Rotary Cutting Basics
Rotary cutting has turned the quilting world on its head. With these tools you can produce piles of squares, triangles and rectangles with one swipe of the blade. Gone are the days of cutting one piece of fabric at a time. How did they ever finish a quilt?
The rotary cutter can be a dangerous tool. ALWAYS close the blade after EACH cut. Go slowly and concentrate on keeping the blade against the ruler's edge.
If the thought of using a rotary cutter makes you cringe, check out the Klutz Glove. It protects your non-cutting hand from the rotary blade. Wear it on either hand. I use mine every time I pick up my rotary cutter. It's a great insurance policy.
| What You Need |
Rotary Cutter
Rotary Cutting Mat
Rotary Cutting Ruler
Klutz Glove (optional)
|
Left-handed quilters should turn the mat upside down and reverse directions.
*Based on 1" grid lines.
 |
- Fold fabric in half.
- Place fabric on mat with fold at the bottom.
- Make sure fabric edges are even with the grid lines.
|
 |
- First, let's straighten the cut edge.
- Line up the 1/2" mark on your ruler with the cut edge of your fabric.
- Match grid lines on your ruler and mat.
- Place rotary blade next to the ruler's edge.
- Trim along the ruler's edge from the fold to the selvages (away from your body).
|
Let's cut off the selvages; We don't need them. | - Turn your mat so the selvages are on your left side.
- Cut a 1/2" strip.
| |
Here's how you cut a 2 1/2" strip. | - Turn mat so fold is at the bottom.
- Line up the 2 ½" mark on your ruler with the cut edge of your fabric.
- Cut a 2 ½"strip.
|
Rotary cutting is fast, fun and easy. But you must respect your rotary cutter. It's super sharp, so handle it with care. Always remember to square up the raw edge of your fabric before you cut any strips.
Return to Sew A Quilt Home Page
|
