SEWdown: Two Methods For Cutting Fabric Go Head to Head - Rotary Cutter vs. Shears | Sewing Tools

Are you team rotary cutter… or shears?
When it comes to cutting fabric, some people are diehard fans of using a rotary cutter to keep things fast and efficient.
Others love the control and simplicity of using shears and pins.
I’ve done both, and I definitely have my preference. In today’s sewdown, Haley and I go head to head on this issue. Not only do we discuss the pros and cons of both methods, we actually time the whole process to see whether a rotary cutter REALLY saves you all that much time.
Whose approach will reign this time?
💬 That's up to you to decide! Vote in the comments! And if you do this a totally different way, say it loud and proud! You might help someone find a better way to tackle this technique.
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[@mad14kt]

I'm a ROTARY LADY :) However; I think you both won because you both did what you loved to do and you both arrived at a garment that will be sewed, worn and hold years of memories. Just enjoying the process is enough for me as I age (I mean get younger - ROFL :) FIESTA ;)

[@SeamworkVideo]

Very good points! Enjoying the process is so important, and one of the best things about sewing is that there are so many ways to achieve the same results in the end!

[@ayshanikole3267]

I have to admit, both methods have some really great advantages. For me, I mainly use shears. I’ve used the rotary cutter before and found it challenging in curves as well. Moving forward I think I’ll use both: one for precision and the other for quickness.

[@SeamworkVideo]

That sounds like a good plan!

[@DonaRitchie]

I also use both, rotary cutter exclusively for quilting projects, and both for sewing projects. I like having everything pinned out on the fabric for a garment in order to make sure I've got sufficient room for all the pieces and am conserving fabric now that it's so expensive.

[@eileengizienski543]

Both have their uses. . For cutting a lot of straight cuts you can't beat a rotary cutter for speed on MOST fabrics. However, I do take issue with the issue of shifting fabrics. Fabric that is only weighted can easily shift, especially when applying the pressure of the cutting wheel. I see them as two different tools, for different cutting needs. Both are equally valuable tools in my sewing world.

[@DaniGirl6]

A light tacky repositionable adhesive stencil spray on your cutting mat will keep the fabric from moving. Strips of temporary double sided tape will also work if your are more comfortable with that.

[@SparkyOne549]

I am left handed, and had to learn to use right handed scissors as a child. I purchased left handed scissors when they were available, and I could not cut cleanly with them at all. I went back to using right handed scissors in my left hand. Then when I saw rotary cutters, I thought I’d give them a try, Wow! I am now a free hand cutter master, straight cuts, no jagged edges, the best invention ever! I use canned food for weights. A rotary cutter is all I use for cutting fabric.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Canned food for pattern weights is a great hack!

[@MsSavvy9]

My motto in life: "There is a tool for every task." So what I'm hearing is... depending on the needs of the project, one might be more suitable than the other. My cutting accuracy with an x-acto knife is better (more practiced) than with sheers so I think the rotary cutter works better for me on a wide range of projects. It's great for small, detailed work like cutting lingerie as well as long straight runs like a simple tank dress. However, I have neuropathy, which means I sometimes shake terribly, lose strength, and make sudden slight jerking movements. I am more likely to cause bloodshed on my pretty fabric with the rotary cutter. With sheers, I simply lose accuracy, and my cutting is a bit choppy. To me, there is a place for both tools in my work. Super entertaining video as always. I am sure I was smiling the whole time!

[@SeamworkVideo]

I love your motto! I think it definitely applies to this.

[@cornflowercrone]

I like the convenience of shears. However, that has always been my tool of choice. I will continue to use them. When I have tried quilting, the rotary the rotary cutter was amazing. When I quilt, I will use the rotary cutter for the straight cuts.

[@chiefudoh]

Shears AND Pattern weights. Best of both worlds.

[@lynnshepard7485]

I vote rotary cutter all the way! When I started sewing in the 60’s, rotary cutters were still a twinkle in someone’s eyes. 😊 My mother and I both used her mahogany dining table for cutting fabric with really sharp shears. I can’t imagine using my mahogany table that way! After my mom died in 2004, my dad wouldn’t give up those shears and used them for paper. I was horrified. When my daddy recently passed, I gathered up all those old Sears shears…4 pairs, and they are as sharp as ever. Who woulda thunk?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Wow, I'm really surprised the paper didn't dull them! That's wonderful!

[@seamstrahnancy8693]

I use both. Shears are my favorite. They both have their place.

