One of the most vital tools in making a patchwork quilt is a rotary cutter. I remember how I used to draw lines on fabric, then cut out my pieces with scissors.
I just cringe at even the thought of that now. So where do you start when purchasing your first rotary cutter?
Well there are lots of types of cutters available, all with different size blades, different shaped handles and a selection of protective sheaths.
Usually bigger blades are used to chop through thicker fabric such as flannelette, or a number of layers of cloth at one point. Though the more fabric layers you cut through the less precise you can become. So it's best when starting to just start with one or two layers to gain confidence.
Blade Sizes
Rotary cutters come in several different sizes which include 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm in diameter. Smaller blades are great for cutting around curves, small templates, and finer work but you'll find usually the bigger blades will be more useful.
The 45mm is the most widely used and a good selection for all general fabric cutting needs. You'll find this size is the one you reach for the most.
New Blades and Sharpening
When you purchase a rotary cutter it'll routinely include one blade and occasionally a spare. It can be quite costly buying new blades every time they get blunt. What is so great about these blades is that they can be sharpened!
The sharpeners are available in diverse sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it needs to be replaced.
The down side is if you have more that one size blade you'll need to purchase a sharpener for each size. Something to contemplate when purchasing different size cutters.
If however your blade has a nick out of it, maybe from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you may doubtless not be able to sharpen it acceptably and it'll need to get replaced.
Ensure you buy the right blade for your cutter as the hole shape in the centre of the blade varies according to the type of cutter. As an example, "Kai" cutters have a round mounting hole with two squares cut out of it on opposite sides, while Olfa blades have a triangular shaped mounting hole.
That is it for this article, keep your eyes open for part 2 where we cover handles and maintenance.
Until then, happy quilting!
I just cringe at even the thought of that now. So where do you start when purchasing your first rotary cutter?
Well there are lots of types of cutters available, all with different size blades, different shaped handles and a selection of protective sheaths.
Usually bigger blades are used to chop through thicker fabric such as flannelette, or a number of layers of cloth at one point. Though the more fabric layers you cut through the less precise you can become. So it's best when starting to just start with one or two layers to gain confidence.
Blade Sizes
Rotary cutters come in several different sizes which include 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm in diameter. Smaller blades are great for cutting around curves, small templates, and finer work but you'll find usually the bigger blades will be more useful.
The 45mm is the most widely used and a good selection for all general fabric cutting needs. You'll find this size is the one you reach for the most.
New Blades and Sharpening
When you purchase a rotary cutter it'll routinely include one blade and occasionally a spare. It can be quite costly buying new blades every time they get blunt. What is so great about these blades is that they can be sharpened!
The sharpeners are available in diverse sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it needs to be replaced.
The down side is if you have more that one size blade you'll need to purchase a sharpener for each size. Something to contemplate when purchasing different size cutters.
If however your blade has a nick out of it, maybe from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you may doubtless not be able to sharpen it acceptably and it'll need to get replaced.
Ensure you buy the right blade for your cutter as the hole shape in the centre of the blade varies according to the type of cutter. As an example, "Kai" cutters have a round mounting hole with two squares cut out of it on opposite sides, while Olfa blades have a triangular shaped mounting hole.
That is it for this article, keep your eyes open for part 2 where we cover handles and maintenance.
Until then, happy quilting!
About the Author:
To get some more excellent tips about the best way to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt website now!
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