How to Sharpen a Fiskars Quilt Cutting Blade

Cut quilt pieces easily with a sharpened Fiskars quilt cutting blade.

Rotary tools allow quilters to cut of multiple layers of fabric quickly. Frequent or extensive use can dull the cutting blade, however, making it less effective. Although some quilters choose to buy new cutting blades, you can sharpen dull blades either professionally or at home, saving money and resources. The cost of professional sharpening commonly ranges from 50 cents to $2 per blade, while you can buy a rotary blade sharpener for home use for $15 to $30, depending on type.

Things You'll Need

• Rotary blade sharpener
• Light sewing machine oil or sharpening oil
• Fabric scrap

Instructions

Getting Ready to Sharpen a Fiskars Quilt Cutting Blade

1. Read the instructions for the rotary blade sharpener to ensure that it is the right size for the blade you wish to sharpen.

2. Remove the blade. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the blade from the Fiskars Rotary Cutter. Lay the pieces aside neatly for easy reassembly.

3. Inspect the blade for irreparable damage. Sharpening will remove small burrs and restore the razor edge. You cannot sharpen blades with actual nicks in the cutting edge. Discard badly damaged blades.

Sharpening with a Dual Rotary Blade Sharpener

1. Carefully place the blade between the pieces of the handle and tighten. Add a drop of light sewing machine or sharpening oil to the blade.

2. Grasp one side of the handle and place the blade against the course side of the sharpener. Twist the handle back and forth eight to 10 times to remove burrs.

3. Grab the other side of the handle and repeat to sharpen the other side of the blade.

4. Turn the sharpener over to the smooth side and repeat the above steps to finish the sharpening process.

5. Reinsert the blade in the rotary cutter and test on a scrap of fabric to check for adequate sharpness and to remove excess oil.

Sharpening with an Orbital Sharpener

1. Place the blade over the spindle inside the protective housing of the orbital sharpener and add a few drops of oil around the edge of the blade.

2. Place the coarse grinding wheel inside the cover and place the cover onto the base, over the blade.

3. Lay the sharpener flat on a firm surface or hold in one hand. Keeping the base steady, hold the knob and press down lightly while turning in a circular motion 30 to 50 times.

4. Remove the blade and turn over. Repeat the above steps to sharpen the other side.

5. Place the fine grinding wheel inside the cover and repeat the above process to finish sharpening the blade.

6. Before removing the blade from the orbital sharpener, carefully wipe the excess oil from the blade with fabric.

7. Reinsert the blade in the rotary cutter and test for adequate sharpness on a scrap of fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Some blades are worn beyond repair. Discard blades that are not improved by sharpening.

• Discard blades safely. Place between two layers of cardboard cut larger than the blade and tape the perimeter securely.

• Even dull rotary cutting blades can cut skin. Always handle blades with extreme care.

References

• Quilter's Review: Rotary Blade Sharpener Saves Money
• USA Sharpeners: Orbital Rotary Cutter Blade Sharpener