One of the most vital tools in making a patchwork quilt is a rotary cutter. I remember how I used to draw lines on fabric, then cut out my pieces with scissors.
I just balk at even the idea of that now. So where do you start when buying your first rotary cutter?
Well there are lots of types of cutters available, all with different size blades, different shaped handles and a selection of protective sheaths.
Typically larger blades are used to cut through thicker fabric like flannelette, or a number of fabric layers at one time. Although the more layers of fabric you cut through the less accurate you can become. So it is best when beginning to just start with a few layers to gain confidence.
Blade Sizes
Rotary cutters come in a considerable number of different sizes which include 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm in diameter. Smaller blades are excellent for cutting around curves, smaller templates, and finer work but you will find generally the larger blades will be more helpful.
The 45mm is the most generally used and a sensible choice for all general fabric cutting requirements. You will find this size is the one you reach for the most.
New Blades and Sharpening
When you purchase a rotary cutter it'll routinely include one blade and occasionally a spare. It can be quite costly buying new blades every time they get blunt. What is so great about these blades is that they can be sharpened!
The sharpeners are available in diverse sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it needs to be replaced.
The down side is if you've more that one size blade you will need to buy a sharpener for each size. Something to think about when buying different size cutters.
If however your blade has a nick out of it, perhaps from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you will probably not be in a position to sharpen it satisfactorily and it will need to be replaced.
Make sure you buy the right blade for your cutter as the hole shape in the center of the blade varies according to the make of cutter. For example, "Kai" cutters have a round mounting hole with 2 squares cut out of it on opposite sides, while Olfa blades have a triangular shaped mounting hole.
That is it for this article, keep your eyes open for part 2 where we cover handles and maintenance.
Until then, happy quilting!
I just balk at even the idea of that now. So where do you start when buying your first rotary cutter?
Well there are lots of types of cutters available, all with different size blades, different shaped handles and a selection of protective sheaths.
Typically larger blades are used to cut through thicker fabric like flannelette, or a number of fabric layers at one time. Although the more layers of fabric you cut through the less accurate you can become. So it is best when beginning to just start with a few layers to gain confidence.
Blade Sizes
Rotary cutters come in a considerable number of different sizes which include 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm in diameter. Smaller blades are excellent for cutting around curves, smaller templates, and finer work but you will find generally the larger blades will be more helpful.
The 45mm is the most generally used and a sensible choice for all general fabric cutting requirements. You will find this size is the one you reach for the most.
New Blades and Sharpening
When you purchase a rotary cutter it'll routinely include one blade and occasionally a spare. It can be quite costly buying new blades every time they get blunt. What is so great about these blades is that they can be sharpened!
The sharpeners are available in diverse sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it needs to be replaced.
The down side is if you've more that one size blade you will need to buy a sharpener for each size. Something to think about when buying different size cutters.
If however your blade has a nick out of it, perhaps from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you will probably not be in a position to sharpen it satisfactorily and it will need to be replaced.
Make sure you buy the right blade for your cutter as the hole shape in the center of the blade varies according to the make of cutter. For example, "Kai" cutters have a round mounting hole with 2 squares cut out of it on opposite sides, while Olfa blades have a triangular shaped mounting hole.
That is it for this article, keep your eyes open for part 2 where we cover handles and maintenance.
Until then, happy quilting!
About the Author:
To get more great tips about how to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt web site now!
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