The rotary cutter is a amazing invention. It makes cutting fabrics quick and easy. The rotary cutter saves wear and tear on your hand and wrist. Many sewing enthusiasts have discovered the ease and efficiency of using a rotary cutter, rotary cutting mat, and ruler. It might even replace some of those old scissors.
This tool is simple but ingenious. It consists of a circular blade connected to a handle and protected by a sliding shield. You hold the handle in your hand, and press down while rolling the cutter. It is so quick and easy. It is also safe when some basic precautions are taken.
Caution: The rotary cutter is razor sharp and will cut. Always keep safety first. Keep the protective shield over the blade until you are ready to cut. Always use proper techniques. Keep away from children. Do not run with cutter in hand.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to replace 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.
A well maintained rotary cutter will perform well for hundreds of cuts. Therefore, remove any oils, lint, debris, or pins that might affect the cutting. Prevent problems with a clean blade.
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.
Use the rotary cutter exclusively on a fully supported cutting surface. Never use a rotary cutter without its rotary cutting mat. Use the cutting mat on a stable cutting table capable of supporting the cutting process.
Position your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
Plastic rulers often tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.
Place the clear ruler edge precisely 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.
While you are cutting, maintain control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
Again, never reach in an awkward manner. Using a non slip ruler makes it easy to walk your support hand along the ruler while you cut. The procedure is easy to do. When you feel uncomfortable with your reach, stop the cut. Do not move the ruler or the cutter. Move your support hand forward to a comfortable support position and start cutting again. Keep steady pressure on the cutter to the end of 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.
The more you understand about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become. Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.
This tool is simple but ingenious. It consists of a circular blade connected to a handle and protected by a sliding shield. You hold the handle in your hand, and press down while rolling the cutter. It is so quick and easy. It is also safe when some basic precautions are taken.
Caution: The rotary cutter is razor sharp and will cut. Always keep safety first. Keep the protective shield over the blade until you are ready to cut. Always use proper techniques. Keep away from children. Do not run with cutter in hand.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to replace 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.
A well maintained rotary cutter will perform well for hundreds of cuts. Therefore, remove any oils, lint, debris, or pins that might affect the cutting. Prevent problems with a clean blade.
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.
Use the rotary cutter exclusively on a fully supported cutting surface. Never use a rotary cutter without its rotary cutting mat. Use the cutting mat on a stable cutting table capable of supporting the cutting process.
Position your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
Plastic rulers often tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful. You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.
Place the clear ruler edge precisely 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.
While you are cutting, maintain control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
Again, never reach in an awkward manner. Using a non slip ruler makes it easy to walk your support hand along the ruler while you cut. The procedure is easy to do. When you feel uncomfortable with your reach, stop the cut. Do not move the ruler or the cutter. Move your support hand forward to a comfortable support position and start cutting again. Keep steady pressure on the cutter to the end of 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.
The more you understand about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become. Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.
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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