Top 5 Rotary Cutters Every Quilter Needs - Pros, Cons, & Safety Tips!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

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[@belindaduke6684]

Mary, I was introduced to the Martelli cutter by a Martelli rep at a local quilt show. She showed me the proper way to,hold the cutter AND to engage the blade. You simply bump the blade area on the cutting board and roll it. The blade automatically engages. To cover the blade, simply use your middle finger to flip the red blade dial back. It’s a very simple one-handed operation. Also, I use both Cricut and Missouri Star blades in my cutter with no problem at all.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thank you so much Belinda - I checked out the Martelli instructional video and have added it to the description of this video.

[@ginaolive4853]

Famore released one last year with ball bearings. Makes it run so much easier! Comparable pricing too. Makes my olfa cutter obsolete!!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Sounds like it's similar to the Quilter's Select! A whole new line of cutters!

[@lesa6399]

I heard about it but am clueless about it

[@dtwirlgirl]

The Missouri Star rotary cutter is made by Famore, but with their logo on it.

[@fondasarff9701]

Saw the tag line and thought "Who actually needs five cutters?". Then counted mine. Nevermind.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Five is just a drop in my bucket! :-) Thanks for watching!

[@belindaduke6684]

@@fondasarff9701 😂😂😂

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

I prefer the Olfa Ergonomic rotary cutter, 18mm, 45 mm, 60 mm. Thanks for a fair review!!!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Westernwilson]

I have always used the ergonomic ones...like on the far right of your board. I like that it closes itself! Love the 60mm size.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I agree - great cutter! Thanks for watching!

[@florencemcowen5526]

I have 2 that I absolutely love. I love my Olfa (just the standard). I've had it for years and it's the one that I take everywhere and keep it at home. I'm so used to it!! Then recently, at a retreat, I was asked to try the Missouri Star rotary cutter. I fell in love with it. It cuts with so much ease. I was told the reason it cuts with ease was because it actually has ball bearings in it. So I had to buy me one. I do absolutely love it. That has become my main cutter when I cut fabric. I have tried all but the red one you have and I really don't like them. The QS one was a hit at my retreat. But I couldn't get used to closing it and ended up cutting myself (ever so slight). But for ME?? I'll stick with the Olfa Standard and the MS rotary cutters. That's just me. But thank you for explaining a few things with the other cutters!! And thank you for all that you do to make my life so much easier

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for the input, Florence! And thanks for watching!

[@marinaabad4995]

Mary, your research is so in depth and your newsletters are so informative. So, this brings me to wooden clappers for pressing seams/blocks. What is the correct use of them and why that shape with a groove on the side? How long do you leave it on the block? Do you have to flip the clapper for the next use? Do you use them on wool pressing mats, or any surface is okay? Can you use it sideways? Will you get a better press if you pile on more than one clapper on the block? How many clappers should I have? What is the best length? I saw a clear acrylic clapper on Amazon, will it work? Is the type of wood important? Who invented clappers for pressing? I have seen videos of people using clappers, but are using them different ways. So, what is the best practice for pressing and clapping?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks so much Marina! I do not have a lot of experience with the clappers. I will definitely put it on my list to research - thank you for the suggestion!

[@marysuedavis7024]

On my Martelli all I have to do is tap it on my mat and it opens. I do have to use the turn piece to close it

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Interesting! I haven't tried that! Thanks for sharing, Mary Sue!

[@dtwirlgirl]

The Missouri Star rotary cutter is made by Famore. Your local quilt shop can order the Famore cutters. The ball bearings make pushing the blade through fabric a breeze. I like to let friends push any other rotary cutter (with the blade out) across a cutting mat and then try the Famore. They always have an amazed look on their faces! There is no drag on the blade because of the ball bearings. I have to believe that lack of resistance within the cutter will result in less fatigue.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

It is a good cutter. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching.

[@nancybrown4875]

Like with knives, I find a sharp blade is SAFER than a dull blade--less slippage, less pressure, less blood....

