Elizabeth Farr is the writer behind the Elizabeth Made This blog where she shares helpful sewing tips, step by step sewing tutorials and videos to help you explore your creativity through sewing. Good summary of most of the important considerations. This is a fun comparison.
If youre finding you have to bear down a lot on a rotary cutter to cut through properly or find that its skipping on the fabric, not cutting some areas, its time for a blade change. If you sew ever outside of your home, its good to pack as light as you can. Hey there, I'm Hailey and I love all things stitching. 
Old school no fail methods for marking fabric + great marking tools for all fabrics.
The rotary cutter ensures sharp, definite and obvious cutting lines and that is the essence of clear cut. Scissors will always be a slower tool to use for this reason. Heres that hidden cost I alluded to in the price section. I almost tossed out the cutter for scissors, but I keep hearing this isnt the best alternative. Thats one of my biggest points in my scissors review post that I tried to get across.
When it comes to rotary cutter vs. scissors, I think it comes down to whats more comfortable for you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Learn how to use a rotary cutter to get the best outcome from the tool.
You saved me heaps!
Personally, I don't go through enough blades to justify a sharpener so just buy replacements instead. The blade rotates and enables you to cut faster and more effectively. If you want to go name brand and stick with Olfa blades, 1 Olfa replacement blade will cost you just under $7. Im making my first quilt, and its a bit of a disaster, most likely due to cutting issues. Bigger blades will cut faster, so thats something to keep in mind too. You can use scissors on your best table but could you do that with a rotary cutter? DIY sharpening devices produce inconsistent results, usually cannot remove nicks in the blade, prematurely wear out the blade, and tend to break or wear out before becoming cost effective. Butt them up against each other, and its almost as nice as a full sized mat. Probably when you remember about it. By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy. What you will notice with scissors, especially if you keep them wicked sharp is how well they cut curves. She also created a line of refashioned garments for SEWN Denver. Great article! Ah, but theres also pinking blades for rotary cutters available. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. All images, text, and other content copyright Elizabeth Farr. 4 tips To stay safe when you use a rotary cutter. The rotary cutter, with its razor-sharp blade, cuts through multiple layers of fabric and ensures that several layers or pieces of fabric are cut with precision. They come in different sizes and brands to suit different holders. And should i use a smaller rotary cutter for smaller cuts, or does it matter? Do not use any content from this site without permission and consent. Gotta protect our best tool from overuse injuries! Initially a rotary cutter will be cheaper. It is designed for both sewing and quilting projects that are small to medium in size.
Your email address will not be published. Mild carpel tunnel definitely has an affect too. I have noticed that the pinking blades seem to get duller a little quicker than my pinking shears. It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I always keep my scissors handy when I need to cut notches. As you do this, the fabric can shift annoyingly. As such, all that repetitive motion can build up in your hands and cause pain. Thats eliminates the need for having to pack a big cutting mat. Think about what the cutter will do for you and the amount of use you will get from this handy tool. Our cutting tools are the ones we probably use the most in the sewing room other than our machines. Ive used both generic blades and brand name blades, and to my mind, they cut about the same. When learning how to use a rotary cutter, you will also need: The rotary cutter makes cutting fabric so much faster, easier and more accurate. Some are just clunky to use and so tiring on hands. True left-hand scissors can still be difficult to find. What more could be asked of a cutting tool? It navigates curves much more cleanly than other rotary cutters I own. Yes, problem number 4!!! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its so nice to be able to cut as youre measuring with a good ruler. Its a bit like slicing pizza as you put a bit of pressure on the rotary blade and push down to slice up your pieces of fabric. If you are using a rotary cutter dont you need a large cutting mat? 45mm vs 60mm, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Other Supplies, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Instructions, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - In Conclusion. Required fields are marked *. Well talk about how rotary cutter vs. scissors fare in categories about price, cutting, ease of use, speed, and types of fabrics. ), Refashioning and Upcycling Sewing Projects. Here are 3 ways you can sharpen a blunt blade: If sharpening your blades doesn't appeal to you, then you can purchase new replacement blades quite cheaply. Ideally, you should also match the brand of your replacement blade to your cutter. Once you have used a rotary cutter you will be totally converted to this method of cutting. Thank you for the info.,didnt know what to do, Your email address will not be published. As for getting your shears sharpened, thats something you should do a few times a year. One type fits all! There are pinking edges on some cutters and even scalloped edges if you want to be adventurous. I like that it has its own cover and a pressing surface built in as well. I usually end up using a combination of my shears and