Question for sewers/quilters re: rotary cutters

[Philagoofy]

I want to cut strips of fabric to make small bargello patterns and thought a rotary cutter would be the easiest way to get straight lines. I've never used one & wondered how well they work. I read where you should use a special mat & ruler. I have a self healing mat & a metal ruler, would they be ok? I'm not a seamstress or quilter & probably won't use it too much so I don't want to spend alot.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I don't know, but someone will. Bumping.

 

[dawson5]

I used to do some quilting. I think what you are describing sounds like it would work. You might want to invest in the ruler though. It is see-through, it makes it easier to make sure that your strips are straight the whole way down. If your metal ruler is long enough, you should be alright. I think the key for the quilt ruler is that it is see-through and it's solid. It's easy to match up and hold it down for cutting.

As for the self-healing mat, have you compared to the ones specific for quilting. I just did a google search and they look to be about the same.

 

[PaddingtonBear]

A good resource for this type of question is the disboutique thread on the family board, those ladies have mad skillz and usually are happy to answer questions.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I used to sew some and loved my rotary cutter. I used a mat -- the one you describe should be fine. I don't know about the ruler -- I used a plastic straight edge, which worked fine.

I also used the rotary cutter for wallpaper. Wore out the blade pretty quickly, but I was able to make quick straight cuts!

 

[amid chaos]

I would get the plastic ruler thing. Only because it's wide enough to place your whole hand on it to stabilize the cutter.

 

[Sorsha]

*putting on JoAnn fabrics employee hat now*

Self healing mat is wonderful, as long as it has measurements and grid lines printed on it. You should invest in a clear plastic ruler though.

With one of those, you can actually put the ruler over the edge of the fabric, line the fabric up with the marking on the ruler, then cut down the edge of the ruler. Makes it easier to see that your cut is straight.

Its hard to explain, but here is a video that demonstrates it for you.

*taking off hat*

 

[Philagoofy]

Thanks for the replies & suggestions. I think I have one of those rulers, it's wide & clear with markings on it. So I just need a rotary cutter & I'll be set to go. Going to try Bargello Christmas cards, maybe in the shape of a bell. Now I have to find some nice templates.

 

[Imzadi]

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