Rotary Cutters Mats For Quilting – Part 1
One of the most important tools in making a patchwork quilt is a rotary cutter. I recollect 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 many styles of cutters available, all with blades that come in different sizes, different shaped handles and a variety of protective sheaths.
Usually bigger blades are used to chop through thicker fabric such as flannelette, or a number of layers of cloth at one point. Though the more fabric layers you cut through the less precise you can become. So it’s best when starting to just start with one or two layers to gain confidence.
Blade Sizes
Rotary cutters come in several different sizes which include 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm in diameter. Smaller blades are great for cutting around curves, small templates, and finer work but you’ll find usually the bigger blades will be more useful.
The 45mm is the most commonly used and a good choice for all general fabric cutting needs. You’ll find this size is the one you reach for the most.
New Blades and Sharpening
When you buy a rotary cutter it will normally include one blade and sometimes a spare. It can be relatively expensive purchasing new blades each time they get blunt. What’s so fantastic about these blades is they can be sharpened!
The sharpeners are available in various sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it must be replaced.
The down side is if you have more that one size blade you’ll need to purchase a sharpener for each size. Something to contemplate when purchasing different size cutters.
If however your blade has a nick out of it, maybe from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you may doubtless not be able to sharpen it acceptably and it’ll need to get replaced.
Ensure you buy the right blade for your cutter as the hole shape in the centre of the blade varies according to the brand of cutter. For instance, “Kai” cutters have a round mounting hole with two 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!
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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