Rotary Cutting

Rotary Cutter - Have a sharp blade and replace it when necessary. The 45 mm blade is a versatile size, and the 60 mm is really nice to cut with. The 28 mm one is too small for quiltmaking. I prefer the Olfa brand, personally, but any reputable brand is fine. If you get the kind that closes automatically when you lift the cutter from the mat, you won't get nagged by the teacher as much. 

FOR LEFTIES: If you bought an Olfa ergonomic or Fiskars rotary cutter, you need to make sure you have it set up for left-handed cutting. As they come from the package, they will work for right-handed people. You need to CAREFULLY disassemble the blade setup and reassemble it with the blade on the opposite side of the cutter.

Cutting Mat - Get the largest you can afford and have room for. Store it flat. I keep mine under the couch. Some have a hole to hang it from, which is nice. It should have a good clear grid and several diagonal lines.

Rulers - Most people start with the 6" x 24" ruler. You should have one ruler that reaches across the width of your folded fabric. The 12 1/2" square is my personal favorite. After you have one, you will want them all. It is very helpful to have a small one (a 6" square or a 3" x 12") for cutting small pieces. Get one that doesn't have much friction on the back. A ruler with dark and bright lines will be readable on dark and light fabrics. 

Cover the blade every time you set it down!!!

Ways to straighten the edge of the fabric:

Fold fabric in half, align the selvedges so it hangs straight at the fold and cut across the width, using the mat grid and ruler. 
Pull a thread and cut with scissors.
Snip and tear (and then trim with the rotary cutter)

How to cut the fabric:

Fold the fabric carefully in halves or in quarters

Align the fabric with the lines on the mat. Place the cut (straightened) edge under your left hand and the bulk of the fabric to your right. (If you are right handed) 

Measure your first strip. Align the ruler carefully with the lines on the mat. Hold the ruler firmly in place with the left hand.

With the rotary cutter in your right hand, start just before the edge of the fabric and cut away from yourself. Keep the blade firmly against the edge of the ruler. 

Keep the blade handle at an angle greater than 45 degrees (primarily for straight cutters like the Olfa original cutter) Hold it like a pizza cutter. 

If the blade is nicked, it will leave threads uncut and should be replaced.

After the first cut, lift the ruler and slide it into position for the next strip. 

Cover the blade every time you set it down!!!

© 2001 Catherine Timmons

If you found this article helpful, please feel free to print a copy for your personal use. If you would like to publish it in your quilt guild newsletter or share it elsewhere, please email me for permission - cathe@gloryquilts.com.

© 2004 Nyberg Network