Top 13 Best Rotary Cutter For Sewing Of 2024
Brandon Forder May 6, 2024 8:28 PM
Faster fabric cutting means more time for fun sewing. Cutting fabric with rotary blades will revolutionize your quilting experience. Seriously! Find out why they're so great and where to get your hands on a whole bunch in the following paragraphs.
Try using a rotary cutter once, and you'll never go back to a regular utility knife. In addition to cutting through multiple layers of fabric at once, rotary cutters, when used in conjunction with a metal or acrylic ruler, can help you quickly and accurately cut large amounts of cloth to precise dimensions. And it means more time for the sewing part!
When I first started using one, I had already completed a couple of simple quilts and was having trouble getting clean cuts when assembling the blocks. My old pair of fabric shears struggled to cut in a straight line, and my seams were misaligned. I knew I was hooked on quilting as soon as I bought a rotary cutter and quilting ruler to complement the old cutting mat I'd been using for years for card making. There has been no turning back for me. I'm not exaggerating when I say that learning to use a rotary cutter to cut fabric has been a game-changer, and that the process of laying out fabrics and cutting them to size has become one of my favorite parts of starting a new quilt project. Moreover, I can finally make square quilt blocks.
Please, if you're a fellow quilter, invest in a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and acrylic quilting ruler. How much time and effort they save you when cutting out small pieces for piecing together into quilt blocks is beyond your wildest imagination. I realize I probably sound like a rotary cutter fanatic, and that's because I am. If my blade has dulled and is becoming difficult to use, I switch to a fresh one and experience a thrilling rush as I see my sharpened cutter effortlessly slice through multiple layers of fabric.
This article will explain what a rotary cutter is, how to use one, and which models are the best. If you try them out, I think you'll become a fan just as I did.
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Types
Angular Rotary Cutter
For the most part, I use this style for cloth cutting. Neither a curve nor an ergonomic touch have been incorporated into the design. Simple and effective, they are just what you need.
Electric Rotary Cutter
An electric rotary cutter is exactly what it sounds like. These were originally designed more for industrial use than for home sewing, but a more manageable electric rotary cutter is now available for domestic use.
When I was in fashion school, I used one to quickly and accurately cut several strips of knit fabric. Afterward, my arm was tingling from the vibrations for days.
Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
The ergonomic rotary cutter, also known as a contour rotary cutter, is designed to be held with greater comfort than conventional, squared-off models.
Size
Most rotary tools are sold in the following dimensions:
45mm
The 45mm offers a general-purpose 45mm blade that is most effective when cutting a single layer of fabric. Although this size is best for single layers of thin material, a few choices are provided below that can safely cut through multiple layers.
60mm
Ideal for use with heavier substances. A blade with a diameter of 60 millimeters can easily slice through foam, albeit it was designed for cutting much thicker materials. Thicker than paper, felt, or leather fabrics. One common 60mm may slice through several layers of material at once.
Blade quality
Of equal importance to finding the sharpest blade is the material it was made from. Most frequently encountered are tungsten steel, high-grade alloys, and plain steel. Anything having copper or iron in it should be avoided because it will cause the blade to rust. It's also important to think about the blade's shape, which is often tapered at the edges and more robust in the middle.
Blade guard
Simple, yet it could prevent you from accidentally slashing your fingers. In the event that your fingers slide while you are cutting, this plastic and fiber shield will keep them safe.
Blade switches
There are two kinds, one that pulls the blade out from its sheath and the other that locks it there. Ideally, the controls for these features would be conveniently located on the handle of the rotary cutter.
Miscellaneous
Beyond these five basics, further features are icing on the cake. Optional features may include a carrying case, spare blades, the flexibility to use blades from any manufacturer, helpful instructions, and other grips.
Comfort and Safety Features
There are essentially three distinct styles of rotary cutter on the market today. When not in use, each one protects the blade.
The simplest kind, sometimes known as a "stick cutter," consists of a simple handle and a button to slide the cutting wheel into place. These operate fine but aren't often made with comfort in mind.
The second option has a trigger-style grip that is squeezed to fire. An improved, more knife-like grip is one of its many advantages, according to reviewers. You can lower the blade by squeezing the handle. When you release your grip, the blade immediately returns to its protected position, providing an extra layer of security.
The third design, although still providing a knife-like grasp, has a more substantial grip and a convenient loop for hanging (finger guard). The blade may be advanced for cutting by sliding it forward, and it can be locked in position. Although people with particularly large hands may find it uncomfortable, this style is among the most popular options.
Accessories
The greatest rotary cutter may be made even more useful with the help of a number of different add-ons. First, a well-made sewing table is needed. Although it may seem unnecessary, a sewing table allows for a good working height and a designated spot to keep supplies and tools.
An additional useful tool is a cutting mat that can repair itself after being damaged. Besides having a grid for precise alignment, its cutting surface is made to be smooth and non-stick. When used with heavy cutting, a cutting mat can extend the life of the blade and be used for many years.
As an alternative, you might amass a set of transparent acrylic quilting rulers that can be placed on top of fabric while the pattern is being worked on. With the included square and diagonal grids, you can make precise cuts every time.
Why Use a Rotary Cutter?
In the realm of sewing, a rotary cutter is one of the most indispensable instruments. No faith in us? Then, picture this elementary situation in which you need to divide a square of fabric in two.
The prudent action to do is to use a scale to make a clean horizontal cut along the middle, and then draw a line with some sewing chalk along the new horizontal line. But how exactly do you plan to slice it?
A tailor's knife can be useful, but if you don't have someone to assist you, you might as well not bother. If you can hold the fabric tightly while cutting along the designated line, then a knife makes sense. However, what if you need accuracy but don't have a helper?
The rotary cutter is the instrument of choice; it is a handy handheld cutting tool that can be used to efficiently slice through any fabric or paper. It can solve all your cutting problems independently of any other resources.
What can you cut with a rotary cutter?
A rotary cutter can be used to cut through a wide range of materials, from leather and other hides to rubber and synthetics. Paper crafts might also benefit from their use.
What size rotary cutter do I need?
That depends on the materials you're cutting and the precision you require. In general, a larger cutter is more suited for cutting through thicker layers of material and more resilient materials, while a smaller cutter is better suited for making precise cuts and cutting through fewer layers.
Choosing the right rotary cutter might be challenging due to the wide variety available. Don't forget to consider the cloth you'll be utilizing and the thickness of it. This is important since it will tell you how powerful of a blade you need. The Fiskars Titanium is the ideal option for cutting through sturdy materials like canvas and denim. The Omnigrid rotary cutter is an excellent option for use with delicate fabrics like chiffon.
How skilled you are at cutting cloth should also be taken into account. Choose a rotary cutter with safety locks if you're just starting out in the world of sewing and quilting.
Finally, if you are left-handed, be very selective while choosing a rotary cutter. Many commonly used tools are geared toward the right hand. Using them may cause considerable discomfort and fatigue for people with left-handedness. Look for a cutter, like the Olfa Deluxe, that caters to both right- and left-handed users.
