The rotary cutter is a wonderful invention. It makes cutting fabrics quick and easy. The rotary cutter saves wear and tear on your hand and wrist. Many sewing enthusiasts have discovered the ease and efficiency of using a rotary cutter, rotary cutting mat, and ruler. It might even replace some of those old scissors.
This device is simple but ingenious. It consists of a circular blade connected to a handle and protected by a sliding shield. You hold the handle in your hand, and press down while rolling the cutter. It is so quick and easy. It is also safe when some basic precautions are taken.
Always respect the razor sharp blade and avoid cutting fingers. Think safety first. Take special precautions whenever using or storing the rotary cutter around children. Just as with scissors, do not run with a rotary cutter in your hand. Safety first.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to change 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 only 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.
Layout your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
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 exactly 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.
While you are cutting, keep control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
If you find it hard to support the ruler over a long cut, stop in the middle of the cut. Leave the rotary cutter in place. (Do not move it.) Reposition your left hand until you have firm support and control. Continue the cut. If you have a non-slip ruler, it is very easy to simply walk your left hand up the ruler while cutting. If you are using a ruler that does not have special non-slip protection, make sure you stop every time you attempt to reposition your left hand. The ruler must remain in place fully supported whenever you are cutting. Always use an even pressure on the cutter.
At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always shut 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.
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. - 14915
This device is simple but ingenious. It consists of a circular blade connected to a handle and protected by a sliding shield. You hold the handle in your hand, and press down while rolling the cutter. It is so quick and easy. It is also safe when some basic precautions are taken.
Always respect the razor sharp blade and avoid cutting fingers. Think safety first. Take special precautions whenever using or storing the rotary cutter around children. Just as with scissors, do not run with a rotary cutter in your hand. Safety first.
Replace bad blades. While you can get sharpeners, it is best to change 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 only 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.
Layout your cutting area on top of a self healing rotary cutting mat: free of debris, material lying flat and smooth.
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 exactly 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.
While you are cutting, keep control of your body. No stupid moves here. Position yourself for comfortable reach, height, and angle before starting a cut. Think safety. Do not reach beyond what is comfortable and controlled. Position your hands, arms, feet, and body for maximum cutting. One hand supports the cut by holding the ruler in place, while the cutting hand operates the cutter.
If you find it hard to support the ruler over a long cut, stop in the middle of the cut. Leave the rotary cutter in place. (Do not move it.) Reposition your left hand until you have firm support and control. Continue the cut. If you have a non-slip ruler, it is very easy to simply walk your left hand up the ruler while cutting. If you are using a ruler that does not have special non-slip protection, make sure you stop every time you attempt to reposition your left hand. The ruler must remain in place fully supported whenever you are cutting. Always use an even pressure on the cutter.
At the end of the cut, release the safety. Always shut 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.
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. - 14915
About the Author:
Find out more about Rotary Cutters and Beginner Sewing with Author Donna Trumble. Her sewing instructions give you the knowledge and skills to sew and quilt better than ever. Pick up your free copy of her ebook Top Ten Sewing Answers.
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