. Old Rotary Cutter Blade. Nothing can turn out the numerous strips and blocks needed for patchwork patterns faster than a 45mm rotary… Cricut does have a manual rotary cutter in their accessory cabinet! We prefer the method explained in the steps above since there's no need to flip the fabric around, which sometimes allows its layers to shift. A tractor mounted rotary cutter is different than a grooming mower. A rotary cutter, sometimes called a rotary fabric cutter, or fabric cutter roller is essentially a spring loaded circular razor blade that is attached to a handle (it looks a bit like a pizza cutter) that can be used to cut fabric or paper for sewing, quilting, and paper crafts. (Best Overall) This model of Olfa 45mm rotary cutter is … The bolt fold should be straight, with no pull lines. If you are still new to working with fabric, you may want to make sure you understand some basic terms and techniques.Â. After my first quilt, I fell in love with a rotary cutter. 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