The rotary cutter has improved the cutting part of sewing. It makes cutting faster, easier, safer, and more accurate than traditional sewing shears.
The rotary cutter is basically a handle with a circular blade attached on one end. While the rotary cutter is quick and easy, there are some important considerations or tips to follow for maximum safety and success.
Always consider the razor sharp blade and avoid cutting fingers. Think safety first. Take special precautions whenever using or storing the rotary cutter around children. Just as with scissors, do not run with a rotary cutter in your hand. Safety first.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to change blades that are dull or nicked. Avoid pins, staples, paperclips, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other obstructions. Keep the shield over the blade at all times when the tool is not in use.
Keep the rotary cutter clean, free of oils, free of lint, free of anything that might affect its precision cutting ability.
Hold the rotary cutter tightly in your hand with your index finger aligned with the blade as a guide so you have full control. Avoid tensing your wrist.
The rotary cutter is designed to be used with a properly supported cutting surface known as a rotary cutting mat. Never ever use a rotary cutter without its mat.
On top of the cutting mat, lay out your materials and smooth it out. Eliminate any lumps, bumps, or debris.
For all long and straight cuts, use one of the unique rotary cutter plastic rulers. The Omnigrid InvisiGripTM is great. Some rulers use non slip backing, but you can add you own if needed.
Place the clear ruler edge just where you want to cut. Keep grainline in mind when setting your ruler to achieve the best possible cut. Place the rotary cutter blade beside the ruler with the handle rising up at its recommended angle (varies depending on the design of the cutter). Pull the Safety lever back exposing the rotary cutting blade. The blade should line up with the ruler, but not cut into it.
The cutter does a good job, but you must be careful to keep your body under control. The position of your hands, arms, feet, and body must be well controlled. One hand should rest firmly on the ruler to support the cutting with the other hand. Simply, do not reach beyond what you are comfortable. You can slip and make a mess. Also never cross over one hand with your cutter. Think safety first.
Instead of reaching awkwardly, stop cutting half way. Keep the cutter and ruler in place. Reposition your support hand and adjust your body as needed. Resume cutting. A nonslip ruler helps you sort of walk you support hand along the ruler while you cut. Remember, every cut must be fully supported. Cut using consistent pressure all the way through the cut.
At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always close the blade after every cut. Every time up put the cutter down, make certain the safety is covering the blade. No one wants to get cut. It is also a good idea to wear shoes when cutting. Remember, respect the razor sharp rotary blade at all times.
There is much more to learn about rotary cutters and using them for quilting and sewing. They are one of the best cutting tools available. They save time. They increase cutting accuracy. They speed up the whole process.
The rotary cutter is basically a handle with a circular blade attached on one end. While the rotary cutter is quick and easy, there are some important considerations or tips to follow for maximum safety and success.
Always consider the razor sharp blade and avoid cutting fingers. Think safety first. Take special precautions whenever using or storing the rotary cutter around children. Just as with scissors, do not run with a rotary cutter in your hand. Safety first.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to change blades that are dull or nicked. Avoid pins, staples, paperclips, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other obstructions. Keep the shield over the blade at all times when the tool is not in use.
Keep the rotary cutter clean, free of oils, free of lint, free of anything that might affect its precision cutting ability.
Hold the rotary cutter tightly in your hand with your index finger aligned with the blade as a guide so you have full control. Avoid tensing your wrist.
The rotary cutter is designed to be used with a properly supported cutting surface known as a rotary cutting mat. Never ever use a rotary cutter without its mat.
On top of the cutting mat, lay out your materials and smooth it out. Eliminate any lumps, bumps, or debris.
For all long and straight cuts, use one of the unique rotary cutter plastic rulers. The Omnigrid InvisiGripTM is great. Some rulers use non slip backing, but you can add you own if needed.
Place the clear ruler edge just where you want to cut. Keep grainline in mind when setting your ruler to achieve the best possible cut. Place the rotary cutter blade beside the ruler with the handle rising up at its recommended angle (varies depending on the design of the cutter). Pull the Safety lever back exposing the rotary cutting blade. The blade should line up with the ruler, but not cut into it.
The cutter does a good job, but you must be careful to keep your body under control. The position of your hands, arms, feet, and body must be well controlled. One hand should rest firmly on the ruler to support the cutting with the other hand. Simply, do not reach beyond what you are comfortable. You can slip and make a mess. Also never cross over one hand with your cutter. Think safety first.
Instead of reaching awkwardly, stop cutting half way. Keep the cutter and ruler in place. Reposition your support hand and adjust your body as needed. Resume cutting. A nonslip ruler helps you sort of walk you support hand along the ruler while you cut. Remember, every cut must be fully supported. Cut using consistent pressure all the way through the cut.
At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always close the blade after every cut. Every time up put the cutter down, make certain the safety is covering the blade. No one wants to get cut. It is also a good idea to wear shoes when cutting. Remember, respect the razor sharp rotary blade at all times.
There is much more to learn about rotary cutters and using them for quilting and sewing. They are one of the best cutting tools available. They save time. They increase cutting accuracy. They speed up the whole process.
About the Author:
Find out more about Rotary Cutters and Beginner Sewing with Author Donna Trumble. Her sewing instructions give you the knowledge and skills to sew and quilt better than ever. Pick up your free copy of her ebook Top Ten Sewing Answers.
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