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How to Use Rotary Cutter Blades

Quilting is a highly complex hobby to start, but it is a great way to create family heirlooms and unique gifts. If you want to start quilting, you will need to become familiar with using rotary cutter blades. This an essential tool used in quilting to cut materials. 

Facts About Rotary Cutters

Rotary cutter blades are incredibly sharp. They should be able to cut through 6 layers of quilting fabric easily. This means that they should never just be lying around in a manner that a child or pet could be hurt.

There are four basic sizes of rotary cutters. They are 18mm, 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm. The most common size is 45mm. It is essential to change the blade often so that you always get excellent straight cuts. A rough cut could ruin a quilt easily. 

Make sure that you purchase a rotary cutter that is both durable and reliable. You should do your research to make sure that you buy one with a high standard of quality. Make sure that it has a safety cover for the blade to prevent you from cutting yourself.

What You Need Before Using A Rotary Cutter

Rotary Cutter Blades are incredibly sharp, so you will want to make sure that you have specific items before using one. If you just try cutting with them on any surface, you may cause real damage to the surface or yourself.

  • Self Healing Mat

To ensure that you do not cause damage to any surfaces while using your rotary cutter, you will need to purchase a self-healing mat. This mat will not show any cuts and will stand up to being used over and over. 

You can find self-healing mats at your local craft store in various sizes, and they will be marked with a grid to make cutting even more accessible. You must always make sure you keep your mat flat and away from any heat so that it does not buckle up. 

  • Non-Slip Ruller

Invest in a non-slip ruler to help you to measure and keep your cuts straight. 

Making sure it is slip-proof is mandatory. If it slips while you are cutting, you could badly hurt yourself. You do not want to end up in the ER because your ruler fell when you were using your rotary blade. 

Using Your Rotary Blade

Now you are ready to start using your rotary blade. Get your material and lay it out flat on your self-healing mat. Then make your measurement with your slip-proof ruler. You will then simply take the rotary blade in your hand like a pizza cutter and slide it down the fabric against the ruler till you reach your measurement.

You will then turn your material and repeat the steps until you have cut out the size of fabric you need for your patchwork. Remember, your rotary cutter will cut six layers at once, so that means you can cut up to 6 pieces of patchwork at a time. This will save you a lot of time.

Start Practicing

You now know how to use your rotary cutter. Take your time, be patient and careful, and you will be a pro at it in no time. Make sure that you are always practicing good safety so that you do not hurt yourself. Rotary blades are incredibly sharp and can cause a lot of damage. Keep practicing, and before you know it, you will be a pro and quilting. Using a rotary cutter will be as easy for you as breathing soon.