How to Replace a Fabric Rotary Cutting Blade

For garment making, home sewing and especially quilting, rotary cutters are fast replacing scissors for fabric cutting. They are light and maneuverable, while still being strong enough to cut multiple layers of fabric at one time. After a while the blades do get dull, but it's a very simple process to change out the blade and make your rotary cutter as sharp as new.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open the package that the new blade comes in. Leave the blade in the package but have it close to hand.

2. Lay the rotary cutter on a table or flat surface, with the nut on the top side. Grasp the handle firmly and loosen the nut by turning it toward the left. When the nut is completely loosened, it will come off. Set it aside.

3. Lift up the cutter by the handle. The bolt that was attached to the nut will remain on the table, along with the blade.

4. Remove the blade from the bolt very carefully. Replace the old blade with the new one. Put the old blade into the package that the new blade came in, for safe disposal.

5. Slip the rotary cutter handle back onto the bolt, and replace the nut. Turn the nut to the right to tighten it, securing the new blade.

Tips & Warnings

• Seal the package with the old blade with a bit of masking tape to prevent it from falling out and cutting someone.
• Rotary cutter blades are razor blades, so handle and dispose of them very carefully.

Resources

• Tutorial on using a rotary cutter