Rotary Cutters.. Do you use them? Like them or are you afraid of them? Fear not.. They rule in the sewing world. When I was in design school, I spent a 6 months studying abroad in London, England. At the same time, I interned at a very small, yet high end fashion company called Boudicca. Looking back, I think I spent 4 months sitting on top of long drafting tables cutting patterns and fabric with a rotary cutter. Seriously. I could cut a curve with my eyes closed. Except I didn’t cause the fabric was so expensive! From there it was love at first blade..
Here are a few tips on using this awesome tool. Ps.. Give your fabric a nice press before you start cutting!!
1. Bindings and cutting a straight line.. Please use a ruler! Creative Grids makes a great ruler. It has little grippers on the bottom that help hold your fabric in place. Start by lining your ruler up against the straight edge of the fabric. As in the image below, I have lined the ruler grid up with the selvage.
2. With one hand, press down firmly on the ruler. Hold the rotary cutter in the other hand. Open the blade and lay it against the ruler. At the same time, place the cutter at the selvage edge and start rolling it gently and firmly into the fabric. The little grippers on the bottom of the ruler will help keep it stable and in place.
3. Continue cutting until the momentum slows down. Stop, but do NOT lift the rotary cutter. Slowly lift the hand that has been pressing down onto the ruler and gently walk it upwards to a new position on the ruller. Press down again and start rolling the cutter again. Continue as needed until you have cut the entire length desired.
Well. That’s it. What do you think? Easier than it looks. Pick up an Olfa or Fiskars Rotary Cutter this weekend and try it for your next project. I am partial to the Olfa brand. I still have still have the SAME rotary cutter from 2003!! I’d like another one, but that’s another story..
Have a great weekend. Happy sewing
You do make it look easy. Where can I buy a rotary cutter. I might give it a go
You can buy rotary cutters at most fabric stores. Check out Olfa.com for locations. Joann Fabric also carries the Fiskars brand.
How do you use it on curves? Does it just take practice? My efforts are terrible and I usually end up using scissors? Thanks for your help.
Hi. Thanks for stopping by. I agree that curves can be tricky. I spent months cutting curves and patterns at an internship at University. It takes time and repetition. I bet you are on the right track, just need to do it more often. I found this video tutorial. Check it out here and let me know how it goes:
http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/tutorial-cutting-curves-with-a-rotary-cutter/