Rotary Cutters & Scissors

Using a rotary cutter for fabric takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll understand why quilters prefer using rotary cutters on quilting fabrics. Follow these steps to get the best cut:

1. Cover your table with a self-healing cutting mat to prevent damage to its surface.

2. Line up your quilting ruler with the fabric you want to cut.

3. Place your hand firmly on the ruler to prevent it from slipping.

4. Begin cutting. Apply steady, even pressure. Pro Tip: You'll need to use more pressure than you think when using cutter tools.

5. Make the cut firmly and quickly. If you cut too slowly, your fabric may shift and ruin the cut.

6. When you're finished cutting, engage the safety lock on your rotary cutter to avoid injury from the stainless steel cutter blades.

Once you're comfortable using a rotary fabric cutter, you'll be able to cut more than one layer of fabric at a time.

The size of the rotary cutter you need is based on how much quilting you do, the difficulty of your projects and your level of proficiency. If you do a lot of quilting, you may wish to buy multiple rotary cutters for fabric. Here's a rundown of the different sizes:

• 18mm & 28mm: Smaller quilting rotary cutters make fast work of intricate cuts. They're ideal for cutting curves and corners because they're easy to maneuver.
• 45mm: The best all-around reliable rotary cutter is a 45mm rotary cutting tool – it's a must-have for every quilter. This is the most common size and is designed for small to medium quilting projects.
• 60mm: Perfect for a larger quilting project, the 60mm rotary cutter can slice through multiple layers of fabric with ease.

Whatever your skill level, you'll find the rotary scissors and cutting tools you need at Fat Quarter Shop. Our sewing rotary cutters and scissors enable you to trim fabric, trace patterns and snip thread with precision and accuracy. Shop online for the best rotary cutters for quilting and sewing projects!