Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Olfa 45mm Deluxe Ergonomic Rotary Cutter. Start with the rotary cutter positioned against the edge of the ruler, BELOW the fabric, and hold the rotary cutter at a 45 degree angle. Line the ruler up so that the ruler forms a right angle to the fold line and selvage edge. The instructions are written for working right-handed. The bolt fold should be straight, with no pull lines. It's been a while since I've introdu, Another great Christmas Stocking idea for you! When fabric is cut from the bolt is often cut crooked and will need to be squared up; a quilting term for lining up the selvage (or fabric edges where the name of the manufacturer is) and cutting so that it forms a 90 degree angle with the fold line of the fabric. I’ve always found cutting fabric tedious and awkward, and it’s definitely got in my way of making and sewing more things. A little note about rotary cutting supplies. If you are using a pattern to cut the fabric which keeps slipping, use paper clips or clothespins to secure it to the edges. Also, make sure you change out your blades fairly regularly. Your email address will not be published. Welcome to the world of rotary cutting! (Best Overall) This model of Olfa 45mm rotary cutter is … Rotary cutters now come in 14, 28, 45, and 60 mm sizes. The things you need to use the rotary cutter efficiently are mats (the self healing mat or a hard surface mat) and pattern weights. Don’t lift or move the rotary cutter. Cutting plain fabric. Janet Wickell Fold the fabric along its length, selvages together. She has published over 350+ articles for The Spruce Crafts. How to Cut Fabric Without a Rotary Cutter. Last Updated on April 25, 2018 by wendigratz. Some people prefer one brand over the other based on the handle or grip. Press down firmly on the ruler and rotary blade cutter and roll upward along the ruler. Acrylic rulers are designed for the blade to ride against the edge making this the safest way to cut fabric when using a rotary cutter. Rotary blades come in different types. This Fiskars fabric cutter is ideal for cutting all types of … It's not unusual for the leading edge of the fabric to become out of square after several cuts. I personally do not pre-wash the fabric when making quilt, unlike apparel making. The easiest way to cut fabric in a straight line is with a rotary cutter. Gather your materials. Use one of our durable quilting rulers as a straight edge – as well as for accurate measurements. Find a point to the left of the raw edges where all layers will be cut. The better you cut your fabric, the better your quilt will come together and the easier the quilt making process will feel. For example, you may want to cut your next strip 10 inches wide. TrueCut rotary cutters feature more blade exposure, which makes it easy to cut through thicker fabrics or more layers of fabric at once. The second one is the June Tailor Shape Cut Pro.. We use both rulers in our quilting room. 1) Place the tool onto your fabric. This first method is my favorite and to me, it’s the best way to cut fabric straight. This will definitely not be your first Fiskars sewing … Last Updated on April 25, 2018 by wendigratz. Cool! As with all Cricut projects, start by opening up your pattern in Design Space. If they do not, square up the end again before cutting more strips. For example, use the 3 inch mark on the ruler to make a 3 inch wide strip. Th, Another day, another stocking. How to Make Magic 8 Half Square Triangle Units, How to Sew an Easy Log Cabin Quilt Pattern, How to Make Easy Half Square Triangle Units for Quilts, Definition of a Fat Quarter of Fabric and How It Is Cut, Facts About Fabric Grain that Every Quilter Should Know, How to Choose the Best Tools for Beginning Quilters, Easy Baby Quilt Patterns for Brand New Quilters, Use This Easy Method to Make Quilt Binding Strips. However, I want to do something creative & start simple by making patchwork cushion covers, so I bought some beautiful hand-dyed Indian fabrics (Kalamkari) by the metre, direct from India, but I'm worried I won't cut the squares correctly, because I'm very clumsy, even though I do have a rotary cutter, mat & ruler, so this technique is really helpful! To cut fabric strips simply move over the ruler the desired width and make cut the fabric again to form a strip. Step 2 – The first cut will be to the right edge to square up the fabric. After cutting your first strip of fabric, you can continue to cut strips. Rotary blades can and should be replaced when dull. Never look away from the rotary blade while cutting. Keep your head directly over your cutter as you roll it forward in order to clearly see your cutting line. You use straight grain strips to attach to straight edges – like the edges of a quilt. Pulling a thread. Make sure a. As your rotary cutter gets beyond the hand that is holding the ruler, stop. You may stack several layers of fabric at a time while cutting, but be aware that the more layers of fabric added the less precise the fabric cuts will be. You cut by pressing the knife on the material and moving the tool forward. Hey y’all, today I’m answering another of your sewing questions. Rotary cutters are a great tool for quilters and crafters to use on all kinds of projects. Check it lines up along the entire length of the ruler. Press down firmly on the ruler and rotary blade cutter and roll upward along the ruler. When choosing a rotary cutter, it’s … Line up the fold with one of the horizontal lines on the cutting mat, or, if your mat is unlined, use a square rotary ruler. