A Rotary Cutter is a cutting instrument for fabrics. It is a sharp blade wheel in a handle that is used to cut through numerous layers of fabric, similar to a pizza cutter. Rotary cutters are also available in a range of blade diameters, most notably 18mm, 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm. The larger the blade size, the more layers or thicker the fabric that can be cut. The reduced blade size provides greater manoeuvrability.
The blade of a Rotary Cutter is protected by a handle. Handle types vary, with some built ergonomically for persons with physical difficulties such as arthritis. The blade of a Rotary Cutter is protected by a handle. Handle types vary, with some built ergonomically for persons with physical difficulties such as arthritis.
The larger the blade size, the more fabric you can cut at once and at a faster rate. If you know you'll be cutting yards and yards of fabric, a 60 mm rotary cutter is a good choice. A 28 mm rotary cutter is mostly used for creating small cuts or cutting curves. The 45 mm rotary cutter is the best pick if you only need one rotary cutter for almost all applications.
The larger the blade size, the more fabric you can cut at once and at a faster rate. If you know you'll be cutting yards and yards of fabric, a 60 mm rotary cutter is a good choice. A 28 mm rotary cutter is mostly used for creating small cuts or cutting curves. The 45 mm rotary cutter is the best pick if you only need one rotary cutter for almost all applications.
As a general rule, the smaller blade handles curves and corners better, while the larger blade plainly handles more fabric at once. To minimise accidents and achieve the best results, try to use the suitable blade for the project. Depending on what you sew on a regular basis, you may require more than one size cutter.
Distinct brands have different safety features, and each brand has a wide variety of handles to choose from. Consider how much cutting you intend to do and whether you prefer something ergonomic or basic. If feasible, visit a craft or haberdashery store and try on a few different styles to discover what feels right in your hand.
While fabric scissors have long been an essential part of every home sewer's toolkit, the growing popularity of rotary cutters has many people thinking about making the transition. Rotary cutters (as seen on the Great British Sewing Bee, for example) appear to be more faster for cutting cloth, but they do require more practise to cut precisely. This, combined with the higher costs associated with utilising a rotary cutter, may deter consumers from abandoning their trusty scissors. But what is the most effective tool for cutting out your pattern pieces? We've developed a list of the benefits and drawbacks of both rotary cutters and scissors to assist those considering purchasing a new equipment!
Rotary cutters, on the other hand, are much better for cutting straight lines and may make an exceedingly accurate cut when partnered with a metal/sturdy ruler. When using a rotary cutter, you don't need to pin your pattern piece to your fabric like you would with scissors; instead, you may use pattern weights, which saves time by just placing them on top of your pattern piece and fabric.
While this, combined with the general speed of a rotary cutter, makes cutting out pieces much faster, the various pieces of kit required - not just pattern weights and a ruler, but also a cutting mat and replacement blades to get the most out of your rotary cutter - can make using one quite expensive. Furthermore, while smaller rotary cutters/blades designed for more complex patterns are available, scissors are still your best chance for more fiddly/intricate pattern components. While rotary cutters can cut curves, it requires a lot of practise, with rotary cutters requiring a lot more focus to cut safely and accurately.
A rotary cutter may appear to be a pizza cutter at first glance. They are available in three practical sizes: 28 millimetre, 45 millimetre, and 60 millimetre, allowing you to cut little or large curves and easy straight lines using a rotary cutter. The 45 millimetre rotary cutter is perhaps the finest option for a starting quilter because it allows you to produce little to medium-sized projects. In general, the larger the blade, the easier it is to cut through fabric, and occasionally many layers of fabric.
Furthermore, depending on the manufacturer, there are several safety locks. Some rotary cutters feature blades that open and close by pushing a button or lever, but others need you to squeeze the handle for the blade to appear and then release it.
Accuracy is essential for successful quilting, and you can only achieve it with precise measurements and cutting. As a result, your acrylic ruler (ideally a 12 12" square up ruler) should have clear markings because the ruler fades and becomes harder to read over time. We can't emphasise how important accuracy is in quilting enough, therefore your rulers should leave no room for error. Check that the ruler's edges are clean and free of nicks caused by rotary cutter overuse.