Why Use A Rotary Cutter? Scissors have been around for about 2,000 years and sewers exclusively used them to cut fabrics for making garments. In 1979, a new tool was introduced for fabric cutting and sewists everywhere (especially quilters) embraced this new way to cut fabric. So, what’s the big deal? Why is rotary cutting so popular and what does it add to the sewing and quilting processes? Here are a few reasons:
The rotary cutter has a round blade that rolls over the fabric, leaving a cleaner cut than scissors.
It is easier to cut a perfectly straight edge with a rotary cutter.
Cutting is faster and easier on the hands when using a rotary cutter instead of scissors.
You can cut multiple layers of fabric with a rotary cutter. The number of layers depends on the type of fabric you are using, the size of your cutter, and the sharpness of the blade.
Rotary cutting for quilting projects is much easier and far more accurate than it is when using scissors. This means it is easier to sew your patterns together, resulting in a perfect patchwork pattern and the exact size block you want.
Which Rotary Cutter is Right for Me? There are different types and sizes of rotary cutters available, and the right one for you comes down to personal preference. For example, someone who does a lot of small piecing may enjoy a 28mm cutter, while someone who cuts larger pieces may love their 60mm. Some rotary cutters are designed specifically for right or left-handed users, while Quilters Select's cutters are designed to be used in both the right and left hand. The best way to choose your best cutter is to try a few out to determine which size and features are right for you!