Make a small cut or a marking where you need to cut. If you’re cutting a garment, you just follow the edges of your pattern with your blade. However, you will need a cutting mat as well. We’ve also heard of using the bottom of an old laminated shelf (where it won’t be seen). For a quick, firm cut, you need to keep the fabric on a flat, hard surface such as a table. Pull the metal bolt from the center of the rotary cutter and remove the plastic ring. You can also watch on YouTube here if you prefer. Washing and drying before using fabric for a project will offer you the best results, especially if you’re relying on a pattern. But in the long run, you will need to purchase a cutting mat or invest in a craft table with a laminate or similar surface. Ruler (affiliate link) this is for straight cuts. Extend the blade on your rotary cutter and place it right next to the ruler. Thick cardboard (or better several layers of cardboard) will work once in a while, but in the long-run this will dull your rotary blades. How to Cut Fabric Without a Rotary Cutter. That's where a rotary cutter and a cutting mat come in handy. If you don’t have one, then you will have to fold the fabric in such a way to create a straight edge. Obtain a perfect edge every time you cut by learning How to Use a Rotary Cutter and Mat! If the reverse side of my cutting mat weren’t so dirty, I would use that because it has no lines to distract me. Make sure to verify if the edges are straight or not. This will help you understand if you are proceeding the right way. For a high level of accuracy, always use a straight ruler as your guide. In order to use a rotary cutter, you’re going to need to get yourself a self-healing cutting mat. (One exception would be fussy cutting.) These qualities make them so comfortable to wear, but kind of annoying while cutting. In the video below, I show how to use a rotary cutter to cut straight. Frankly, it's the largest mat I've ever needed and I use it for cutting matboard for framing as well as for fabric. A rotary cutting mat is really important to make cutting easier and to protect your furniture from getting damaged by cutting. Put your rotary cutting ruler down on the side of the fabric. Also, your blades won’t become dull as quickly. For creating a nice 90 degree cut on the fabric, you can match it up with a table corner. Iron the fabric and remove the wrinkles. Replace it with a new sharper blade. To replace the blade: turn the rotary cutter over in the palm of your hand and remove the nut from the back. A rotary cutter is the best tool you can use to cut precise layers of fabric. Then line up the bottom fold with one of the lines on the cutting mat. Cutting Mat Surface used for cutting with a rotary cutter. After reading this how-to guide, you'll be all ready to cut. This mat makes it easier to get precise straight line cuts and also curves. Slice narrow strips on one edge to create fringe, then add knots or beads or knot, and you’ve created a one-of-a-kind accessory. Cut through the fabric to the mat surface using steady pressure and a rotary cutter. 1 in 3 users isn’t satisfied with its performance, and this is the best I could find on Amazon. Your email address will not be published. Let’s talk rotary cutting today. Rotary cutters come in varying sizes. June 2018. Don't be daunted by the rotary cutter's sharp edge. The large majority of my pattern pieces fit on this size but there are a small handful of patterns that don’t. Always have precise measurements ready before measuring the fabric. Slide the rule to the other side and mark 6 inches in the same way again. I’m sure there is much more I can learn about these lovely tools, but here are some basics on what they are and how you can use them in both quilting and sewing. Get a perfect edge every time you cut by learning How to Use a Rotary Cutter and Mat! Get a perfect edge every time you cut by learning How to Use a Rotary Cutter and Mat! Replace it with a new, sharper blade. We are a group of creatives with a passion for sharing our knowledge. Then remove the washer and put it on your mat in a cowboy hat position. Unlike scissors, rotary cutter blades aren’t designed to be sharpened. Start with the rotary cutter positioned against the edge of the ruler, BELOW the fabric, and hold the rotary cutter at a 45 degree angle. Continue cutting with a rotary cutter to get the fabric of your desired measurement. The rotary cutter will cut the fabric as it rolls. Look for a cutter made from tungsten like the Arteza 45mm Quilting Rotary Cutter. The basic requirement which needs to use the rotary blade properly is a cutting mat, It's better to use the self-healing cutting mat (mat surface recover automatically after using the rotary blade on it) to avoid the damage of the work station platform where the materials lie down to cut. Once you gain experience and confidence, you will be able to cut several layers of fabric at once using a rotary cutter. All in One Set. Rotary Cutter When you are ready to use the tool, turn the dial to "light" or "heavy duty," depending on your fabric. Here is how you can use a rotary cutter for almost any task despite not having a mat. The hand holding the ruler should be … Cutting slowly can make the fabric shift. Take your time, it takes practice, even to get the folding right! A rotary cutting mat should always be under the fabric when you’re using a rotary cutter. The easiest