How to Use a Rotary Fabric Cutter

Use a rotary fabric cutter to speed-cut quilt pieces.

Rotary cutting tools are a must for quick and easy fabric cutting. A favorite with quilters, rotary tools are also useful for a variety of paper-crafting projects. A rotary fabric cutter eliminates the tedious job of cutting identical pieces individually with scissors. Instead, you can cut multiple layers of fabric or paper simultaneously with minimal effort. Combined with the requisite self-healing mat and non-slip ruler, a rotary fabric cutter is indispensable for quilters and crafters alike. The rotary cutter blade is razor sharp, however, making safe and proper use of the rotary cutter essential.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric (pre-washed and ironed)
• Rotary fabric cutter
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Non-slip acrylic quilter's ruler(s)

Instructions

1. Place the self-healing mat on a stable, flat surface with the desired side facing up. One side usually has horizontal and vertical measurements and may also have various angle markings, while the other side is plain. Use the markings on the mat in conjunction with the markings on the ruler, if desired, or use the plain side of the mat and rely on the ruler markings alone.

2. Position the fabric on the mat and place the non-slip rotary ruler in position atop the fabric. For best results, cut through no more than six to eight layers of fabric at one time.

3. Unlock the rotary cutter blade by moving the safety button or lever to the cutting position. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for guidance, if necessary, as safety features and mechanisms vary by brand.

4. Hold the ruler firmly in place with your non-dominant hand. Place your entire hand on the ruler and press down, or place one or two fingers against the ruler on the side opposite where the cut will be made and press down on the ruler with the rest of your hand. Never allow your fingers or any part of your hand near the edge of the ruler against which the rotary cutter will move.

5. Hold the rotary cutter in your dominant hand and place the edge of the rotary cutter blade against the edge of the ruler. Press down gently but firmly and cut through the fabric layers away from your body in a smooth, continuous motion.

6. For additional cuts to the same piece of fabric, carefully pick up the ruler and pivot the mat rather than move the fabric. Reposition the ruler and complete the necessary cuts.

7. Close and re-lock the rotary fabric cutter blade by moving the safety button or lever to the locked position.

Tips & Warnings

• Swap the rotary blade to the other side of the cutter for left-hand cutting, if necessary.

• Change the blade immediately if it gets dull or nicked.

• Rotary cutters come in several sizes. Match the size of cutter to job at hand.

• Use dulled rotary blades to cut paper.

• Use only non-slip rulers made specifically for rotary cutting.

• Even non-slip rulers may slip at times. Place double sided tape or self-adhesive rubber dots on the bottom side of the ruler to increase control.

• Some cutters require pressure to expose the blade during cutting, while others expose the blade continuously when unlocked. Take extra precaution to avoid accidental cuts with the latter type of cutter.

• Keep your fingers well away from the rotary cutting blade at all times.

• Never use the same blade to cut both paper and fabric, as cutting paper dulls the blade.

Resources

• Jo-Ann Stores: Rotary Cutting