Electric Scissors vs. Rotary Cutters | Which Is Best For Sewing?

Have you tried electric scissors or rotary cutters for your sewing projects? Which is best? Are they better than a good pair of sewing scissors? What kinds of fabric can they cut through? Are they loud? We're testing them out on all types of fabrics like cotton, jersey, spandex, layers of denim, and leather.
Electric Scissors:
Electric Rotary Cutter:
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[@obsidiansea]

So, so helpful!!! I wanted to get a pair of electric scissors to improve the quality of what I sew because when you use fabric shears, even good quality ones, it kind of lifts the fabric too much when you are working with a delicate or stretchy fabric. Wasn't sure which to order, now I do.

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

My hands were paralyzed 23 years ago and they have closed from atrophy. I can not use regular scissors without a miracle from God. I noticed that you have to press the button continuously for the first one. I do wish you were able to test a rotary cutter that has a platform underneath it because that is supposed to hold the fabric closer to the cutter blade. I thank you for doing this. It surprised me that the scissor blades did a better job than the rotary blade. I’m also not going to be able to press on a button constantly. I’m definitely more educated about it than I was before I watched your video.

[@JenniferMorganRaine]

Helped me figure out the solution to a material issue, and most importantly, may I just say: this lady is adorable and so flipping pleasurable and uplifting to watch. Thank you for sharing your sweetness, knowledge and joy! More energy and vibes of this in the world please and thank you:)

[@BlueprintDIY]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@grannyklampit1710]

Using sewing clips might make a difference cutting through thick layers. They definitely have their place with volume, maybe to prevent fatigue, but not every project due to the noise. Thanks for reviewing these.

[@thomashilson4158]

You are ridiculously gorgeous!!! Back on subject. I accepted the supervisor's position in a 20-member Upholstery Plant a month ago, after a 15 year absence from the apparel industry. Although, I do not have this background, I have supervised automatic and semi-automatic cutting sections (Bierrebi's, Gerber's, Pathfinders) and supervised sewing machine operators at another plant. I was appalled to see my current shop with a cutting section using only conventional scissors (carpal tunnel invite). Never saw rotary cutters or electric scissors. We can't afford the cutting systems I am accustomed. It was very refreshing to come across this video. For us, I think the rotary cutters would work well for our fabrics and the electric scissors for the poster boards we used. Thank you, ma'am!!!!

[@blueiris6813]

Thanks for this, as someone who gets hand cramps/pain if I use scissors too much, the electric scissors look like a great option for curves, while my manual rotary cutters are great for straight cuts.

[@Kati_k_kuriosz]

Thank you for your review. My arthritis is affecting my hands and having a non biased opinion helps.

[@Borsia]

2 things I would have liked to have seen. 1. how do they work on super thin fabrics like silk or satin, which my standard rolling cutter doesn't do well on. 2. the Walowalo on the heavy stuff using the D blade. I actually have both of these in my Amazon cart trying to decide which or both. Thanks for the video.

[@zertiboy]

As a fashion designer I am sceptic on the precision of these machines... especially for delicate material & complex uptight patterns..

[@coletteverley2527]

I inherited an old pair of electric scissors from my MIL years ago. I left them in a drawer and finally took them out recently to try them. These have to be at least 40 years old, but I LOVE them. Unfortunately, they are limited to how long they'll work. But I've used them enough to know that I definitely want a new pair for Christmas! So much easier to handle than I expected.

[@vlayday]

Thank you for checking these out for us. I was glad to see your review before I went and bought either one. Good to know the noise level and how clean the cut from either.

[@michellewood6030]

Thank you for the brilliant video. The electric rotary cutter gets my vote. My brother loaned me a cutter to chop damaged uniforms at work, to turn into rags for the workshop. Brilliant for thick polar fleece and thick cotton work pants with cargo pockets etc. Maybe harder to use for intricate patterns or delicate fabrics that require accuracy - I'd be inclined to do those by hand.

[@jeanlubrano9412]

Sure wish they came in left handed version, guess I'll have to check into that! Thanks for your info. Keep up this great work!

