Using a Rotary Cutter is a time saver for all sewing projects. Period. The cuts you make are quick, clean and accurate. You can cut multiple layers at the same time, and your hand won’t get as tired as with scissors.

If you have never used a rotary cutter before, it can be a bit intimidating. These instructions will give newbies a head start but even experienced users will find value in these tips and tricks.

The larger the blade size, the more fabric you can cut and the faster you can cut it. If you know you'll be cutting yards and yards of fabric, you'll want to reach for a 60 mm rotary cutter. A 28 mm rotary cutter is used mainly for making small cuts or for cutting curves. If you want to have one rotary cutter that will be sufficient for nearly all projects, your best bet is the 45 mm. This is large enough to do a lot of cutting, but still manageable when you're trying to do more intricate work.

The symmetrical design of our Rotary Cutters provides comfortable use and control for right- or left-handed users. A sliding button extends the blade guard/shield for safety when not in use. Additionally, it has an easy grip handle with ridges on the edge to grip your index finger while cutting.

The one thing that is absolutely necessary to use with a rotary cutter is a cutting mat. A cutting mat will protect your surfaces (like your sewing table) from being nicked or cut by the sharp blades.

You can go ahead and start cutting with just a rotary cutter and a mat, but there are a few optional aids that will make your cutting life easier and safer.

If you use your cutter the right way, think about your hand position, and use the right tools, there is nothing to be afraid about.

Use a sharp blade. Anything sharp can dull with use and it becomes a much more dangerous tool. You will need to apply more pressure and lose control.

Change the blade as soon as it shows signs of becoming dull. You can tell when it's time to replace the blade because it will slowly show less clean cuts.

Your hand and wrist should make a nice straight line with your index finger pressing against the nonstop section on the top. It’s important to keep your wrist straight to prevent a repetitive motion injury.

Always "cut away from your body”, so your Rotary Cutter should only move away from you, never towards you.

Stand up while cutting. This way you can put your body weight into the cut and you can see where the blade is going.

If you are left handed, be sure to set up your cutter for left-handed cutting. Unlike scissors, you don’t need to purchase a special right-handed or left-handed version, since all cutters convert to either easily. As they has a symmetrical design, you don’t need to convert it.

Always make sure the blade is facing towards you. Keep your head directly over your cutter as you roll it forward in order to clearly see your cutting line

Always apply a constant and even pressure both on your ruler and on your rotary cutter while cutting. Don’t push super hard on your cutter or you will lose control, but you do have to apply some pressure to ensure a clean slice.

If you don’t have a non-slip ruler, you can put your pinky on the mat, behind the ruler, to stabilize.

You can cut through more than one layer, but it is not recommended to cut through more than 3 or 4 layers at a time.

If you’re using your rotary cutter for garment sewing, you won’t always need a ruler.

A rotary cutter can handle different types of fabric without causing shifting or distortion in pattern lines, which can occur with scissors. Cutting with a rotary cutter significantly reduces fraying while cutting. Plus, the rotary cutter rolls right through slippery or stretchy fabrics like silk, satin and knits more smoothly than sewing shears, which can hack at the material and leave behind jagged edges. I find that I have much greater control and go faster than with scissors.

The rotary cutter cuts without shifting things around, so it's easy to get a perfect edge. I hate pinning and cutting with scissors (I even got a blister once from cutting, and my hand ached). Cutting is my least favorite step in sewing, so anything that makes it easier is a plus. A rotary cutter allows me to simply lay out my pattern, put down some pattern weights, then cut cut cut!

Use medium sized or small rotary cutters like the 18 or 28mm for curved cuts, tight corners, and trimming seams.

For pattern cutting, you have 2 options: You copy the pattern pieces with your fabric marker and go over the lines with your rotary cutter, or you put the pattern pieces on your fabric with fabric weights, and you have to know you’re taking a risk when you cut directly along the edges of your pattern. You can accidentally cut the pattern, and if you want to use your pattern several times, it might degrade.

This might be worth the risk if:
1. You don’t often use patterns twice
2. You never cut the original patterns up and copy the patterns onto pattern paper first
3. You add additional seam allowance to your pattern

Change your blades regularly!

Blade sizes: The most common sizes of blades are 18mm, 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm. Remember that each rotary cutter is created for a specific blade size. So when you are looking for extra blades, be sure to get those that correspond to the size of your cutter.

To replace the blade: turn the rotary cutter over in the palm of your hand and remove the nut from the back. Then remove the washer and put it on your mat in a cowboy hat position. Pull the metal bolt from the center of the rotary cutter and remove the plastic ring.

Replace it with a new, sharper blade. Put the ring and the bolt back in the handle. Replace the washer, making sure that it is seated properly. Replace the nut, and screw it in fingertight. Now you’re ready to begin your next project.