3 Things to Consider When Buying a Rotary Cutter

[@susanmei9980]

Even if you live alone, . . . Make sure you get in the habit of closing the blade; it’s easy to forget. I have no kids. One time, many years ago, I was babysitting my little niece; she was a toddler. I got busy in the kitchen for a couple minutes, and she had wandered into my sewing room (where I had been working several days before, had not realized I had not closed the blade). She wandered back into the kitchen with my bright, pretty yellow rotary cutter in her hand. WITH THE BLADE OPEN!!! Fortunately, she was holding onto the handle in the proper way, but I just about had a heart attack, seeing her with that open blade!!! I managed to stay calm and extract it from her hand safely, but boy that shook me up! So, I always try to remember to close the blade, but to be honest, it is so easy to forget. We should all probably remember to shut the door to our sewing room (& lock it too, perhaps) if we can, when small children are around, because there are plenty of other dangerous tools in there; scissors, pins, needles, punches, awls, seam rippers, paper cutters, you name it!

[@pamelawherey4583]

Susan Mei Thank you for sharing💜

[@jessta.teresa3782]

Thank you so much for this detailed comparison video, please allow me to share my notes 1. 0:43 What will you be cutting? Smaller blades: better for smaller projects, curves, tighter details Larger blades: better for cutting straight lines & bulk layers quicker 2. 4:10 Who has access to your supplies? Different safety measures remember to close immediately after cutting the deluxe handle cutter covers up automatically 3. 7:35 Are you right or left-handed? Only the deluxe handle cutter allows you to switch by installing the blade to the opposite side of the cutter.

[@LeticiaCuenca]

Thank you for the notes and time stamps :)

[@fionamckay]

Sounds silly now, but I never bought the Olfa before because I thought they were expensive. Bought a cheaper one and the blade never cut properly. Now that we're making masks, I sprang for the Olfa with the endurance blade and lockable handle and what a huge difference. It cuts so beautifully :) I wish I'd seen a video like this five years ago :) Never understood what the 18mm was for but that'll be in my Christmas stocking for sure this year:) Thank you.

[@munequa718]

I also tried a cheaper cutter and my mat paid the price. Better to get the quality cutter.

[@MistressQueenBee]

OMG, finally, someone that knows what they are talking about! I have been scared to buy a rotary cutter for years. So continue to cut with shears. But old age and old hands make that hard and I found you and your tips and tricks to ease me thru learning about cutters and mats. Thanks!

[@DelusionalAngel]

Thank you! I have an old very cheap cutter that always falls apart. Time to replace it and this helped me to decide.

[@karenboyd6293]

Great information. I wish I had this information 20 years ago. No matter who you are with, try hard to cover the blade every time you set it down. You can bump the blade while you work on the table. Ask me how I know this. The disadvantage the the ergonomic models is that you can cut thicker things with the other models. I disagree about which is easiest for lefties. All you need to do is turn the cutter over in the original style handle. I often cut with both hands and that is a lot easier with the standard handle.

[@stolenweirdness]

appreciate this so much! i'm new to sewing and have been looking into rotary cutters lately and have been lost on which to buy! this helps a lot.

[@charbel6708]

Thank you for such helpful guidance. I just clicked on your link and bought the one you recommended, 45mm

[@lauraruthruff4741]

A lot of people have questions regarding rotary cutters. Thanks for putting this together to help people decide.

[@erikdn]

I was surprised to hear you say that the olfa cutter with the sliding safety is more for right-handed people because the blade is on the left side. I am left handed, you just take it in your left hand with the knife on the right and you're done. Start cutting. But it is nice to hear that it is possible to switch the blade on the one with the handle, so lefties can also use it. Did not know that, thanks for the tutorial.

[@sleepybabe4]

Thanks so much for being so knowledgeable about these! The first cutter I ever bought was the fisker cutters and boy was that a mistake! So it scared me out of buying new ones. Now that I finally have the cajones to search for one and some more sewing knowledge, I wanted to get some insight on what to purchase this time

[@T_Nice]

You just don't even understand how much I appreciate this video and the knowledge that I have gained from it about rotary cutters!😅 Thank you so much!💝

[@photoclick1]

Vanessa, I am left handed. A tip for us south paws, any straight handle rotary cutter works for either a right or left handed person without switching the blade. The exception is the Olfa with the ergonomic handle.

[@deborahlong4417]

Martelli makes left handed ergonomic cutters.