[@richardbradley2641]

How is the scissor device not left-handed? with the blade and switch both in the middle of the device? I'm left-handed and have a rotary cutter and I use it fine

[@thomashilson4158]

​@@richardbradley2641 The blade IS NOT in the center of the device; it's on the left side of the device, making it a right-handers tool.

[@troyphillips896]

I love you! You are so much fun to watch and you explain things so a newbie like me can understand! Thank you.

[@jerushacarlson]

Love this!!! My friend got some electric scissors for her sewing business. I’ve been intrigued ever since.

[@tomicorevilak7710]

I'm curious how these work for left handers? How would they work for people with compromised hand mobility?

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

Precisely! I bet someone who would focus on that need could get a lot more views than they would think.

[@Zalzany]

Yeah I got some nerve damage in my right hand it still works but its not great at a lot of hands on repeative work. But I want to mess with an embroidery machine, and sew. I found a nice brother machine that can do both, and computerised sewing part of it plus the stepper well makes that antique sewing machine my family had look like antique, and before I thought that sewing would need too much delicate work with my hands. Now I kind realizing with modern tech I can do quality stuff with a computerized machine, issue was cutting fabric, a little fine a lot no go lol. So this video really helped me as people I know do only like once a year sewing and they just use old machincal sewing machine, and hand sheers. But yeah I can deal with noise, my main issue is can I do good work, and then wich one to get scissors or the rotarary. ANd yeah as a guy deifnatly leaned more torawds rotary lol But yeah I like how the clippers are more clean But thank you for the video really good info.

[@BlueprintDIY]

Yes, I think the rotary would work well for you.

[@brendaromanuck1280]

I thank you so much for the test of both of these products. I have recked shoulders and using a rotary cutter just kills me with pain so have been wondering what is out there for me. Both of these sure have given me some insight and the fact that you have to press 2 buttons while operating makes me not be a fan. The rotary cutter looked so huge and bulky too. I would love to see you do a review on the rotary cutter that is attached to a metal ruler. It has a button on top of the cutter that you hold down while you slide the blade along the fabric. I have seen them used in a few youtube videos but they don't seem to be too easy to find online. Wondering if their popularity is down for a reason?? Loved this video you did and can't wit to see more. Thanks

[@Angel_Hearted50]

Remember the shape of the blade on the orange cutter, that could contribute to the jagged edges when cutting fabric. Therefore you really can't say it doesn't perform well as the other. Then additionally it wasn't intended for whimsical fabrics, probably for that point. Overall thanks for demonstrating. I make signs for advertising a yard sale or even now for a wall sign for my sons school project. Crafting with thick materials for the orange cutter, and sewing projects, especially with hands consume with pain from arthritis or carpal tunnel conditions. Thanks for the review. I am in need of both.

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

I seriously think you read minds 😅 I'm battling about purchasing electric scissors for an upcoming project and I'm so conflicted about it. Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@lucky0n3]

Ooh, would you be willing to do a walking foot sewing machine comparison review, Angelina?? I know this would be quite a commitment of time and resources but ever since seeing your Sailrite, I have been wondering about the more affordable brands out there!!

[@NoemiLeNetteArts]

I’d like to see that! I have one and haven’t touched it yet. Not sure if it’s worth the time and effort.

[@BlueprintDIY]

If I get the opportunity, I’ll definitely do it. What brands are you interested in seeing me try?

[@NoemiLeNetteArts]

I’ve got the Singer brand. I take one look at the instruction manual and eyeballs go sideways 😖

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

yes, yes yes! I love your product reviews - an electric rotary is my go-to bc changing the blades is easier, and some models even let you sharpen it!

[@rinawallace1962]

Which electric rotary cutter do you use and recommend? Thanks much!

[@BlueprintDIY]

That’s nice to know. Thanks!

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

@@rinawallace1962 Hi! I bought mine from taobao, it's one with a yellow handle and a 60mm blade, and cost around $35 for me. So sorry I couldn't give you a brand. If it helps, I heard great things about the Hercules brand, with a red handle, but that was $100+ and out my budget!