way to cut fabric in a straight line is with a rotary cutter. If you cut in the 'butt crack' (teehee), you'll cut your table; if you cut across it, your cutter will skip up to a quarter inch. This site is owned and operated by Elli & Tee Inc. Thecreativefolk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But, I do not recommend children using a rotary cutter. This shifting can make your cuts l… To use a rotary cutter when you don’t have a cutting mat, you can use thick cardboard or even the bottom of an old shelf in a pinch, but this can dull your blades with time. Spread your fingers out to hold the ruler securely, but take care to keep fingers out of the cutter's path. Smooth it out with your hands. Apply direct downward pressure to the ruler and mat to sandwich the fabric as you roll the rotary cutter like a pizza cutter along side the ruler that is aligned with a line on your mat. Starting on the side of the fabric closest to your body, roll the cutter along the ruler away from your body with firm pressure. Roll the cutter forward while keeping your eye on the cutting line. Step 6 If the edges of the fabric don’t align and appear slightly inwards or outwards, then you will have to trim the edges. There are two different types of rotary cutting mats to choose from — self-healing and hard surface. The mat protects your tabletop and can serve as a measuring tool when you use the gridlines on the mat to line up your fabric. The power in both will save you a lot of time and energy. Find the straight edge of your fabric. A piece of cake to use and a terrific time-saver, a rotary cutter will small change your life once added to your collection of sewing tools. Make sure to apply even pressure while rolling the rotary cutter through a paper or fabric. Fold the fabric in the opposite way and check the other widths as well. If you want to cut long strips especially for cutting strips of fabric for quilt patterns, then you need to cut the strips accurately. But in the long-run, you will need a mat anyway. If there are slight angles, then you can trim the fabric with the cutter and make it look even. Rotary Cutter Quilting Tutorials Being Used Quilts Learning Comforters Quilt Sets Studying Kilts. You can choose the style as per your crafting requirements and convenience. This ease-of-use is the reason that rotary cutters have won the admiration of quilters. How to Buy a Cutting Mat Cutting mats come in all sizes, so measure the space you work in the most and get one that fits well. This setup is in turn connected to a handle which makes it convenient to move it around. Most rotary cutters have a safety guard which covers the blade until you press down on the mat to cut. No need to search for individual tools or other rotary cutter mat and ruler sets, this package gives it all making it the best rotary cutter sewing kit in the market. Pull the metal bolt from the center of the rotary cutter and remove the plastic ring. I love my rotary cutters, rotary mat, and rotary ruler now. As you will be cutting over this mat hundreds or thousands of times, you need to have confidence in the fact that it will hold up to that level of use without becoming sliced up to the point where the surface is no longer workable. If you are here from the first post in this series about quilting supplies, you saw a few things go together – cutting mat, acrylic ruler, and today’s star, the rotary cutter. Cutting Mats. Here’s what to do. You can apply more pressure if you are having any issue in cutting the fabric. But loving them took a while-mostly because I didn’t really know how to use them. Can you use a rotary cutter without a mat? How to Use Rotary Cutter. Efficient and Precise. Also, if you are new to the sewing scene, you may not have invested in a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler set yet. To cut fabric strips simply move over the ruler the desired width and make cut the fabric again to … Rotary cutters are very sharp and will leave cutting marks on your table. For rotary cutting, I’d suggest investing in a cutting mat that is as large as your cutting table. To use a rotary cutter when you don’t have a cutting mat, you can use thick cardboard or even the bottom of an old shelf in a pinch, but this can dull your blades with time. But if you use a rotary cutter, you’ll also need good quality cutting mat made for that purpose to keep your surfaces intact, your fingers safe, and your cut lines perfect. Can you use a rotary cutter without a mat? I have one of the bargain rotary cutters from Fabric Guild, it seems to be fine, and my mat was an ebay find. Use the straight edge of the table for cutting the fabric straight. Pre-wash fabric and iron as necessary. Many mats are self-healing which means that the blade of the rotary cutter will not create permanent grooves in the mat. I use a 24″x36″ cutting mat on top of a foldable table. This cutting mat from Sullivan’s measures 40″x72″ which is big enough for most garment sewing projects.. How to Use a Rotary Cutter. Or use the OLFA Deluxe 45mm Rotary Cutter (RTY-2/DX) to cut across the chest, just below the armholes, of a colorful knit T-shirt in order to fashion an infinity scarf. Cutting mats come in different sizes, so choose one that fits your working space and your projects. You can have the perfect edge every time by learning how to use a rotary cutter and mat! Press down firmly on the ruler and rotary blade