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Member since 4/30/06
Posts: 213
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Re: Rotary Cutter for garment sewing (posted on 7/18/07 10:10 AM ET)
Hi Folks

My birthday coming up, so I'm thinking about sewing goodies I might spend my gift money on.

I've read so much about rotary cutters being great for cutting out slippery fabrics and so forth, that I fancy giving it a go. I do make a lot of things with linings in and they are a pain to pin!

I'm thinking of going all out and getting this set (scroll down to bottom for A1 set metric) but I don't know what that cutter would be like.

They have all these too!

Thanks!
AJ
-- Edited on 7/18/07 10:10 AM --
  
Member since 8/13/03
Posts: 321
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Posted on: 7/18/07 10:27 AM ET
I love using rotary cutters across the board. Didn't realize what I was missing until I bought one to make quilt strips and then decided to try it out one day with garment making. I've even converted my mother, who didn't want to pick one up at first and now won't touch her scissors when cutting out the pattern.

I started with the 45mm, then purchased both the 18mm and 28mm sizes. I find that I primarily use the 28mm. The 45 just doesn't go around curves well (think armholes and necklines). The 18 is better for curves, but just too small IMHO. Plus depending on the thickness of your fabric, there isn't enough blade exposed on the 18mm to cut through both layers cleanly at once.

Kisha
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Machine Stable: Bernina 165, Elna Lotus TSP, Babylock Imagine, Babylock Coverstitch and my newest baby Janome 350E
  
Member since 6/2/03
Posts: 335
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Posted on: 7/18/07 10:31 AM ET
In reply to xstpenguin
Hi AJ.

I think for making garments, you want a small cutting wheel - like a 28 mm. The smaller wheels are better for cutting the curves in clothing, while the bigger wheels are better for cutting straight lines for quilting. I also find that I can punch out notches from a pattern with my 28 mm cutter just by pressing it down hard into the fabric and not rolling it.

As for mats, think about what size pattern pieces you'll be using. I think it's better to have a really big mat and then I don't have to shift the pieces around to cut them out. I have a really big one that I store standing up against the wall behind my china cabinet.

But soon you'll be hooked on these things and you'll have rotary cutters and mats in several different sizes. :)
  
Member since 9/19/06
Posts: 187
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Posted on: 7/18/07 10:44 AM ET
I agree with all the above. I tried an experiment and used my scissors for one pattern cut out and then gave the rotary cutter a try on the next, I find it so hard to cut stretch fabric anymore with regular sewing scissors I have followed alot of the advice on this board and these ladies give great tips. I haven't quite mastered using my rotary cutter but I'm getting there and yes, it pays to have the different sizes for different issues when cutting out your pattern. Unless I get struck down by lightening, I will keep using my rotary cutter! I say practice, practice and you will be so glad that you did!
  
Member since 2/21/04
Posts: 1318
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Posted on: 7/18/07 11:37 AM ET
I have 60mm, 45mm, and 28mm Olfa deluxe cutters. I used to have the regular 45mm cutter (several years old), but found it hard to hold after using the Deluxe. I really like the deluxe better.

I find I use the 28 and 45 the most. I had started with the 60mm thinking bigger was better, but now mostly only use it for long straight lines or on thick fabric (like fleece). 45 is great for most stuff for me. 28 is good on the tighter curves. I do mostly garment sewing. For the kids patterns, I use mostly the 28.


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*Jen*
If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise?
  
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