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@DebbieNLeonard]

Thank you, Mary, for all the helpful information. The demonstration of the Quilter’s Select was especially appreciated. Your videos are informative, easy to understand and to the point. You respect the quilter’s time and I love that about you. Thank you. 🥰

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words and thanks so much for watching!

[@Julie5231veg]

I have only ever used Olfa cutters so it was interesting to hear your views on some different brands.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching! Olfa was always my "go to" until I tried these. All have good qualities!

[@cathyparnellvance6474]

Love my Martelli cutter it allows me to continue to cut with my arthritic hands that other cutters don’t. Mary, you don’t have to use the opener to start. Just place it on the cutting mat and make a forward motion like a cut and it opens for you to start cutting. You do need to use the red thing to close it.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I put a correction and a link to the video in the description. I didn't realize that I had been using it incorrectly and it was brought to my attention. Thanks for watching!

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Mary.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You so welcome! Thank for watching!

[@debbiebriggs8705]

Watching replay. Thank you for the information.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@carriesaindon5382]

I love my Martelli cutter. I use my Olfa cutter when I make bags to save my blades, but I might get a Quilter's Select cutter for my bags. The extra weight might be nice.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks so much for commenting and for watching!

[@tinaweigel8065]

On the Martelli if you just roll it forward on mat it opens safer, then use index finger to close it

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing! I'll try that!

[@genawalter401]

I love my Martelli cutter! As soon as I tried it, I haven't used anything else since! I have not used Martelli blades and have had no issues, and I have had mine for many years.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@ilenemartin5330]

My favorite rotary cutter is the Omnigrid Pressure Sensitive Safety Rotary Cutter.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I haven't heard of that one, Ilene! I'll check it out - thank you for the suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@cherylsmith3002]

I have the Quilter's Select and there's something about the weight that really feels good in my hand. The button makes it easy to open and close it. It's my all-time favorite!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I agree - it is a comfortable cutter! Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@belindakinmon1395]

Just watched video, informative. I still love my Fiskars (about 10 years old) that you have to grip to get the blade out and when you release the blade is covered. It is similar to the trigger one they have now. I recently purchased one from MSQ with the ball bearings, it is nice. Only drawback seems like the opening and closing is backward. Just have to get used to it

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing and thanksfor watching!

[@luvpugz9659]

Great informative reviews! Thanks

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thank you!

[@kathieheath8716]

I tried the LDH cutter and I really like it. I finally found one to replace my absolute favorite - my ancient Gingher cutter. Now that’s one I would love to see come back!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I'm not familiar with the LDH cutter, but it sounds like it's a great product. I also have a Gingher cutter - and just found out that it's no longer made. Also a great cutter.

[@madelineking9104]

Love my Martell notary cutter

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I agree! Great product! Thanks for watching!

[@BJ7481]

The Olfa ergonomic 45mm rotary cutter is my favorite of all cutters. I love it so much I own 3 of the yellow color: 2 each 45mm and 1of the 60mm, I also own 1 each in the blue and magenta color in the 45mm size. I also own the 45mm Olfa stick version, but I only use those to cut batting, etc.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing! They do have some fun colors and designs!

[@victoryphxaz1]

I love my Martelli rotary cutter. It's very easy to open. Just roll it across the cutting mat. As for changing the blade. It's fast and easy. As for "you can only use their blades on, it" isn't true. I bought the titanium blades from Madam Sew when on sale. I use those. And they last longer than the ones from Martelli. I have several other rotary cutters that I use just for paper.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thank you - I didn't realize that's all it takes to get the cutter going - I'll give it a try. Actually the video I watched said that the Martelli blades are not notched around the center circle and if you use a blade that is notched it will eventually ruin the screw in the center of the cutter which will need to be replaced. I agree, there alternate are blades that I prefer, but didn't want to damage the cutter with a "notched" blade. Thanks for the input!