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A straight edge rotary cutter is for cutting very straight lines and making sure your fabric has a nice clean edge. So that you do not have the same experience as myself I am including some of the most important rotary blade cutter safety tips. The line that is created by the fold is parallel to the fabric's straight of grain. You can choose from hundreds of Simplicity patterns, Riley Blake Designs patterns, or other simple sewing patterns that are ready-to-make on your Cricut Maker.Click on a pattern to see photos, a material list, and full instructions. After squaring up, the leading edge should be at a 90-degree angle to the fold. The instructions for most quick-pieced quilt patterns tell you to rotary cut long strips of fabric from selvage to selvage, across the fabric's crosswise grain, and that's what we'll cover in this tutorial. A rotary cutter, which looks a bit like a pizza cutter, is great for knits as the fabric can stay flat during cutting – rather than being lifted up by the scissor blade – so it won’t stretch out of shape. Fur-yeah! Use safety gloves. Specialty cutters even come with blades that can produce a pinked or wavy edges. The measuring lines on the mat are very helpful in guiding you to cut accurately. The fun of making a quilt is creating one big piece of fabric out of a bunch of little pieces of fabric. Whether or not you prewash fabric, pressing it is a non-negotiable for accurate cuts. fabric. But, I do not recommend children using a rotary cutter. pattern weights (recommended, but not necessary) Cutting straight pieces. Cutting tips for different fabric types. Scissors won’t cut just as straight and you may end up taking the process all over again. Align the mark on the long ruler that corresponds to your desired strip width to the left edge of the fabric. Pair your rotary cutter with a straight ruler or curved cutting guide for the highest level of accuracy. However, it's fine to work with shorter strips until you are comfortable with long ones, and strips of fabric cut along the fabric's less stretchy lengthwise grain work nicely, too. Quick-Changing Blade: Get back to quilting faster! The best rotary cutter definition seems to be “a hand tool which has a round knife”. Two of my favorites are the Fiskars Rotary Cutter and the Olfa Splash Rotary Cutter. cutting mat. Slide selvages along each other until fabric lays flat. 3) Now, take a fabric pen (affiliate link) like … Always check the state of your tools: is the blade of the rotary cutter sharp? If you do not have the mat use a clear ruler as your guide. Rotary cut along the right side of the ruler again. I just want to make that clear. I have a new vide, Hey friends! Cut off the excess fabric outside the marked lines using a scissors or a rotary cutter. If at all possible, beginning quilters should stick to one fold; each new fold makes inaccurate cuts more likely. The hand holding the ruler should be placed at the lower third of the ruler. The stainless steel rotary blades can easily be replaced after becoming dull and come in several different sizes each suited for specific cutting needs. Set your leather down on a cutting mat with the right side facing up. Cut along the right edge of the ruler to square up the end of the strip. Use a rotary cutter to cut leather, pleather, and faux leather. A rotary cutter can cut fabric pieces with sharp edges and straight edges very easily when used in conjunction with the mat. There are also several different handle types including the straight handle and comfort grip or ergonomic handles. How to Cut Fabric Using a Rotary Cutter Cutting fabric can be scary, but with these simple tips, you'll be just fine...promise :) Just grab your rotary cutter, ruler, and rotary mat, and we'll get started! Accurate rotary cutting is essential for successful quilts and quilt blocks. Quilts in particular scream for squared fabric. Adjust one side until the fabric hangs straight. The standard sizes I have seen are 18, 28, 45 and 60mm. Overlap the ruler and the fabric the same width that you cut the strips and roll the rotary blade cutter upward pressing down firmly. Line up the folded edge and the straight edge of your fabric as you did in Step 1 above. The larger