The rotary cutter has truly revolutionized quilting. Its ability to cut fabric so quickly and accurately has made it an absolute must-have for every quilter. While a rotary cutter is much more efficient for quilting than scissors, it is also more likely to cause injury if not used properly, or used with appropriate caution.

I personally have had two trips to the emergency room for stitches on my left pointer finger. My accidents were the result of skipping my rotary cutter off of the edge of my ruler and up over my finger that was helping to secure the ruler in place. I was being too casual and careless with my cutting, and not taking the time to make sure I had my hands and body properly placed before I cut.

The rotary cutter is a wonderful tool, but it is very, very sharp! Be smart when you use it by following these few simple tips for rotary cutting use:

• Always keep the blade retracted when you’re not using it, even if you put it down just for a few seconds

• Center the hand holding the straightedge; do not hold near the edge where the blade could jump onto the straightedge and cut your hand.

• Change blades often to keep sharp to prevent excess cutting and more opportunities to cut yourself.

• Dispose of used blades properly. Some new blades come in a plastic case. You may use this same case to dispose of the old blade after installing the new one on your cutter.

• To help keep your cutter working properly, periodically take it apart and clean it. Quite a bit of lint can collect behind the blade, making it harder to use and therefore not as safe.

• To keep the blade turning easily and with less effort, add a drop of sewing-machine oil on the plastic surface next to the blade.

• Replace blades with burrs or nicks. These are evident when you cannot make a clean cut across the fabric.

• Stay focused on what you’re doing and don’t become careless

• Don’t rush! Take time to get yourself positioned before you cut.

• Always cut away from your body, holding the cutter at a 45-degree angle.

• Always use a mat that’s especially designed for rotary cutting on a table surface.

• Keep medical supplies, such a sterile gauze pads or bandages handy to your rotary-cutting area or in your traveling sewing kit.

• Don’t try to cut too many layers at a time. Test your cutter to find the optimum number of layers it will cut accurately.

• Keep rotary cutters stored away where small children cannot find them.

Posted by Lisa Blair in Quilting, Quilting Tips