Rotary Cutters

[AutumnDragon]

Can anyone offer some advice?

I'm just getting into sewing and struggle to cut a straight line with scissors.

Ages ago I bought a rotary cutter with every intention of making stuff and then didn't use it. So I dug it out, and tried it but I just can't cut with it. I was trying to cut a lightish weight cotton and it would cut sometimes but was mostly just snagging or running over the top without cutting. I also tried it on a heavier weight with the same results.

So:

1. Is it me? Is there a technique I just don't get?

or 2. Is it the cutter - it was a cheap one, not one of the recognisable brands. If you think it's the cutter, any recommendations?

I love my Olfa one. Far better than the cheap one I bought first.

Blades from Barnyarns are cheap but good so I don't bother paying for branded blades.

I'm with Olfa, they really do the job properly. I suspect you maybe need a new blade for your cutter and if you really get into it, buy Olfa

Second Olfa cutters.

Okay - do you have a self-healing cutting mat and a proper quilting ruler? Both are essential.

Is your material folded exactly so that you are cutting through several layers of fabric? For some reason rotary cutters are better on two or more layers rather than a single layer

You do need to press down firmly, so make sure you are standing at a table and can exert quite a bit of force roughly the same as if you are using a pizza cutter.

A sharp blade should go through about 4 layers of cotton with relative ease. You know when a blade needs replacing because it will leave jagged threads where it hasn't cut though cleanly. Just as you'd use a new needle for each new project it's a good idea to use a new blade too.

Make sure you use the right size of cutter, as they range from tiny (for foundation machine piecing) upwards.

hope that's helped!

Thank you all!

The rotary cutter has never been used so I'm hoping the blade was ok. Yes to ruler and self-healing cutting mat (lovely DH bought me them for my birthday )

I tried it through 1 and 2 layers of material.

Really silly question coming up that proves just how new I am to this ...... is the blade supposed to turn or stay static?

When I removed the cutter from the packaging, the blade was fixed. I loosened off the nut holding it, and tried various tensions with various results, but now I'm doubting myself!!

So from the sounds of it, it's probably the cutter. Luckily I have some money left over from my birthday to spend, so off to do some research on which Olfa to buy.

It should turn. I have a Olfa one too although I must admit to not pressing hard enough to cut through both layers of fabric most of the time. I don't use it much but did this weekend to make bias binding and had to re-cut a few pieces just because I had only half cut them or missed bits. I am probably pathetic!

This is the one I have

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0060K81LY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Yes the blade should turn, a rotary cutter is basically a pizza wheel for fabric. Also, the clue is in the name

I have a Fiskars one and it's great :)

I told you I was a novice

So, as my "pizza Wheel" isn't turning that easily, we may have found the problem (I use a knife for my pizzas - well, that's my excuse anyway )

Yes that's likely to be your problem. It might not be because it's a cheap one though, I have 2 Fiskars ones, my grandma bought me one as a gift and she also gave me a load of sewing stuff, in amongst the stuff was another Fiskars rotary cutter but I cannot, for love nor money, get the blade to budge even a millimetre. I need to ask DP to have a go, I have the upper body strength of a kitten :o

Do you have a fabric shop you could visit? They would be able to advise and maybe let you try out different rotary cutters. Might even be able to sort out your existing cutter. It sounds as if the nut is too tight as the wheel should rotate smoothly.
Hope you get it sorted. Rotary cutting should be quick and easy!

KatieKaye sadly no. Finding one is my next challenge!

I've had a look at Olfa cutters and there seem to be two type - either straight with the roller at the end, or a curved one with a handle to squeeze (safety??). My existing cheapie one is the second style, so don't know if this is the issue.

Which would everyone recommend? I have carpal tunnel syndrome if this makes a difference (thankfully not too severe). Also, safety isn't an issue as no littlies running around other than the dogs and they're are not allowed in the room.

I prefer the Olfa straight ones, Autumn.
I've got several different sizes and find the biggest one needs the least pressure.
Having an actual shop you can visit is such a boon - you can see the fabrics together, browse the accessories and ask the assistants and other shoppers for advice. there are also quilt shows that travel round the country and have fabric, notions, books etc for sale as well as quilts to gawp at in amazement. the only problem is that you want to buy so many things!
www.grosvenorshows.co.uk/html/quilt_shows.html