[@catherineschmidt3265]

I really like the shears for curves. Since I sew for grandchildren that really matters

[@suedavis580217]

I still love your 'SEWdowns' and the out takes too! ❤Great to watch and hear the pros and cons! All in good fun too! I am of the rotary camp, but I use a smaller 28m rotary cutter (especially for curvy areas) and I cut using a projector to project onto my fabric, pattern weights and sometimes magnets with a metal sheet under my cutting mat.(scissors will distort the projected pattern lifting up the fabric to cut, although you can trace the pattern onto the fabric and then cut with scissors, but this too, is extra 'work'🤪), Thanks for another great SEWdown!

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you're enjoying the sewdowns! Thanks so much for watching!

[@susanmacgregor426]

Both methods of cutting are good. I like my rotary cutter for straight lines but more comfortable with shears/scissors for tighter curves.

[@heatherforsythe8525]

I’m team shears. I have a rotary cutter, but it’s not my favorite. I personally feel more precise with my scissors.

[@maaikegrondsma2298]

Definitely a rotary cutter! When not wanting to pin everything, shears pick up the fabric too much and make the whole thing shift about. Another plus for cutters: add 0.5-1 cm magnets and you’ve automatically add d seam allowance

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great tip!

[@Islandfinngirl]

I use both! After 35 years of quilting (a little sewing for daughters sprinkled in), I've returned to my first love! I have multiple sizes of rotary cutters and I find the small ones very handy for tight curves.

[@SeamworkVideo]

The smaller rotary cutters definitely come in handy, especially on curves!

[@brendaforret9931]

I have used both but I prefer the rotary cutter and if I have the option, that is what I would choose. I haven't had the issue with cutting myself but sometimes I have slipped off the cutting line if I am not paying close enough attention.

[@NightTortoise]

I think both have their places. I use rotary cutter for knits if they are small enough to fit on my mat or small straight pieces. But I don’t use it for everything because my mat isn’t big enough for the pieces. I find that drawback to the the biggest problem with using the rotary cutter. I use shears for basically everything else, but I do find the printer paper to be really difficult to pin through so I end up tracing pieces a lot when using print at home patterns.

[@SeamworkVideo]

I think a combo works well in a lot of cases!

[@jeans.9664]

I've tried both and I am just more comfortable with fabric shears. I feel like it is easier to cut curves and smaller pieces. I do like a rotary cutter for shifty fabrics and some knits. I could easily be swayed by Sarai and how easily she breezes through the cutting process. However I am voting for Haley and her list of pros. I did learn from watching both of you, thank you for the video!

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@elisestewart5416]

I use both - I got used to the rotary cutter making quilts so I am very comfortable with it. I use a smaller sized one to go round tight curves - but I still use sheers for stable fabrics as it saves the bother of getting out the mat etc and I always use scissors for cutting notches. I think what ever works for people “wins” for them. There is never just one way.

[@SeamworkVideo]

It's so true! I love sewing for that very reason - so many great ways to achieve the same results.

[@forthefunofknit5322]

Shears for sure….I have a rotary cutter and blade was already showing signs of dull patches after one dress!( Linda)

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

I have both but, for pattern cutting I use shears! I don’t have the accuracy with my rotary cutter that I can achieve with shears. Y’all were both great… so I think you both won! ❤

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!

[@merenwennumesse]

I like to puzzle my pattern pieces on my fabric as good as I can to get out the most of it. (And I take my good time doing so) Which often means cutting just the tiniest bit too far can lead to cuts into the next piece and therefore a hole in the fabric (especially with small seam allowances) therefore i will almost always use scissors because of the precision I have with those. An exception to the rule is when I cut biasstrips in the last step that's when I take out my rotary cutter :) Also i don't pin my pieces to the fabric I mark it out via chalk or disappearing pens. (For puzzling all the pieces in that's good as well because I don't cut on the fold either but mark my foldlines and then flip the pattern over and lay it as precisely as I can on the other side. That's why most shirts for example have an inverted T for marking the middle front/ back and the bottom hemline before cutting them out.) Regarding your experiment I found a view inconsistencies: first every person is different fast in movement so that could be remedied by you both using both methods. It would maybe also take into account how the difference would be for people who are not used to cutting with rotary cutters (since I think many people use scissors on paper at least it probably would be a step too far to assume someone not being used to using those...) And I would be interested in a closeup of how precisely the pieces where cut. Too much/too little at some places, how many corners cut too far etc. Anyway i love that you did do the experiment in the first place and would love to see many more. (And even this one repeated ... Although I assume you probably won't)

[@SeamworkVideo]

It sounds like you've found a really good method for cutting out projects that works really well for you!