[@worldsking3]

Thank you so much for this video comparison. Cheers.

[@VitalityMassage]

Thank you!

[@lindahalyday6306]

Thank you great demonstration and very informative, helped me to decide

[@andreastewart4215]

I have the zip snip but now watching this video I think I want to go get the other pair of electric scissors also and have both as they both will have their purposes, separate purposes.

[@theneesydog1785]

Thank you VERY much for this!! Much appreciated! All the best to you and yours. 🌻

[@BlueprintDIY]

Thank you 💕

[@emilyhergh]

Thank you so much for all the information

[@jenniferkelly7241]

you can use a can opener to open the plastic that new products come in to make our life harder than it has to be. the can opener cuts the top layer of plastic so it pops right off.

[@mdavisscadedu]

Very helpful. These videos are both well conceived and delivered beautifully. I'm very curious about the next model up from the bottom-price electric rotary cutters you examined in this video. It might be worth the money if the next model at twice the price is better at cutting fabric. And, even then, would you need separate rotary cutters for specific materials? For those of us who are older, more "seasoned," the amount of pressure I need to exert on a scissors often determines if I can work with a material. I own lots of leather and invested in an industrial machine for sewing the leather. I've yet to experiment with cutting various pieces of leather I have accumulated over the years.

[@ThreadandFibre]

Thank you for this video. It was really helpful.

[@rennkay3291]

thank you...a great demo

[@monicalewis.73]

TY FOR SHARING! NEW SUBSCRIBED! I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE ELECTRIC SCISSORS AND ROTARY BECAUSE OF A DISABLITY.

[@BlueprintDIY]

The scissors had a button you could engage and they would just keep going without pressure from your thumb. The rotary cutter had to be pressed the whole time. That might be difficult for someone with arthritis or a disability that affects hand strength.

[@monicalewis.73]

@@BlueprintDIY TY

[@past_life_project]

What an excellent video ! thank you for making it

[@lateefajohnson61]

Omg thanks for this video because I sure needed this

[@danamatsukawa4762]

The electric rotary scares me. I have been known to damage my fingers with a regular one. When my daughter was a child, she referred to my rotary cutter as the wheel of death. An electric one just seems too dangerous for me. lol I have used electric scissors in the past. I found that the cutting surface dulled pretty quickly with the ones I owned.

[@BlueprintDIY]

If it fulls fast, that’s a total bummer.

[@RalphReagan]

I have to agree :)

[@nokeechia]

Most electric rotary cutters are designed to only have a small space which cuts, hence why there seems to be issues around the thicker materials. I would hope that you wouldn't be able to get your finger stuck in those

[@napa1617]

as one with both manual and electric rotary (i dont do fabric work, thats my gf, i use them to cut composites like fiberglass/carbon fiber), ill let you know that the electric seems wayyyy safer-its hard to get a cut with it unlike the normal pizza-cutter style rotary cutters

[@tomicorevilak7710]

You may consider clips or weights for leather or things you don't want to put holes in.

[@vc9732]

I have the electric scissors and to muffle the sound a bit I lay down corkboard and that seems to absorb some of the noise. It also cuts about four layers pretty easily.

[@BlueprintDIY]

Good tip 👍🏾

[@monachinn1576]

Than for the review on the cutters.

[@patriciareaves8315]

Thinking scissors might be good when having hand issues. I have a ? Tried to find instructions on sleeve with French cuff . Have a shirt with cuffs and want to up cycle shirt f to wear to my grandsons graduation. I ❤ that shirt

[@BlueprintDIY]

Sure! Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6e6c4mZjLR2isU

[@dacrayzblaze1]

I'm planning on using the electric scissors for cutting denim cuz it's so hard on my hands or maybe if I'm cutting something that has a lot of parts

[@BlueprintDIY]

Yes, they’ll be good for that. 👍🏾

[@donnastroud9294]

Thanks for the info

[@donnastroud9294]

You are welcome

[@tlcbear411]

Thanks for reviewing this

[@erickajstevens5737]

Thank you for your review! I was considering buying a pair of electric scissors for cutting multiple pieces of fabric. After watching your review, definitely going to invest in one. You also have me thinking about the rotatary cutters as well. 🤔🤔🤔

[@NoemiLeNetteArts]

Thanks for sharing. Love your channel!

