The rotary cutter has revolutionized the cutting part of sewing. It makes cutting faster, easier, safer, and more accurate than traditional sewing shears.



The rotary cutter is functionally a handle with a circular blade attached on one end. While the rotary cutter is quick and easy, there are some important considerations or tips to follow for maximum safety and success.

Keep safety first. While the rotary cutter comes with a convenient protective shield, when the shield is drawn back, the sharp razor like blade is exposed. Caution: It is sharp and will cut fingers and more. Prevent accidents by always practicing proper cutting techniques. Keep out of the reach of children. Never run with the rotary cutter.

Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to exchange blades that are dull or nicked. Avoid pins, staples, paperclips, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other obstructions. Keep the shield over the blade at all times when the tool is not in use.

Maintain the rotary cutter in peak conditions at all times. Keep it clean. Avoid oils, lint, debris, and pins.

To use the rotary cutter, hold it in your hand and align your index finger with the blade. Use your finger as a guide to maintain good control. Do not tense up your wrist.

Use the rotary cutter solely on a fully supported cutting surface. Never use a rotary cutter without its rotary cutting mat. Use the cutting mat on a stable cutting table capable of supporting the cutting process.

Lay out your fabric on top of the cutting mat. Clear away any debris, lumps, bumps, etc. Keep the fabric flat and smooth.

Plastic rulers sometimes tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.

Line up the cutter blade with the edge of the ruler. Grasp the handle at about a 45 degree angle. Pull the guard back. Press down firmly as your roll the cutter forward along the edge.

The cutter does a fine job, but you must be careful to keep your body under control. The position of your hands, arms, feet, and body must be well controlled. One hand should rest firmly on the ruler to support the cutting with the other hand. Simply, do not reach beyond what you are comfortable. You can slip and make a mess. Also never cross over one hand with your cutter. Think safety first.

Again, never reach in an clumsy manner. Using a non slip ruler makes it easy to walk your support hand along the ruler while you cut. The procedure is easy to do. When you feel uncomfortable with your reach, stop the cut. Do not move the ruler or the cutter. Move your support hand forward to a comfortable support position and start cutting again. Keep steady pressure on the cutter to the end of the cut.

At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always seal the blade after every cut. Every time up put the cutter down, make certain the safety is covering the blade. No one wants to get cut. It is also a good idea to wear shoes when cutting. Remember, respect the razor sharp rotary blade at all times.

The more you learn about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become. Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.