[@merenwennumesse]

@@SeamworkVideo thank you

[@deskunrest]

I have a cutting mat alway on my work table so I evaluate each task and use the right method based on that - sometimes both on different parts.

[@SeamworkVideo]

I've found that it is often situational as well - and for some projects, I need both!

[@pennyf9886]

Rotary for straight lines and shears for curves!

[@kathyevans7011]

Shears for cutting clothes and rotary cutters for quilt cutting. ✂️😊

[@old_stitches_new_clothes]

I do like a mix of the two, but you can't beat rotary cutters and rulers for cutting long, straight lines! On curves, I'll definitely mark an outline around that part of the weighted pattern and cut with shears there

[@michele_e]

I use a combination of both. I already owned the mat, rulers and rotary cutter because I also quilt. So I will cut long straight lengths of a garment with them. But then use my shears for curves, tight areas, and notches. I use weights to hold the main pattern pieces down, but still like to pin those corners.

[@carolemckee7819]

Hi! I have to admit that I do use both. It depends mostly on my fabric, my mood and the pattern that I'm sewing. Believe me when I say that both are just as dangerous! (at least when they are in my hands!) Love the Sewdown!

[@jomckay9204]

I like to use both! Rotary cutter for anything with predominately straight lines. Most craft items, like bags and the like. For clothing I use fabric weights (pins are slow and sometimes damaging) and I use spring loaded shears, as I have arthritis in my right hand. Shears are more accurate, less likely to cut where you don't want to cut, and convenient as you aren't changing tools to cut notches etc. Curves are easier too. I sew for a handmade store, so speed and accuracy make my production time is important!

[@suewilbur504]

I use both and you’re both WAY faster than I am at cutting out fabric!! 😀 Love these videos.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you're liking them!

[@sharonhost2469]

I vote for rotary cutter all the way!

[@suzanneevans1771]

I use both, selecting the most suitable for the project, but I would like to get more confident with the rotary cutter on curves. Loving these sew-downs ladies - keep them coming 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you're enjoying them!

[@rachelgarnsey7953]

Pins and shears all day!

[@mariescholl7342]

I've got both and always used shears, but lately I'm a full on rotary gal. Annoying for curves sometimes but I find it really fun

[@horseygirl18]

i use both depending on the fabric, pattern & mood on the day! current project is a pair of really wide leg pants in chiffon…. it is so slippery that it’s a rotary plus pins to avoid shifting the fabric as much as possible! shears would just make the fabric go everywhere in this case (plus even though I have a decent sized cutting table I can’t fit the pattern pieces on in one go so have to move them to finish the last section 🤦🏼‍♀️)

[@SewingandCaring]

I have the Olfa RTY-2DX Deluxe rotary cutter and it's a game changer, has more balance than the open designs, it just wants to go in a straight line and round corners without any wobble at all. The only downside I've found is that because you won't be handling the fabric you have *got* to double-check that your fabric is completely flat on both sides when cutting on the fold or you'll end up with any big creases causing havok.

[@SeamworkVideo]

It sounds like a really great tool!

[@stephaniefeddock776]

Great sewdown - Team Shears and Pins all the way. I will admit, I sometimes use a pattern weights but I don't even own a rotary cutter :)

[@hilarylaw2325]

I use a rotary cutter every day in my work, but when I’m sewing garments I go old school, the way my mama taught me

[@hilarylaw2325]

I use weights instead of pins with my scissors

[@myzlyn56]

I love team rotary cutter but do know that there is a time and place to go team shears as well.

[@bonniefish814]

I use a rotary cutter, usually the 28mm size that goes around the curves nicely. I only use the larger cutter for heavy fabrics like denim or corduroy.

[@SeamworkVideo]

The small one is really great for curves!

[@jacquelynsmith5255]

I think it’s a tie. Both have their advantages. As newbie I can see the shears as I get better I can see advancing to the rotary. In addition I think the type of project needs to be weighed in. Clothing vs other types of gifts or home decor

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I never seem to have a sharp enough blade on my rotary cutter. Sheesh, every time I blink I need a new blade. I’ll just get the shears, thank you.

[@karlinbilvic9306]

I use a rotary cutter for quilting but I don’t feel I have any control around curves or angles with it, so it is shears for sewing, usually with weights and not pins. I will use a rotary cutter on long straight cuts on a garment, but I always use a ruler as an edge. I can’t freehand it at all. Cutting out is my least favorite part of sewing!

