Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

oh rotary cutter - why did I wait so long to try you?
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post 4 members like this. Date: 8/1/12 6:56 PM I bought one ages ago. I tried cutting long strips out quickly just like quilting teachers on PBS did it. It just didn't work for me. I saw people here raving about them for cutting out patterns but I thought "No sir - not me. If I can't even follow a straight edge to get a good line, how in the world will I cut out an arm hole?" I just tried it and it's fabulous. Just because you're using a rotary cutter doesn't mean you have to go fast. You can go slowly and it's so accurate. sigh - I wonder what else I've been missing!! Seriously if you haven't tried it just trace off the shoulders, armhole and neck off a pattern and try it on some scrap fabric. You won't be sorry! ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
iBaloo   Intermediate Member since 7/2/12 Posts: 43	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/1/12 9:09 PM I only have one issue with using a rotary cutter... When using a rotary cutter you need a mat, the only real problem is, when new, some of the mats are quite smelly :) ------ Brother SE400 & 3034D, it's a start :) I really don't want to become a klepto-machine-iac.
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4397	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 << 4 members like this. Date: 8/1/12 10:22 PM And my only issue with the rotary cutter is safety. After a trip to the emergency room I told hubbie that if it was a hardware store tool there would be a cut guard built into the rotary cutter. My cutter jumped the shallow little add on guard when I was cutting prequilted fabric that was pretty thick. Doc said I was lucking it did not cut into or through the bone as he had seen regularly. I have a nicer version of one of these which I got at the hardware store, Drywall Sanding Block It is stored with the rotary cutter. the block goes down on my pattern or cutting ruler and my hand goes on top of it with fingers and thumb extended out and up. Always. It has the added benefit of applying pressure to the longer cutting edges in a larger and more evenly distributed pattern than just a hand. The bottom of the block already has a rubbery gripping material on the bottom. I think it was only 7 stitches but I don't plan on a repeat performance. I've been cutting the straight edges and easier curves on patterns. I noticed Nancy Zieman zooming around all of the curves with a very small diameter rotary cutting tool. I'll be giving that size a try. I often get nicer cuts on patterns with the rotary cutter. Almost forgot, other PR members have suggest a 'cut-proof' glove as a good safety measure. -- Edited on 8/1/12 10:23 PM -- ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
CosmicFabulosity Intermediate VA Member since 12/15/07 Posts: 145	Login to reply to this post In reply to a7yrstitch << 2 members like this. Date: 8/2/12 0:58 AM I had a small accident changing a stubborn blade when I was 14... still have a pretty wicked scar across two fingers where I almost sliced into the bone. That being said, I just started trying some quilting and forgot how awesome the rotary cutter is! Thanks for posting the link for the drywall sanding block, that's a great idea! ------ www.iamchristianmichael.com I'm proof that men really will ask for directions :-D Bernina 240 & 130, Pfaff 1222E & 2020, Singer 503, Janome 3434D, closet way too full of spandex and I think there is a puppy somewhere in this mess.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4991	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/2/12 1:45 PM Get the Fons & Porter Klutz Glove and then wear it when you are using the rotary cutter. Here is a video. I got mine for 40% at the Hobby Lobby by using their store coupon. You can download the coupon from the HL website. Remember, they are dated for the current week; Monday through Saturday. There are also "grippers" sold with the quilting supplies. Like this one. -- Edited on 8/2/12 1:55 PM --
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4397	Login to reply to this post In reply to PattiAnnJ << Like this post Date: 8/2/12 2:10 PM Thanks for the link, PattiAnnJ. Love the little grippy dots on the Klutz glove. ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/2/12 4:03 PM Thanks for all the safety tips everyone. I'm going to check into them. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
Sherril Miller   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7473	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/2/12 4:11 PM Quote: marymary86 sigh - I wonder what else I've been missing!! That's exactly how I felt after I bought a serger. It's the most amazing tool. ZZ and overlock sewing machine stitches just aren't the same and for sewing up knits--WOW. I can't believe I waited so long to buy one. ------ Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well; and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sherril Miller << Like this post Date: 8/2/12 4:28 PM Did you just get yours Sherril? What model did you buy? ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
woggy   Advanced Beginner PA USA Member since 8/15/04 Posts: 608	Login to reply to this post In reply to a7yrstitch << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/6/12 12:27 PM a7yrstitch, Thanks so much for the idea of using a Drywall Sanding Block. I stopped using my rotary cutter because I jumped the ruler too many times and was afraid of cutting my fingers. I went to Home Depot this weekend and found a 3M dryawall sanding block with a handle for $8.95. This block has screws on each end on the top of the block which allows one to add or remove a strip sandpaper for the bottom. I had some left over rubber shelf paper I bought at the dollar store and cut a strip for the bottom of the block. I attached it with the screws. The block does not move when placed on top of the ruler and the ruler no longer slides around - how perfect is that. Woggy

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.