[@BlueprintDIY]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@KristinMoran]

Wool for coats, velvet, or faux fur might be easier to cut with electric tools.

[@BlueprintDIY]

Yes, that makes sense 👍🏾

[@Discerning-es6ix]

I Want To Know If You Can Cut Through Carpet/Riugs ??? [With Ease]

[@denialz]

where do you get replacement blades from? only thing keeping me from not buying it right now

[@deniseoates7147]

Wow! This one made me a bit nervous because of the control factor and I you did not show the cutting done from you point of view so not sure what your view was like when tracing a line. I guess this is really going to be useful when you finally get the leather for the waist belt like Lowe style since you will be working with thicker leather. Do you have a cutting board? I had a really nice one but probably lost it with all the moves that I have had since high school economics. It was made from a compact corrugated cardboard with the graph lines and curves, it was big enough to lay my patterns pieces on to cut out and I also could stick pins into it to hold in place fabric (this would probably cut through that awful noise. I looked for it in my local Joanne but did not find it but only plastic versions. I guess this would be good for quilting and making patchwork or it would have come in handy for that carwash skirt. I don't understand the flat surface of edge of the rotary wheel. Thanks for sharing and blessing to you and all in the days to come.

[@BlueprintDIY]

I just have a plastic cutting board, but even a plastic one may dull the sound a bit so that’s a good tip.

[@lindasmith9072]

Thanks

[@Jin04115]

How would these be to cut around a pattern?

[@The_Penguin_City]

Good vi, good vi, good vibrations!

[@dphotos007]

You should had used the cardboard blade to cut the 8 layers on the green tool.

[@mariay.279]

Thx.

[@missygrando1965]

I wonder would they hang up on sequins or cut clean through sweaters.

[@lastdays9304]

I got the orange one years back it’s crap I only use it for boxes all it does is pull up the fabric

[@adlerarmory8382]

Hi Ms.Angelina. I was wondering if you have used either electric cutter to cut 1000d. Cordura Nylon with the DWR durable water resistant polyurethane coating? The arthritis in my hands is getting worse I need to adapt in order to continue to enjoy hobbies.

[@1stMikeWhite]

How do you cut out patterns from the paper? Just use scissors?

[@BlueprintDIY]

Paper scissors

[@apriltheInvincible]

Subscribed! Cheers from Nova Scotia!

[@BlueprintDIY]

Welcome to the BlueprintDIY family! 🤗

[@apriltheInvincible]

@@BlueprintDIY Thanks!

[@maryjanecollins-kiland8861]

Maybe the other blade should be used on the electric sissors when cutting so many layers of demin

[@Zalzany]

Also did you swap to the thick blad for the denimem? They normally have 2 blades one for thin one for thick

[@BlueprintDIY]

No I didn’t switch

[@piccalillipit9211]

*I MAKE HISTORICAL* men's clothing which means a LOT of thick heavy weight wool - I have to cut each piece separately as the fabric "squirms" away from the scissors when cutting... Even with the 13 inch scissors, I have - Id be very interested to know if you can cut two IDENTICAL pieces of coat weight wool fabric in one go...

[@tonyalee6072]

I don't like either of those. Sounds like you're cutting lumber. Doesn't look easy to control. Love your videos by the way!!

[@BlueprintDIY]

Thanks ☺️

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

For volume, great. If you work a lot with skins, great. For the most part, they're just more gadgets.

[@modmamaodon2945]

I feel like when using the rotary cutter on many layers you might be able to use something to weigh down the end. I know Angelina mentioned pinning, but I think weights might be worth a shot? 🤷‍♀️

[@BlueprintDIY]

That makes sense 👍🏾

[@lucyhernandez3408]

l like the ✂️

[@rinawallace1962]

Timely!!! I just heard about electric scissors and rotary cutters and I was intriqued. I work a lot with mud cloth, which can be very dense and a real workout to cut! Would an electric rotary cutter or electric scissors be best for such work?