[@patbutterworth6330]

I've been sewing for 50 years...I I have always pinned and cut with scissors...but after watching this, I am interested in how much faster I could do it using the weights...I do see the pros and cons - I like the control that I have using pins...I enjoyed seeing this! thank you

[@SparkyOne549]

I use canned foods for weights lol

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@tammyellison735]

I use and like both but tend to use a rotary cutter, but it depends on the garment or the fabric.

[@user-ws6ls3fc5r]

For this round, I'd select the scissors and pins. I think there's value in pinning the pattern to the fabric and keeping it there until you start sewing. Scissors are WAY better on curves. However, I resisted the rotary cutter for decades, only because I'm not a fan of buying every new thing on the market. I realize that the rotary cutter isn't exactly new anymore, and I learned that a rotary cutter is WAY better for cutting out quilts. I don't like having to buy so many blades, though.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Fair enough! If you are careful not to drop your rotary cutter or go over pins the blades can last a really long time, FYI. :-)

[@alicecameron7176]

I used to be team shears, but now I seldom use them. I use my rotary cutter almost exclusively. Faster, sharper and more accurate for me.

[@CarolHobbs-pc1uf]

Rotary cutter all the way!

[@lisashovlin4425]

I use both! But I think I’ll try using the cutter more now!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Just watch those fingers! 😉

[@gailthompson1806]

I love scissors, but my essential tremor interferes with accurate cutting so I have to use the rotary cutter for patterns.

[@vmonstrena]

I use both depending on the project.

[@Escape10mom]

Team rotary!

[@DDMarla]

Both are very useable, however imo, cutting shears are better and require less effort since you don't need extras. I like the fact that things cannot usually shift with shears and pins, Cutters are great for straight cuts and quickness. I have both, but I definitely use my shears much more often, so my vote is for the shears.

[@astridrudd8570]

Shears girl- I like to pin most of the pattern out first to make sure I have enough fabric.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Good idea! Making a plan for all of your pattern pieces before you cut can save a lot of heartache!

[@alisonkemp1671]

I use both methods, depending on the fabric, pattern and the mood I’m in! So …..a vote for both? Bit redundant but as cutting out is my least favourite task I found this video very interesting 😂

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! ✂️

[@pilarmorgan9288]

I see the value in using both...sort of afraid to slice my fingers with the rotary cutter though even though I own three but never use them. I'm ready to give it a try. Any tips on how NOT to cut your finger off?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Make sure to only cut with your project directly in front of you - avoid cross body cuts. Cut away from your body, not toward it. Just go slowly and make sure to pay close attention to where your hands are when you cut and you'll be fine!

[@deannatrejo7555]

Newbie. Scissors, but tracing the pattern and then cutting to avoid needles

[@SeamworkVideo]

Good method!

[@elisabethviews]

I found cutting fabric is more difficult then I expected, it is hard to get it straight and especially on the fold, if I do it by scissors then it might not be totally even on both sides, so I tried the rotary, more precise but then there are parts where I didn't get through both layers of fabric and I need my scissors anyway.. I will keep trying to better with both ways.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Both methods take some practice! Just go slow and keep experimenting and I'm sure you'll get there!

[@carlalissa7693]

Team rotary utter here

[@valclements7092]

Team Rotary.

[@user-iq6uw7ru1c]

Shears! I have sliced my fingers twice with a rotary cutter. No thanks

[@SeamworkVideo]

Ouch!

[@StayStitching]

Team Rotary cutter, mainly because I have the scissor cutting skills of a kindergartener.

[@SeamworkVideo]

🤣

[@amyl2368]

Rotary cutter all the way. The distortion that happens with pins and the lifting of the fabric when using shears just isn’t worth it. PLUS you can use the self healing mat for cutting out patterns as well-with a dedicated rotary cutter or scalpel 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Yes, absolutely! And good call designating a blade specifically for paper so that you don't dull your fabric cutting blade. 😊

[@vickieechols3216]

I like a rotary cutter much faster

[@marybethhaggerty8756]

I have always used shears and pins, but I do have a rotary cutter and small board. Now I am thinking I may try this method...don't want to cut my fingers! I am a fainter with blood!!🤣🤣🤣🪡🪡🪡

[@SeamworkVideo]

Just go slowly and keep your eyes on what you're cutting and your fingers out of the way. You got this!