How to Use a Rotary Cutter, Step by Step

This tutorial will show you how to use a rotary cutter – a tool that has revolutionized the sewing and craft world. This wonderfully simple tool is the answer to effective pattern cutting and crafting. The rotary cutter ensures sharp, definite, and obvious cutting lines, which is the essence of ‘clear cut’. In addition, learning how to use a rotary cutter makes cutting patterns and shapes quicker and easier. 

Rotary Cutter Tutorial

Rotary cutters are used to cut through fabrics cleanly. A round, sharp blade rolled across the fabric surface along the ruler’s edge will produce straight cuts that you couldn’t possibly get with scissors. They are extremely popular for cutting small pieces of fabric for quilting.

Choosing a brand when learning to use a rotary cutter is not necessarily as clear-cut because several brands are available, as well as shapes and sizes. As well as brands and blade sizes, this tutorial will discuss:

1. What are rotary cutters?
2. How to hold a rotary cutter
3. How to use a rotary cutter

What are Rotary Cutters?

A rotary cutter is a fabric and craft cutting tool with a sharp round blade set into a handle device. The blade rotates, enabling faster and more effective cutting. Rotary cutters come in a variety of styles, handle shapes, and sizes.

Blade sizes range from 18mm to 28mm, 45mm to 60 mm. All come with a safety lock so the blade is not exposed. The most commonly used sizes are 45mm and 60mm.

Rotary Cutter Supplies

When learning how to use a rotary cutter, you will also need:

A proper cutting mat. The mat needs to be a ‘self-healing’ mat. This means that the cuts made on the mat will repair themselves. The best size to get is one that covers your normal work surface. Get a good quality brand; cheaper mats are often hard and can slip and dull your blades.

A non-slip ruler that you use to line up and cut against the rotary cutter. Years ago, I used to cut leather regularly, and twice, I cut myself badly due to the ruler slipping. These days, I only cut with a non-slip ruler such as those made by Omnigrip. If you can’t get a non-slip ruler, consider purchasing some silicone non-slip disks to add under your regular ruler like those made by Trucut.

What Size Rotary Cutter Do I Need? 45mm vs 60mm

The first thing you will need is a rotary cutter. They come in different sizes and brands to suit different holders. Here is some information to help you choose.

The 45mm blade is the most common size. It is designed for sewing and quilting projects that are small to medium in size. A 60mm blade will cut larger projects and go through more layers at once. It tends to be used for larger quilting projects rather than sewing clothing.

Generally, the smaller blade cuts curves and corners nicely, and the larger blade handles more fabric at a time.

Use the correct blade for the project to avoid accidents and get the best results. Depending on what you sew regularly, you may even need more than one size cutter.

Some cutters have pinking edges and even scalloped edges if you want to be adventurous.

Rotary Cutter Best Brands

Some quality brand names to look out for are OLFA, FISKARS, and GINGHER.

Different brands tend to have different safety features, and generally many different handles are available within each brand. Consider how much cutting you plan on doing and whether you want something ergonomic or simple. If possible, go into a craft or haberdashery shop and hold a few different styles to see what feels comfortable in your hand.

How to Hold a Rotary Cutter

USE A STRAIGHT ARM – Take hold of the handle and keep your wrist, hand and arm in a straight line. This will give you the best control and pressure possible. Try different positions for your grip. Some cutters like to position their finger on the top of the handle, like a pencil, to guide the cutter.

STAND UP – It is generally best to stand up as you are cutting so you can get a good firm and even pressure.

Take note of any of the manufacturer’s additional safety tips. Different brands will have different safety features.

How to Use a Rotary Cutter, Step by Step Instructions

Learn how to use a rotary cutter and mat to get the best outcome from the tool.

1. Put your fabric on a large cutting mat. Line up your fabric carefully. Make sure the grain of the fabric all runs the same way.
2. Place the ruler on top of the fabric along the line you intend to cut. Hold it firmly with your non-dominant hand. For most of you, this will be the left.
3. Grip your rotary cutter firmly, keeping a straight arm, and start rolling it away from yourself. Remember, it is a pushing action that does most of the work. (Aways, push away from yourself as a safety precaution and not pull towards yourself.)
4. Use a firm pressure as you roll the rotary cutter on the fabric and the cutting board.

How to Use a Rotary Cutter FAQs

How Do You Sharpen a Rotary Cutter?

Eventually, your once sharp rotary blade will wear down and need sharpening. When it is blunt, the blade will tear the fabric and struggle to cut through several layers at once. Always remove the old blade carefully so you don’t cut yourself. Even a dull blade can be sharp enough to cut your skin.

Here are 3 ways you can sharpen a blunt blade:

1. Sharpeners – If you want to sharpen your rotary cutter blades, then think about investing in a rotary cutter sharpener. Always check you are purchasing the correct sized sharpener for the size of your blade if the sharpener does not cut multiple sizes. Rotary cutter sharpeners can be either powered (electric) or manual.
2. Sharpening Edge Rulers – Some rulers are coated with a ‘diamond carbide’ edge, so as you cut, the blade is sharpened as you cut, thus extending the life of your blades.
3. Aluminum Foil – This common household product can help you sharpen your rotary cutter blades cheaply and easily. Run your blade back and forth through several layers of foil. You will need to do this numerous times, so it can be a little more time-consuming and is slightly less effective than some of the other methods. Nonetheless, it can certainly extend the life of your blades.

If sharpening your blades doesn’t appeal to you, you can purchase new replacement blades quite cheaply. Remember to match the blade size to your rotary cutter. Ideally, you should also match the brand of your replacement blade to your cutter.

Personally, I don’t use enough blades to justify a sharpener, so I just buy replacements instead. However, if you cut regularly, however, it will be more cost-effective in the long run to purchase a sharpener.

Why Use a Rotary Cutter?

The rotary cutter makes cutting fabric much faster, easier, and more accurate. Once you have used a rotary cutter, you will be totally converted to this cutting method. With its razor-sharp blade, the rotary cutter cuts through multiple layers of fabric and ensures that several layers or pieces of fabric are cut with precision.

The rotary cutter is the best option for the quilter or sewer who plans to cut multiple pieces of fabric in different sizes and shapes. The cutting mat and the correct ruler make the process of cutting accurate shapes so much easier.

Which Rotary Cutter Did I Choose?

I purchased a new cutter last week as I’m planning on some quilting tutorials for you and chose the Olfa Deluxe 45mm. My old cutter was a really simple model and was prone to wobbling as I cut. What I liked about this Olfa is the retractable handle.

It feels really comfortable in my hand and steady when I cut. I mainly cut smaller projects and just a couple of layers at a time, so the 45mm size worked best for my requirements.

Rotary Cutter vs Scissors

One of the other advantages of a rotary cutter over scissors is that there is no real difference in design for left or right-handed cutters. One type fits all!

In addition, you will have clean, accurate edges, which are essential for professional results on sewing and quilting projects. It’s a bit like slicing pizza, as you put a bit of pressure on the rotary blade and push it down to slice up your pieces of fabric. Cutting is just so easy, and you will never turn back once you experience the rotary cutter in action.

How to Use a Rotary Cutter – In Conclusion

Now that how to use a rotary cutter has been answered,  you should have a good idea of the way forward in your quest for the best rotary cutter for you.  It is really a step up in the cutting world, and once you have traveled the rotary cutter path, you won’t look back.

More Useful Cutting Articles

• Beginners Sewing Kit
• Cutting Tools for Sewing
• How to Cut Fabric
• Sewing a Muslin
• How to Cut Notches
• How to Sharpen Scissors
• How to Cut Fabric Straight