cutter and roll upward along the ruler. Learn how to choose a rotary cutting mat and how to use one by watching this instructional video. It is crucial to wash the fabric that you are using for your project. You can fold your fabric over so that you’re cutting through multiple layers in order to see the lines on the mat. If you are cutting folded over pattern pieces with fabric scissors, you may find that the two layers of fabric shift around over each other. Before making any cut check that the bottom and the left edges of the fabric align accurately. This tool is made specifically to be used with rotary cutters. How to Cut Fabric Without a Rotary Cutter. Personally, I’d suggest getting the biggest mat you can fit/afford. (It reminds me of A/C filter material.) The mat protects your tabletop and can serve as a measuring tool when you use the gridlines on the mat to line up your fabric. Then put a square up ruler down on the fabric at the fold. When it comes to fabric, sometimes scissors just won't cut it. A rotary cutter is a versatile tool that can come in immensely handy while executing any art or craft project. Place your hand firmly in the vertical center of the long ruler to hold it in place and roll a rotary cutter from bottom to top along the ruler's right edge. I've got about 150 squares of felt to cut out this evening and now it's just like, that will be a 15 minute job with the rotary cutter. I just gently bend the cutting mat over the edge of the table or over a coffee can. With a small mat you can position the fabric directly on the mat using the preprinted markings. Many mats are self-healing which means that the blade of the rotary cutter will not create permanent grooves in the mat. Since I often worked with knits, transferring this technique into cutting the ribbing for neck and waist bands was a natural jump. Slice narrow strips on one edge to create fringe, then add knots or beads or knot, and you’ve created a one-of-a-kind accessory. This will make an enormous difference in the final outcome. 7 Best Knitting Looms For Beginners In 2020, The 5 Best Fragrance Oils For Soy Candles, The Best Acrylic Paint For Large Paintings. It comprises of a rotating razor blade encased within a safety guard. Use the lines on the cutting mat and ruler to orient and square up your fabric. Before we get into the steps, let’s be clear: you will need a sturdy and thick surface to use the rotary cutter on. If you’re not sure if using a rotary cutter is going to be a regular part of your sewing, buy several smaller mats when you can get a deal. It is highly suggested that you use a rotary blade with mats. It is a surface which you can use to cut fabric with a rotary cutter. Stainless steel is another strong material to look for such as in the Premier Blades 45mm Rotary Cutter Tool. There is a TRICK to removing ALL of the fabric particles from the cuts in the mat. But, I do not recommend children using a rotary cutter. You can use the edge of a table to help you mark a straight edge. The things you need to use the rotary cutter efficiently are mats (the self healing mat or a hard surface mat) and pattern weights. Cutting mats protect your working surface. You can’t cut with a rotary cutter without a mat underneath- unless you want to leave cut marks all over your table and dull your blades. You can use the edge of a table to help you mark a straight edge. Caroline, I don't know how you plan to butt two mats together, but be careful. Make sure that the counter corner is straight. But if you don’t have a mat, you aren’t out of luck. You can use a rotary cutter on various materials including leather, paper, and fabric. Rotary Cutter Safety (Again) Because rotary cutter blades are VERY sharp, I want to emphasize safety. The electric rotary cutter or the Cricut machine with a rotary cutter would be the best cutting tools to use when cutting fleece. Fold it over, then fold it again. Easy Sewing Projects Sewing Tutorials Sewing Hacks Sewing Basics Quilting For Beginners Sewing For Beginners Quilting 101 Sewing Patterns Free Free Sewing. Depending on the type, the fabric may shrink a little. Hold fabric in place with pattern weights to increase the accuracy of cutting while using a rotary cutter. ... A sharp blade will cut through it without a problem. So many people shy away from working with knits because they are stretchy and tend to be more slippery. Don't be daunted by the rotary cutter's sharp edge. Another highly recommended material is carbon steel. Do not leave the sharp blade exposed between cuts while it is sitting on the mat. If you can find a rotary cutter with a good strong blade, you won’t have to replace it as often. Using a rotary cutter is simple and easy. To clean the fabric "whiskers" from my rotary cutting mat, I DRY-scrub it with a "greenie", which is really designed for scrubbing dishes. We truly hope you find value on our blog, and are here to help if you have any questions! Once you have two straight edges in your fabric, you can start cutting. A piece of cake to use and a terrific time-saver, a rotary cutter will change your life once added to your collection of sewing tools. Don't be daunted by the rotary cutter's sharp edge. The rotary cutting mat is also called a self-healing cutting mat. This will offer you a clean-cut fabric every time despite not having a mat. The ability to self-heal, as the industry terminology goes, is a great feature