size is better suited for long, straight edges or thicker fabrics. Set your leather down on a cutting mat with the right side facing up. Measure and cut 50″ in length. I teach it takes 2 rulers to make that straightening cut on the right side. Additionally, there is a new product from Fiskars that combines both the rotary cutter and ruler together to make it easier for beginning quilters or sewists to learn how to use it. Self healing Cutting mats come in several different sizes suitable for your work space from small squares and rectangles to large mats that are 24" x 36", which is a common size for being able to cut a full yard of fabric. Continue until you have the number of bias strips required for your quilting project. Whenever possible, use your ruler (not the grid on the mat) to measure the width of the strip. First thing’s first. We prefer the method explained in the steps above since there's no need to flip the fabric around, which sometimes allows its layers to shift. There is even a rotary cutter with its own mat-like feature attached that allows it to run between rows of stitches on multiple layers of fabric and make the cuts needed to create chenille. Learn how your comment data is processed. Quilting relies on perfectly cut fabric and straight seams. When you put it down on the fabric it will hold on to the fabric quite firmly. This knowledge is essential for any beginner quilter to safely and efficiently start learning how to use your rotary cutter to start cutting fabric for quilting. Place your hand firmly in the vertical center of the long ruler to hold it in place and roll a rotary cutter from bottom to top along the ruler's right edge. A cutting mat will help you cut straight lines in fabric, and it will also prevent damage to your work surface. Are you new to sewing and quilting and are wondering how to use a rotary cutter and mat to cut fabric? I'm Shelly! This tutorial shows you how to cut fabric on a Cricut Explore, Explore Air, or Cricut Maker! I cut a dime size slice off the side of my index finger several years ago when I turned my head while cutting. You will have to mark the face of the fabric with a chalk before cutting … A really good habit to get into, is to wash your fabric right after you purchase it. Pick up your folded and cut piece, and fold it in half again – this time lengthwise so it is now 22½” x 25″. OLFA’s rotary cutters are used around the world today. Thanks again! They both work in the same basic way: you lay your fabric on your cutting mat and align the ruler on top, then put your rotary cutter blade in the measured slots in the ruler to cut strips or squares, quickly and precisely. I do disagree about cutting on the right side. A self healing cutting mat is a flexible thin mat that is made of several layers of plastic with a vinyl surface coating. And don’t forget to protect your work surface by doing it all on top of one of our self-healing cutting mats. There is a debate over whether to pre-wash fabric for a quilt. Before you ever pick up with rotary cutter, you’ll want to prepare the fabric for cutting. Turn the strip around and cut segments from its left edge in the same way you cut the original fabric strips, aligning the strip with markings on the ruler as required for each shape. Repeat as many times as necessary. This will ensure a clean slice every time. From the top we can see the length is 7″. Place a long rotary ruler to the left of the first ruler on top of the leading edge of the fabric and flush against the square ruler. So, last to last week I shared how to cut fabrics perfectly straight WITHOUT a rotary cutter for those of us who couldn’t get their hands on a rotary cutter because of the area they’re living in, like the old me.. So glad someone has finally posted how to straighten your fabric (the correct way) before cutting. Hi Shelly, just found your blog, I really like it! Be sure that the ruler and fabric are both aligned horizontally on at right angle. You can also use a rotary cutter on paper to trim photos or artwork to use in a scrapbook. Place the ruler overlapping the fabric so the desired cutting width is achieved. Then iron the fabric to make sure fabric is wrinkle free and lays flat. Bring left raw edges to right edges. You could either measure down 50″ from the top or up 4″ from the bottom. Read through all the instructions to get an overview of the process. I have enjoyed using all of the above brands and found them to be equal in quality regardless of the price point. TRADITIONAL / CLASSIC . No question! I’ve made four d. I’ve been on a Christmas Stocking sewing spree! Quickly change the blade of this cutter with the push of a … Janet is the author of the Rodale book "Classic American Quilt Collection: Stars" and has contributed to dozens of other books and patterns as both a writer and editor. I love to sew modern geometric quilts. When it comes to fabric, sometimes scissors just won't cut it. Correct the problem, and move on. Set the pattern on top and trace around it; do not pin the pattern, or you will leave behind permanent holes. Always employ the safety shield of the rotary cutter when it is not in use. When learning how to use a rotary cutter safety is of the utmost importance. 