[@jennaforesti]

Really appreciate this video because of your experience and breadth of options.

[@sewonra2294]

I love your video. I was confused in which one i should choose. Your tutorial really helped me in what to look for when it comes to rotary cutters. Thx

[@KelliLaineLewis]

What a great job you did!! Honestly, i had watched a few other vids on cutters & was drifting asleep (i should add I just ate some Caramel Creams aka 'cows eyes' so i was on my way to a sugar coma) when your voice WOKE ME UP BIG TIME & in a good way!! I got so much out of this video and now i'm off to purchase a rotary cutter instead of an afternoon snooze fest xo Pam, still Kelli's mom (yes of course i'm subscribing!)

[@deborahakers5548]

I could have used this info like 15 yrs ago as I kept buying different sizes. lol but that’s cool cause when my daughter in law will quilt with me I have extra’s! Thank you as your video was very helpful and newer people it will help them too! I have two cats that like to be ip on the table so I always close my cutters when I go to sew.

[@phylham1565]

Great info. I have used a wavy blade on my ergonomic cutter with no problem.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@ArkcessorizeYurself]

It actually glides smoother

[@saradavila7637]

Thank you, love the bloopers, lol some people think that taping is very easy.

[@gaylemae]

I used the Olga pinking blade on my fiskars, so it does work. I thought it would be for pinking the edges of my fabric before washing, but it didn’t cut evenly. I returned it

[@beckyb8808]

Thanks Vanessa. I would never have purchased a 60 ml because I don't cut very many layers at a time, didn't realize it would be more efficient for long strips!

[@RoeRoe123]

Great information! Thank you. I've been looking at the ergonomic one that's adjustable because of some arthritis in my right hand. The other choice would be the loopy one 🤔

[@saritagillett583]

Oh wow!!! I was just hunting on utube to see about this. I have one with the orange wheel style, I change the blade and got confuse how it belong while cutting.

[@semco72057]

I have the larger rotary cutter like the ones you showed us first and they was made by Friskers and they look great and I was looking for one to be used in quilting. I will look for a smaller one later on when I may be working with pattern pieces.

[@BoricuaSewingCrafts]

I prefer to use the KAI RS-45 Rotary Cutter. These are much safer than the Olga brand.

[@annacoats2988]

What about sharpening or replacing blades? I have seen little sharpeners. Should I do it myself or take the blade to be sharpened. Thanks for all your fantastic tips.

[@gaylemae]

Removing it and turning it over helps prolong the blade. The sharpeners are only a touch up, it doesn’t restore the edge. So it quickly goes dull. Better off getting a new one. I find my 28 mm lasts longer than the 45 mm, considering it goes around a smaller radius, but cuts better. As the 45 mm gets dull, it starts skipping and that’s annoying.

[@eleonoreloundermon2372]

I am just learning so much from you reg Rotarier. Thanks a lot

[@craft.eat.repeat.6376]

Such great info! I never knew there was so much to consider. Thanks for sharing!

[@dianecrews6130]

I like the same ones that you do for safety reasons but if you have arthritis or getting older you don't have the strength in your hands to squeeze that handle long enough to do very much cutting

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

You can use the pinking blade on anyone of the cutters. I always have with no trouble at all.

[@praiseworship8158]

You clearly touched all my doubts. Thanks.

[@pamelawherey4583]

Very useful information about all rotary cutters, thanks!!

[@windlessoriginals1150]

Thank you

[@dstuckey3561]

Thank you!💞

[@Loyal-cat]

Thank you for such an informative video. I am celebrating my birthday this week. So I must be a Crafty Gemini too. I have a question: Do you need separate rotary cutters for paper and for fabric. Can I use the rotary cutter to cut out my PDF pattern and the use the same one to cut my fabric? Thanks again, Kathy

[@gaylemae]

2 separate for paper & fabric. Just like your scissors, always buy the paper blades near the scrapbooking supplies. I write “Paper” on my fiskars handle so I know which one to use.

[@dtcraftsandpoerty]

Thanks 👍🏽

[@kriziabriones2595]

Absolutely informative and helpful! Thank you!!

[@Melissa-sews]

Thanks!! I think your amazon link is not clickable. It is not blue. I like the cutter with the auto safety feature.

[@EJsDaughter]

Thank you. I have all the sizes. The smallest I got for my circle cut ruler.

[@DarkAnarchy666]

What size would you recommend for small plushie making + their clothings? About 20cm tall in size, I think 18mm seems the best for small stuff like this. Also what if I don't use a mat?