[@BlueprintDIY]

I think the electric scissors would do a great job for a couple layers. Anymore than that and you’d probably have to use the rotary cutter.

[@norahanddaveotoole1783]

For people struggling with pain of fibromyalgia or arthritis etc may keep us sewing longer. Ty

[@SheilaFarias-sn3pk]

Did you change the blade to the 'D' when you cut through many layers and leather

[@ladyp3531]

Wow I’ve been on the fence about getting electric scissors for awhile. I love that they cut a clean line, but that noise my husband and son work nights idk. I’m so torn.

[@BlueprintDIY]

Someone recommended that I use them on top of a cutting mat. That may help you as well.

[@tinaknutsen]

No mat will fix the loud noise of these electric cutters. The vibration is bad when cutting lots of fabric.

[@mayramendoza2635]

Thank you!!! ❤ God bless!!! 😱 Omgoodnesssss!!!!! You gave me anxiety getting those finger too close to the rotary cutter, 🤔 which would probably be safer to use the electric scissors in that case!

[@BlueprintDIY]

The camera angle made it look closer, but I didn’t feel super safe cutting fabric with that rotary cutter. The scissors were more comfortable.

[@daxxydog5777]

Electric scissors are actually nothing new. I have a pair that belonged to my MIL that has to be from the 1960s. I've used it on thick fabrics like towels that I cut up for rags. I don't know that I'd use it for any fine cutting unless it was just very thick fabric or if I had a lot of it to cut like for an upholstery project.

[@Bandaid17]

Yes. I had one from Sears in the eighties that was plug in an somewhat more petite than the reviewed ones. At that time they were $40 (a fortune). I was primarily dressmaking and they were especially good at detail and didn’t run away from you. I’m sorry I donated them when I moved!

[@or7878]

You are great 👍

[@jessevlogtv5423]

Beautiful love

[@jessevlogtv5423]

Beautiful demais

[@lilliansmith5078]

What shade of lipstick is that, v nice

[@dheltoledo9636]

Hm d electric scissors?

[@rhondap528]

Would the other blades in the scissor tool cut the thicker fabrics?

[@BlueprintDIY]

That’s a good point 👌🏾

[@RalphReagan]

Terrified of my manual rotary

[@EdelleBuenosAires]

Could you remind me the name of the little cute iron that you have? thanks!

[@BlueprintDIY]

It’s by Steamfast.

[@EdelleBuenosAires]

@@BlueprintDIY Thank you!!!!

[@jamestateIII]

18:33.....you use clips for leather. Even use clips for woen

[@ljprep6250]

ABSOLUTELY get a rotary cutter to use opening that @#$%&*! childproof packaging that the rotary cutter came in, Angelique(?). They're also good for carpet, upholstery fabric, window screen fabric, etc. I was surprised that the "buzzer" shears worked so well, and I'd definitely use the enclosed ear plugs before using it. Maybe tape the earplug package to the cutters themselves before finding a drawer for them. LOL

[@deankay4434]

Just think, if the built cars out of the same plastic these products come in, they would last forever! Dents? What dents, they pop right out out and no more rust. They make a plastic adhesive promoter to allow any paint to be sprayed on plastic bumpers now, that are made from 13 types of plastic. Let’s write congress and they will get it done… in 34 years +/- 14 years! DK, ASE master tech since 78 Question; Will they cut leather? Ok!

[@JessicahBMilien]

$25? I remember when they were $12.

[@plasmaman9592]

Cutting a white shirt on a white table and then not even zoom in? Might as well have been watching this with a blindfold on. What a waste of my time

[@sternenregen5489]

Both don't look very sustainable. How often it's necessary to change the blades? And it's to loud!

[@BlueprintDIY]

I’m not sure how often the blades need to be changed.

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

Use a cutting mat or foam board. That noise will kill me.

[@BlueprintDIY]

Yes, I think that would help.

[@manj5228]

i use an axe. compare to them.