Learning To Sew With A Rotary Cutter Is Easy


by David Trumble - Date: 2010-06-22 - Word Count: 644 Share This!

The more you understand about how to use this amazing tool, the faster, easier, and more accurate your cutting will become.

Do not be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to streamline your sewing and quilting.

A revolution has taken in place in the cutting of fabric for sewers across the world. The rotary cutter is the basis of this exciting trend.

This sewing tool makes cutting fabric more precise, less wear and tear on the users hand and wrist, faster, easier, and safer.

This device is made of a circular blade and protective cover fasten to a plastic handle. While it is simple, it is amazingly accurate, fast, and easy to use.

Remember safety first. While the rotary cutter comes with a convenient protective shield, when the shield is drawn back, the sharp razor like blade is exposed. Caution: It is sharp and will cut fingers and more.

Prevent accidents by always practicing proper cutting techniques. Keep out of the reach of children. Never run with the rotary cutter.

Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to replace blades that are dull or nicked.

Avoid pins, staples, paperclips, pieces of plastic, cardboard, and other obstructions. Keep the shield over the blade at all times when the tool is not in use.

Maintain the rotary cutter in peak conditions at all times. Keep it clean. Avoid oils, lint, debris, and pins.

To use the rotary cutter, take it in your hand and align your index finger with the blade. Use your finger as a guide to maintain good control. Do not tense up your wrist.

Use the rotary cutter exclusively on a fully supported cutting surface. Never use a rotary cutter without its rotary cutting mat. Use the cutting mat on a stable cutting table capable of supporting the cutting process.

On top of the cutting mat, lay out your supplies and smooth it out. Eliminate any lumps, bumps, or debris.

Plastic rulers frequently tend to slip and slide on fabric. Be careful.

You may purchase special rulers with non slip backing, or you can purchase a special adhesive sandpaper dots or non-slip film to make your ruler non-slip. Check out the Omnigrid InvisiGripTM your local sew and quilt store.

Place the clear ruler edge just where you want to cut. Keep grainline in mind when setting your ruler to achieve the best possible cut. Place the rotary cutter blade beside the ruler with the handle rising up at its recommended angle (varies depending on the design of the cutter).

Pull the Safety lever back exposing the rotary cutting blade. The blade should line up with the ruler, but not cut into it.

The cutter does a fine job, but you must be careful to keep your body under control. The position of your hands, arms, feet, and body must be well controlled. One hand should rest firmly on the ruler to support the cutting with the other hand.

Simply, do not reach beyond what you are comfortable. You can slip and make a mess. Also never cross over one hand with your cutter. Think safety first.

Again, never reach in an awkward manner. Using a non slip ruler makes it easy to walk your support hand along the ruler while you cut. The procedure is easy to do. When you feel uncomfortable with your reach, stop the cut. Do not move the ruler or the cutter.

Move your support hand forward to a comfortable support position and start cutting again. Keep steady pressure on the cutter to the end of the cut.

At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always close the blade after every cut. Every time up put the cutter down, make certain the safety is covering the blade. No one wants to get cut. It is also a good idea to wear shoes when cutting. Remember, respect the razor sharp rotary blade at all times.

Related Tags: quilting, sewing, rotary cutter, speed sewing

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