[@dawnshoviak706]

I'm a lefty, but I can cut with either hand. I use the basic Olfa cutter because I can pick it up and use it with either hand. I don't love the slider for opening and closing the blade though. The Missouri Star cutter looks interesting!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching and for commenting, Dawn!

[@marshawallace7522]

I have the MSQC cutter and I haven't used it enough to have it 'wobble' yet. Thank you for explaining why/how to fix it when it does. I do like the weight and how smoothly it cuts. A favorite cutter is my Olfa Ergonomic cutter. I just ordered a Grace Ergonomic Cutter that's different but similar to the Martelli cutter that you reviewed. I'm anxious to try it.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching and let me know what you think of the Grace cutter!

[@JudyD85]

My favorite is the KAI. The blade is always covered until you are pushing down on it, it can be locked, but best is it can be used in either hand, which is great because I am ambidextrous.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kimlytle9510]

I used to have a problem with my thumb and found that the Martelli cutter relieved the pain when cutting for longer periods. Like you, I found changing the blade required more attention. The other problem I had was that the little red piece that releases the blade tends to break. I've had this happen multiple times over 15+ years. When it happened the 1st time I took the broken cutter to a major show and Martelli replaced the cutter for free. They've now done this 3 times. After surgery, I no longer have the thumb problems, so have returned to the Olfa ergonomic model as my preferred cutter.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

They have GREAT customer service! Thanks so much for sharing and for watching!

[@koalasez1200]

I stopped using the Olfa because I would constantly brush that button and close the blade. Replacing the blade was a pain. Fiskars has always been my favorite. The MSQ cutter…I wonder if the packaging/instructions pointed out what you discovered about having to turn the knobs in opposite directions to properly tighten the blade. That would have made me crazy so kudos to you and your husband for figuring that out!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@13abbyj]

I got the Martelli and didn’t understand how to use it and often messed up veering off my ruler and miscutting fabric. Frustrating! Plus I always have to google when it’s time to change the blade. First time I did lose the spring! It now sits on the sidelines! My fav is the blue truecut. Found it on FB for 50% off so just $15 and I’m really happy with it.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I found that I was holding it incorrectly and had absolutely no control over it. Once I learned how to hold it the right way, it made a HUGE difference. Changing the blade was an issue and still is...and that's why it's a "con", but it's still one of my favorites. Thanks for watching!

[@judeemacaulay3876]

thank you so much for this review-i appreciate both the pro & con-how about comparing rotary blades? Thank you again!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thank you! I did a video a while back on Rotary Blades: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWGVp3x8gKmaesk It's actually a general comparison based on cutting layers of fabric. I didn't have the equipment needed to test the durability and length of time a blade lasts - but this does give some information.

[@LaurieKelleher]

The only I’ve ever had is the Olfa ergonomic. I love it because when I let go of it I know the blade isn’t exposed. I “get busy” and fear I won’t remember to flip that button to close the cutter. We’re all different though so know yourself and buy what works for you!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@meacadwell]

Quilter's Select cutter - The aspect of having to twist the wrist to tap the blade cover on the mat could cause problems with someone that has carpal tunnel or or other wrist problems. If you use a rotary cutter with both hands (as I do) if it's setup for the right hand the blade guard would be sticking out if you used it with the left hand, preventing the blade from touching the cutting mat. Martelli cutter - The further the cutter was pushed forward, the easier it was for the outside of the handle to droop down, meaning the cutter would veer away from the ruler. It's not ambidextrous. I'd get partial cuts because I'd left the blade guard on it _again_ so the cut didn't start until the blade guard had been pushed back by the cutting action. I had to learn to start cutting about an inch before the fabric so the rubber on the blade guard would catch on the cutting mat and be pushed back revealing the blade edge before it got to the fabric - then have to remember to put the blade guard back in place. And I didn't like having my finger on top of the cutter because it prevented me from seeing exactly where I was cutting. Yes, changing the blade is a pain and the cutter collects fuzz like you wouldn't believe! You may have to remove the blade to un-fuzz it even if the blade doesn't need changing. Although it does give a lot of control, this is not my favorite cutter. Olfa - a great one even if you have to manually flip the blade guard in and out. I actually put my thumb where your index finger is supposed to go to apply more pressure. Olfa Ergonomic - my favorite, and it's the safest one. Take a photo of how it's setup before you change the blade so you can see how it goes back together. It hurts my rheumatoid arthitic hands the least.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I believe everyone has certain issues and preferences that make a particular cutter a favorite. Sounds like you've already checked all of these out and have your favorites. Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@michelleherman5298]

