Changing your rotary blade is something that should be done on a regular basis. It not only makes cutting your fabric easier, but it also helps keep your mat in the finest condition possible.
The rotary cutter is possibly the most dangerous instrument in our quilting area. Even when the blades get too dull to cut fabric well, they remain sharp enough to cause injury. So let me demonstrate how to change your rotary blade without touching it.
Let's double-check that we have a good blade before we change it. I've heard of folks buying these in bulk from Harbor Freight or off-brand ones from Amazon. I understand; they are far less expensive than brand-name items, and I have long advocated for saving money wherever possible in order to afford higher-quality cloth. This is one location where I will not cut corners.
If they are available at your local quilt shop. As the internet grew and I met people from all over the world, I understood that not everyone has decent shops nearby, and with the price of gas right now, ordering online is the best alternative. The websites listed below are either well-known national online stores or my trustworthy partners. They are also all 45 mm blades because that is the most common size.
This is the rotary cutter brand that we utilise. They are a little pricy, but they are the best rotary cutter I have ever used in all my quilting years. Because this brand is only available at local quilt shops, all of my links to these products are to the shop where I purchase. I won't send you to a store I wouldn't shop at myself, yet I go there almost every week. The 45 mm cutter is the one you'll see me utilising the most. Paul uses a 60 mm cutter, which is ideal for creating long cuts.
Rotary cutters are an essential tool for quilters, but they are frequently the instrument that requires the most troubleshooting (apart from our sewing machines, of course!). When you first start using a rotary cutter, there is definitely a learning curve, and even if you've been using one for years, you may run into challenges you've never encountered before.
If you've recently changed your blade, you may have nicked it against a ruler or a pin. It doesn't take much to make a nick in a blade. A competent rotary cutting method can extend the life of your blades.
It is critical to replace your blade if it has a nick in it because it is not only inconvenient to cut cloth with, but it can also damage your cutting mat. To keep your rotary cutter running smoothly, keep your cutting mat clean and clear of pins.
The oil used to coat the rotary blades can cause them to cling together. Wrap the blades in a dry cloth and slowly slide them apart with your fingertips if you wish to separate them safely. To avoid harming oneself, I recommend using a thick washcloth or bath towel for this.
You should be able to easily separate the blades once they are no longer locked together. Always keep your blades in a secure location. The container that the blades come in is an excellent location for long-term storage.
Rotary cutter blades are extremely sharp, so use caution and keep them away from minors! Every rotary cutter has a safety device or guard that should be used after each cut and whenever the rotary cutter is not in use. This is a good habit to develop because the cutter is primarily a razor blade, therefore caution should always be exercised when using it.
There are numerous rotary cutters on the market, but they must always be used in conjunction with a cutting mat and an acrylic ruler. Most are universal, but it's worth checking to see if they're expressly made for left-handed or right-handed use before you buy. Our Quilting Starter Kit includes a universal rotary cutter.
A cutting mat that heals itself. Place this on a solid surface, such as a workbench, table, or a solid floor (carpet is tricky), and then lay the fabric on top and cut safely. Self healing cutting mats can be simply cleaned by laying them flat in the bath and gently rubbing with tepid water and a lint-free cloth to remove any trapped threads. They should then heal with no visible cut lines.
Every rotary cutter has a blade, which varies in size depending on the brand. There are even others who perform a pinking cut, which I adore! When not in use, they have a sliding or popping button that draws the safetly sleeve down onto the blade.
To operate the cutter, slide the protector out of the way to expose the blade. Then you align your ruler and position it. Your blade will align perfectly with the ruler's side. That's why the ruler is a little thicker. It enables the blade to bump along the side and guide the cut.