[@twinstar9]

With no mat you would also be cutting whatever is under your project. You could use cardboard as a mat but it would dull your blade.

[@D0NTSPAZZ]

The matching pink and blue handled ones (ex. 8:22), and the pinking blade on the yellow handle are ambidextrous. Put it in the opposite hand and flip it over. You don’t even have to take the blade out

[@marypino3125]

Where and when are u holding retreats again. I want to come! I’m in Louisiana so not too far from you if you’re holding them in Florida. Road Trip! 😁

[@suzannajarvis1143]

Aren’t the Olfa splash rotary cutters ambidextrous? You can just turn it round to use in your left hand. 🙂

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Yup!

[@InLawsAttic]

What mat do you suggest for full size, dress making? Thank you, love your videos!

[@jillbruce4926]

Great info Vanessa. Thanks .

[@seasidestitches615]

Great. Thanks. Very clear and helpful.

[@DeepRootedwithTulani]

Thank you so very much extremely helpful and informative 💕💕💕

[@NikkiVelazquez]

I love that chair!

[@kyler.kinsey1188]

Thank you very much! Just saved me $30

[@deepscutee]

Thanks... That was really helpful 👍😊

[@enerostar83]

Have you tried the quilter’s select cutter? I really like the heft of it.

[@genafuscaldo6373]

Hi, I love this Video ~ There is a Blade called the Victorian Blade for Rotary Cutters, Have you ever used them ? I would love to see what time of decretive cut it has on Fabric ~ Would you Consider showing that Blade on Fabric ? I am now a Subscriber and Follower of you.. You explain things So Perfectly ~ I'm Impressed :)

[@sandykasi9329]

Hi where can I purchase this rotary cutter set reply regards Sandy Kasi South Africa Kzn Durban 🙏❤

[@janetgourley244]

Cutters with the sliding guard can be used left handed.... just turn them over.

[@kimworkman2425]

Really very helpful

[@KristinA-xv4yk]

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the various brands of rotary blades available. I’ve never used the name brands, bc I’m cheap lol, but am I really missing out? And have you ever used a rotary blade sharpener? Does it work? Is it worth the money?

[@susanmei9980]

Kristin A I tried the hand sharpener from Joann’s (don’t remember the brand, but it’s dark blue). I wasn’t impressed. But I learned later that if you have a nick in the blade (for example, if you ran over a pin) then sharpening the blade cannot fix that; only can fix a dull blade with no nicks in it. IDK if my blade had nicks in it or not; never tried it again, so I can’t say for sure. It works by putting your blade in one round section; then putting the other half of the sharpener on top, and twisting it back and forth. It has like diamond grit or something that is supposed to smooth the blade. Maybe try googling it and read other people’s reviews and see if it it worked well for them. I should probably try it again sometime, but life’s been crazy.

[@twinstar9]

@@susanmei9980 The Grace blade sharpener claims to fix nicks. It's $80 in Nov 2022.

[@susanmei9980]

@@twinstar9 I didn’t know that. Thx for letting me know. $80 is pricy, but I guess if it works …I think theirs is electric so maybe it’s more powerful. 💖

[@twinstar9]

@@susanmei9980 Well the reviews are poor I found out.

[@than-ngarmprayoonsakul2660]

Thank you for useful information

[@davidllewellyn3824]

Thank

[@matthewbarkley8920]

I will be cutting denim material. Would a 45 mm rotary cutter be best? Even for curves?

[@jenchow92342]

Same question!

[@twinstar9]

Why can't one turn the pink one over for lefties?

[@tracybeasley440]

Are you still in business there in Gainsville? We were there today but it was closed?

[@pennygregg8439]

My son decided to use my rotary cutter while wrapping gifts. He cut off the tip of his finger... never again do I leave my cutters out. Thanks for this tutorial... really good safety tips. Mine_by_Penelope

[@carrollast5818]

What about replacement blades?

[@wildaprovo1546]

I know you sew lots of quilts, do you always cut using a rotary cutter or do you a fabric cutter also?

[@tinkymoltinkymol5516]

Hai, mam i am your new subscriber, i watch some viedo and like it, where is your place

[@dale3404]

I have three and find the tiny one doesn’t work well.

[@dale3404]

That should have been four.

[@user-cr8zu1tz2q]

Hi, how to contact you?

[@bowlweevil4161]

I power my rotary cutter with my tractor