Cutting fabric with rotary cutter/knife?

[ameliameerkat]

I've just bought a cutting mat, and am now thinking about cutting implements. I don't quilt, but is this how you quilting folk cut out fabric? With a mat and knife? What kind of knife do you use? And is it only good for thin fabrics? I was hoping to cut thicker fabric (up to curtain kind of thickness). Will that work with a rotary cutter? I have a stanley knife but I figured that might be a bit over the top..... I also need to get myself a steel rule too. Thanks!

Rotary cutters are fab.

My mum used to cut them to go through multiple layers of silk and satin so you will have no prob with curtain fabric.

I should imagine a knife will 'drag' the fabric.

Agree with the rotary cutters being fab :), you can also get them with a mini knife blade for cutting the pattern notches without ruining your pattern

& yes they are good with fine fabrics - any fabrics really I've used them professionally for years & most design rooms use these for sample making

OK, not only will you need a rotary cutter but you will also need a quilting ruler.

Now for the safety chat:

Always, but always retract the blade after use...the blades are very sharp and will slice through fingers and the blood will muck up your fabric!*

Always, but always cut away from you.

Remember to replace the blade regularly.

Store the cutter away from prying fingers, men and small children love to play.

Rotary cutters are brilliant and will save you time if you use them properly, you cannot use them free hand, hence the ruler.

• If you do get blood on your fabric when sewing, by pricking your finger, spit on it! The enzymes in your saliva will break up the bloodstain.

Excellent Thank you ladies! I will therefore invest in a rotary cutter and steel ruler. It's quite exciting embarking on new craft enterprises