Best cutting tools - I've given myself a blister!

[spikemomma]

I am clueless, but need to get something as my usual scissors cut like rubber and I'm getting RSI! Could you point towards good yet not massively expensive:

1. self healing board
2. Cutting wheel
3. Heart and circle cutters

Many thanks!

Google is your friend :o

Rotary cutters are much of a muchness ime, and tbh hobbycraft does perfectly reasonable cutting boards (which can be expensive online due to postage costs as they're an odd size/shape)

I use Olfa rotary cutters and they are brilliant, and not expensive. Just make sure you have a quilters ruler to use with it and your board.

Google them, there are loads of internet shops that asell them at quite reasonably prices.

Rymans do a basic and cheap cutting mat in cms.

As to scissors and wheels, like anything try to buy the best you can afford and use them just for that... don't use your fabric shears on paper, you get my drift.

Another tip for wheels and scissors when they start to blunt is to use folded up sheets of aluminium and run the wheels over them and cut them with the scissors... it will give you a few more projects.

Ah thanks ladies- you are fab. Really appreciate your kindness in responding! X

All boards are not created equal. They have different thicknesses and some you can use with a rotary cutter and not with a craft knife. You need to decide exactly what you want before you buy or could end up needing 2. Creative Grids are usually very good.

Olfa are the most widely available rotary cutters these days - having been told a few years ago that 45mm was the best size for patchwork and quilting, I have since been told that the next size down is better because use can use it for smaller shapes (23mm I think, 20 something anyway). If you can go to any of the big needlework shows like Knit and Stitch, the quilt festival in Malvern or one of the others you will probably find a bargain on rotary cutters. Otherwise, I agree Google is the only way.

Bigboobiebertha- that is really helpful, thank you. Why am I loving your name so much?!!