One of the most vital tools in making a patchwork quilt is a rotary cutter. I remember how I used to draw lines on fabric, then cut out my pieces with scissors.

I just balk at even the very idea of that now. So where do you start when buying your first rotary cutter?

Well there are several varieties of cutters available, all with blades of various size, different shaped handles and a spread of protective sheaths.

Generally larger blades are used to cut through thicker fabric like flannelette, or a number of layers of fabric at one time. Although the more cloth layers you cut through the less accurate you can become. So it is best when beginning to just start with a couple of 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 generally used and a sensible choice for all general fabric cutting requirements. You will 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 diverse sizes of blades but will only fit one size blade per sharpener. A blade can be sharpened six or more times before it needs to be replaced.

The down side is if you’ve more that one size blade you will need to buy a sharpener for each size. Something to think about when buying different size cutters.

If however your blade has a nick out of it, perhaps from dropping it or cutting into your ruler, you will probably not be in a position to sharpen it satisfactorily and it will need to be 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 peeled for part 2 where we cover handles and maintenance.

Until then, happy quilting!

To get some more excellent tips about the best way to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green’s how to make a patchwork quilt website now!

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