2) To make sure, take your measurement tape and check. Also, if you are new to the sewing scene, you may not have invested in a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler set yet. The end of your fabric is now squared up. Cut multiple layers of fabric, straight lines and curves with versatile rotary cutters that feature ergonomic handles, titanium-enhanced blades and more. A rotary cutter, sometimes called a rotary fabric cutter, or fabric cutter roller is essentially a spring loaded circular razor blade that is attached to a handle ( it looks a bit like a pizza cutter) that can be used to cut fabric or paper for sewing, quilting, and paper crafts. If the piece has a bend in the middle, the fabric's left edge is no longer square. … Fiskars Contour Rotary Cutter- Budget Friendly. I am inspired by simple shapes and bold colors and want to help get your sew on! There is one key to cutting stretchy, knit, or jersey fabrics. The picture in the photo used a fat quarter so the selvage is not lined up the way it would normally be when cutting a half yard or more. But, I do not recommend children using a rotary cutter. Fold the fabric along its length, selvages together. Your email address will not be published. A bad initial cut can result in twisted seams, or seams of different length on two pieces that are supposed to match, or a deformed/uneven hem after the garment was finished. You can purchase rotary blade refills in packs of 2, 5, 10, or 100. When choosing a rotary cutter, it’s important to consider what it is you’re cutting. Cut along the lines that you drew using a rotary cutter. My friend told me that he was going to need to find a roll cutter to help him cut metal. You do not want the fabric layers to shift. Cutting mats are easily found at most craft and fabric stores. To bring scrap fabric ideas and other sewing projects to life, rely on the daily versatility of a 45 mm blade. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the selvages together. The knife is between 18 and 60mm in diameter (~ 3/4” to 2 1/3”). Make sure a horizontal line near the bottom of the ruler lines up with the fold. There is another tool that also has a rotary design and is sometimes labeled as a rotary cutter but it is made to cut holes. Spread your fingers out to hold the ruler securely, but take care to keep fingers out of the cutter's path. Simply roll it firmly along the lines to cut out your pieces. You can’t use a straight edge rotary cutter to make holes in your fabric. You can also purchase specialty blades such as the wavy blade which is good for minky or chenille, or can be used in place of pinking shears. How to cut fabric with a rotary cutter: Step 1 - Prewash Your Fabric - Yes, the first step to rotary cutting is preparing your fabric properly. But we’re not sure if it’s the same from the bottom or not. Required fields are marked *. I'm going to look online for roll cutter types, thank you for sharing. Hi! Long (stretchy) bias strips are sometimes used to make quilt binding and for applique shapes that bend easily into graceful curves, such as flower stems. Choosing a Rotary Cutter. The most commonly used size for quilting is the 45mm. Align your fabric on the cutting mat. To make handling the fabric more manageable, you can fold the left edge of the fabric yardage lack onto itself. The best tool for this particular job is a rotary cutter. Dull blades cut poorly, and are more of a safety concern than sharp ones. Line up folded edge with mat. Place the fabric on the cutting mat, fold near the bottom edge, side to be squared on the left. Copyright © 2020 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme, « Morning Magic! Step 3 Align the folded edge of fabric with a horizontal measurement line on your cutting mat. In this video I show you how to square up your fabric and how to use basic rotary cutting tools to cut strips – on the straight grain and on the bias. Cutting fabric with funky blades. In this video I show you how to square up your fabric and how to use basic rotary cutting tools to cut strips – on the straight grain and on the bias. Step 4 Here, we are using two rulers. How to cut a straight line on fabric using the right tools. You can arrange them so they are stacked vertically, as shown above so that you can cut more than one at a time. Cut multiple layers of fabric, straight lines and curves with versatile rotary cutters that feature ergonomic handles, titanium-enhanced blades and more. Cut along the lines that you drew using a rotary cutter. Using a rotary cutter to cut quilt fabric is fast and easier than cutting freehand. To cut quilt