Great views! I have the creative grids cutter similar to the QS one what do you think about it?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I have not tried the Creative Grids Cutter, although I have heard that it's very similar to the Quilter's Select.

[@DeborahFrench-NC]

Would you please tell me the name of the quilt in the background. I really like it and would love to find the pattern. As always, thanks for all your informative videos, newsletter and emails. You have taught me many things that I have shared with my guild.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Absolutely! That is our Embracing Our Scraps quilt. It is available in the joyfulandmerryquilting.com store. Just go to www.joyfulanmerryquilting.com/store. Thank you!

[@donnawilson7091]

When my Martello was new I loved it. It was so easy on my wrist, easy to see my cutting area, and the safety cutting cover is cool. Cons, the blade is hard to change, it’s expensive, and a piece inside broke off without a lot of stresss. Very disappointing.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry you had trouble with your cutter, but I appreciate your comment.

[@melodymiller3895]

New blades often come in stacks inside a plastic container. They are stuck together because of the oil they are coated with. I wish someone would demonstrate how to safely separate and handle them. I’ve used tweezers and forceps to avoid cutting my fingers, but it’s awkward.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I found it works best to slide the blades apart using my thumb on top and the rest of my fingers underneath the stack of blades. Sometimes the oil thickens as the blades get older (even if they're brand new and have never been taken out of the package). I have seen others use a hair dryer to soften the oil and the slide the apart. It's tricky - that's for sure!

[@lizwarnke4689]

My Martelli cutter doesn't require moving that red thing. Just roll the blade on the mat first and the blade will open. I got mine at a quilt show and was shown this by the sales staff.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Hmmm...maybe I have an older model! Mine is about 2 years old. Thanks for sharing!

[@MAuroraCharvat]

lol Fiskars here but I am a newbie...

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks! Glad you found a favorite!

[@francesnorris7367]

Greatg

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks Frances!

[@madelineking9104]

🎉❤

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching Madeline!

[@sherrystaples1516]

I don't feel that you gave the basic Olfa rotary cutter the attention it deserves. You seemed to push it to the side. Just because it's cheaper doesn't mean it isn't good. I have one that I have had for years and it works great. I don't like to use them at all but when I do that's the one that I use. I'm an old fashioned quilter who uses rulers and scissors to cut my fabric.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I'm sorry you were disappointed, Sherry. I do say several times in the video that I recommend each one of these 5 cutters (including in my wrap-up at the end). The Olfa basic doesn't have a lot of extra features to discuss, but I just rewatched the video and to be honest, I can't think of anything else I would add to what I said. It's a great cutter. I'm glad this is a favorite of yours - it's one of my 5 favorites, also. Thanks for watching.

[@dianeschwalm3855]

I could not get the hang of the Martelli cutter. My cuts were anything but straight. To me, it was an accident waiting to happen in my sewing studio. Ask me how I know! Repeat offender here 🖐️

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I had trouble at the start as well, but the more I used it, the more accurate I got with it. It does have a learning curve, but once I held it correctly and used my finger to position, it really worked well.

[@JC-sf2qm]

Drop one on your toe ..and you will know which one to use ... just ask me how I know!!! Blood is not a quilt embellishment

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Ouch!