Rotary Cutting Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Sizes, Types, Techniques, Troubleshooting, Mats, Rulers, Safety & More

Introduction

I’ve been sewing all my life and I’ve been an avid quilter for more than ten years. During this time, I’ve done all I can to learn all about the craft, in fact, you could say it’s an obsession! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to teach myself new skills and then pass those skills on to others. Whether it be more advanced skills to experienced quilters or passing the quilting bug to those who are yet to experience the joy of quilting, I love it all. For me, quilting has not only become a way of life and a means of providing a livelihood, but it has also allowed me to become part of both a local and global community. I have made so many friends through setting up a branch of the Modern Quilt Guild in my hometown, and I’ve made many more through wonderful social networks such as Instagram. I feel truly blessed; this craft has given me so much and now it’s time to give back.

I’m thrilled to have written Rotary Cutting Basics. When I made my first baby quilt all those years ago, I duti­fully and carefully cut each patchwork square with fabric scissors. It took forever. If only I had known about the rotary cutter back then! I’m hoping to save you from that pain and share with you everything I know about rotary cutting so that you can use the best equipment for your projects, confidently, happily, and safely.

So, let’s not delay—it’s time to cut up some fabric and go quilt!

Rotary Cutting Basics

What Is a Rotary Cutter?

A rotary cutter is essentially a handle with a circular, rotating razor blade with a protective safety guard. It is very much like a pizza cutter. I promise you, accurately cutting your favorite fabric is just as satisfying as cutting your favorite pizza! Along with a cutting mat and ruler, a rotary cutter can accurately and precisely cut clean lines and shapes needed for patchwork. For this reason, it has become the tool of choice for quilters, and once you’ve used one, you won’t ever want to use scissors again.

A rotary cutter is much like a pizza cutter.

How Can a Rotary