in rotary cutting mats. To replace the blade: turn the rotary cutter over in the palm of your hand and remove the nut from the back and then remove the washer and put it on your mat in a cowboy hat position. Here is a step-by-step procedure for cutting fabric strips with a rotary cutter without a mat for your project. If you want to cut a square of 6 inches, then simply and mark 6 inches from one edge. You should never use a rotary cutter without a mat. The mat not only protects your table from cuts, it helps the blade last longer. After reading this how-to guide, you'll be all ready to cut. You can have the perfect edge every time by learning how to use a rotary cutter and mat! This is because you have to lift your fabric up in order to cut it with fabric scissors. No question! But in the long-run, you will need a mat anyway. Generally, professionals prefer using this tool with a cutting mat. Direct pressure should keep the ruler and mat from shifting during use. This will produce fast, clean edges for projects where precision is not necessary. If you have movable shelves and don’t mind having a few cuts on the bottom, this would also be a good temporary solution. Or use the OLFA Deluxe 45mm Rotary Cutter (RTY-2/DX) to cut across the chest, just below the armholes, of a colorful knit T-shirt in order to fashion an infinity scarf. Always cover the blade on the rotary cutter when you aren’t using it. The Cricut machine can be found on this website and it can save you a lot of time. Store your rotary cutter safely by turning the dial to the "locked" position. While cutting any fabric, always place the fabric on a hard flat surface. A piece of cake to use and a terrific time-saver, a rotary cutter will change your life once added to your collection of sewing tools. It’s convenient to be able to cut large items like clothing on them. No question! Armed with a tool, mat, and plastic ruler, it was easy to work with the yards and yards of fabric and cut them into 6″ strips. How to Use a Rotary Cutter Without a Mat? The easiest way to cut fabric in a straight line is with a rotary cutter. Rotary cutters come in varying sizes. This video quilting tutorial shows how to use a rotary cutting mat and how to choose an appropriate mat for your quilting needs. Our 12x18 double sided cutting mat and rotary cutter set, with its 5 extra rotary cutter blades is an all in one rotary cutting tool package. You don’t have to fret if you don’t have a cutting mat to execute any task. If you are doing any regular amount of quilting I'm sure it's worth investing. Always push the rotary cutter away from your body. It will keep your blades super sharp and protect your surface from cuts or scratches. Cutting Mat Surface used for cutting with a rotary cutter. Also, if you are new to the sewing scene, you may not have invested in a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler set yet. Rotary cutter blades sharpeners exists, like the one below but I don’t recommend them. How to Use a Rotary Cutter and Mat. The best way to check if you have a clean-cut or not is by folding the fabric in half and by ensuring that the width on one end is the same as the other end. You may also want to use a long ruler if cutting straight edges. Rotary Cutter Disclosures, Subscribe below to receive the latest quilty news and offers from Cotton + Joy. When using the rotary cutter, you always want to think safety first. Be sure that the ruler and fabric are both aligned horizontally on at right angle. Simply compare the fabric edges with the straight edge of the table. Choose one that fits your working space and your projects be the best tools. Square up ruler down on the fabric edges with the cutter 's sharp edge and mark 6,! Put it on your table from cuts, it helps the blade of the rotary cutting come... And to protect your furniture from getting damaged by cutting won’t become as... Hard flat surface get the folding right Studying Kilts users isn’t satisfied with its performance and... Quilting tutorial shows how to choose from — self-healing and hard surface such as a table to help understand. You should never use a rotary cutter for such as a table such... 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Are proceeding the right way and tend to be used with rotary cutters have a mat. Ready before measuring the fabric on a flat, hard surface layers fabric! Choose one that fits your working space and your projects you find value on blog! Cutting line a long ruler if cutting straight edges long-run, you always want use. Is how you can find a rotary cutter watch on YouTube here if you ’! Small handful of Patterns that don ’ t have a safety guard ’ re going need. That the blade: turn the rotary cutter can start cutting metal bolt from cuts! Save you a lot of time and energy Cotton + Joy will keep your blades won’t become dull quickly. Store your rotary cutter and mat pattern pieces fit on this size but there are different! It can save you a lot of time and energy save you a clean-cut every! Time, it helps the blade last longer mat anyway Quilting for Beginners Sewing for Beginners Sewing for Quilting... 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Since I often worked with knits because they are stretchy and tend to be used with cutters... Self-Healing cutting mat rotary mat, you 'll be all ready to cut a square of inches. Are using for your Quilting needs a lot of time and energy to.