squares for patchwork or other quilt patterns, including both the simple charm quilt pattern and the four square baby quilt pattern, you will need to turn your previously cut fabric strips horizontally. You can also use a rotary cutter on paper to trim photos or artwork to use in a scrapbook. You can get a square up ruler with a sticky film on the ruler. The square ruler's left edge should be near, but inside the left edge of the fabric, roughly where you will make your square cut. Afterward, they flip the fabric around and cut from the left. Use a horizontal line to make sure your fabric is lying straight. It’s pretty awesome. Its wavy edge can also be used for decorative purposes. RIGHT – AND LEFT-HANDED USERS. Attach gripping tabs to the bottom of rotary rulers to help keep them from slipping on fabric. To square of fabric you will need to fold the fabric in half so that the selvages (the part of the fabric the manufacturer loads onto the rolls and contains the information about the fabric line and who makes it.) Slide cutting mat under fabric. Yoshio Okada also invented the world’s first rotary cutter. - Add stabilizes - this will help stiffen the stretchy material and keep the fabric in place while you cut it. Olfa was the first company to introduce a rotary blade cutter in 1979 and is known as the top of the line rotary cutter. Delicious Breakfast Recips. I love to sew, but I’ve never loved cutting the fabric to sew with. The easiest way to cut fabric in a straight line is with a rotary cutter. Quilting rulers will be clear and have markings that allow you to … They are important for keeping your work surface protected from nicks and scratches as well as keeping your rotary blade from becoming dull more quickly. This fabric can confuse you – both the face and the back of the fabric can look almost the same. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When using the clear plastic ruler, be sure to place your hand on the far side of the ruler (away from the rotary blade) so that part of the hand is on the fabric and part is on the ruler. How To: Cut fabric using a rotary cutter for sewing beginners How To: Use a rotary cutter How To: Use a rotary cutter for quilting How To: Get started sewing with the right sewing tools How To: Square up a quilt block How To: Use a rotary cutting mat Hey y’all, today I’m going to show you how to cut out sewing patterns with a rotary cutter. Here are some extra tips that will help you learn how to use a rotary cutter with efficiency. All of OLFA rotary cutters are for right-and left-handed users. Watch this video to learn more about the different rotary cutters, handles, sizes and more to select the best rotary cutter for you. But if you don't start out with fabric that is cut straight and accurately, no matter how straight your seams are you will not be successful in achieving a perfectly pieced quilt. Keeping this fold in place, lay the fabric … Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? To make sure the leading edge of the fabric is at a 90-degree angle to the bottom of the strip, open one of your rotary-cut strips to its full width and look at the area near the fold. The rotary cutter can also be helpful to you to cut the fabric straight. After I showed how to use a rotary cutter to cut straight lines, several people asked via my question form to get more information on how to use a rotary cutter to cut out a sewing pattern.. Super Size Me! This is the method I was taught 25 years ago, but have never seen anyone who has done it this way on the internet. Even those of us with a giant cutting board or mat are sometimes struggling to get perfectly straight lines on giant cuts for our quilts or other sewing projects! A commercial tool such as the RuleSteady can help keep fabrics from shifting and protect your hand. 3. Also, if you are new to the sewing scene, you may not have invested in a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler set yet. HANDLE TYPE. How to Cut Strips of Fabric Straight. You need to cut narrow strips and small shapes that will never align if the fabric isn’t squared. Be sure to make sure the fabric stays aligned at a right angle and readjust as necessary as the fabric has a tendency to shift at times. These fur trimmed stockings definitely, Sew an easy Christmas Stocking! That is, for those of us who JUST got hold of a brand new, fancy rotary cutter and have no idea how to go about using it. Whether you’re cutting multiple layers, straight lines or complex curves, we’ve got just the rotary cutter for all your sewing needs – from upcycled fabric scrap projects to sophisticated garments – and everything in between. It revolutionized how people cut fabric by switching them from using scissors to rolling a circular blade over the material. How to cut fabric with a rotary cutter: Step 1 - Prewash Your Fabric - Yes, the first step to rotary cutting is preparing your fabric properly.