rotary cutter. Like badly. If you cut a lot of straight lines, a rotary cutter is your literal best friend. Thank you for your helpful tips!!! This is a real thing. As a general rule, the smaller blade does curves and corners nicely and the larger blade obviously handles a greater quantity of fabric at a time. Which is a better price: rotary cutter or scissors? I know Kai makes some true left handed shears, but they do seem to be more expensive (the 7250s are $80 vs. $70 for right-handed). Its a good nod to the fact that were all built uniquely. Thank you! Lets sew something creative together! This cutting mat from Sullivans measures 40x72 which is big enough for most garment sewing projects. Rotary cutters vs. scissors: Who wins out of the box? Okay, so the big question is who would win the actual cutting test. Im left-handed. Thank you so much!! In: Quilting, Resources. If you are cutting regularly, however, it will be more cost effective in the long run to purchase a sharpener. The first thing you will need is a rotary cutter. That way your family doesnt reach for them when its time to fix a garden hose. The generic blades have always worked well for me. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. How big of blades do I need for my rotary cutter? That being said, if youre a quilter, a little small mat + a rotary cutter is totally packable. Decisions of what brand to choose when learning how to use a rotary cutter are not necessarily as clear cut because there are several brands available and shapes and sizes too. Your email address will not be published. I like the rotary blades for curves and shears in general, and heavier weight fabrics, Im always reaching for my shears. When it is blunt, you will find that the blade will tear the fabric and struggle to cut through several layers at once. Pinking shears are those cool scissors that cut little triangles out of your fabric. For scissors, you need to measure out items like bias tape or neckbands first with chalk. Thats cool Laura. best on sequins, but dont use your best pair. Its just so easy and you will never turn back once you experienced the rotary cutter in action. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Consider it a way to mark your scissors FOR FABRIC ONLY. All rights reserved. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I love to share the tips and tutorials that I wish I had when I first started to stitch. Sharp tools are safe ones as theyre less likely to slip. To be honest, I think the blades are pretty similar and you can swap the blades in one for another. On the other hand, the angle it requires to cut with a rotary cutter can be uncomfortable for people. One of the other advantages of a rotary cutter over scissors is that there is no real difference in design for left or right-handed cutters. I mainly cut smaller projects and just a couple of layers at a time so the 45mm size worked best for my requirements. She has written sewing Eguides and patterns, been a featured teacher at Rebecca Pages Sewing Summit and Jennifer Makers Holiday Maker Fest and her work has appeared in Seamwork and Altered Couture magazines. Even though rotary cutters for sewing are generally cheap, mats can be an investment. On a side note, this long-necked lady also loves her Wolf Secundo shoulder rest, but you may have lost a lot of people there, haha! Consider how much cutting you are planning on doing and whether you want something ergonomic or just simple. elizabethmadethis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking toSome of the links below are affiliate links. Your email address will not be published. Youll have to keep sliding the mat under your fabric as you cut. Ultimately, the best rotary cutter is the one that feels best in your hand. With a good pair of shears, all you need extra is maybe a scrap of fabric or ribbon to tie around the handles. A cheap cardboard mat like this Dritz Kraft Board will serve you for years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you had to pick sewing tools thatll up your game the most, these are it. The fine rotary cutting makers have thought about this too. Its just so easy and you will never turn back once you experienced the rotary cutter in action. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you mostly sew quilts, a little mat is probably going to suit all your needs. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 Treasurie. Which are easier to use: rotary cutters or scissors? Check out my tutorial below with photos below. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. If I was just starting out, Id pick these lightweight Ginghers for their price and versatility.
My ergo rotary cutter is the one I pick first, but if I have to use scissors I will. I own a 28mm Fiskars rotary cutter with this design and its quite comfortable to use. This wonderfully simple tool is the answer to effective clearcut pattern cutting and crafting. Wouldnt it mark the table? A good quality pair of shears on the other hand will run you from just under $16 for these lightweight Gingher trimmers to just over $65 for these specialized serrated Kai 7250 shears. Ive paid anywhere from $8-10 to get my scissors sharpened professionally. How to make tab top curtains for a cozy DIY casual look, How to make a tiered dress for any season, How to make an ironing board cover (free pattern), Summer cute: how to make a flutter sleeve t-shirt, Is a sewing subscription box right for you (Save time! What, why, and how. I love a good sewing tools comparison so I thought, why not do a matchup of rotary cutter vs. scissors. A pack of 10 generic rotary blades is about $11. *. You got to have that mat so that you dont end up shredding everything you own. Its a bit like slicing pizza as you put a bit of pressure on the rotary blade and push down to slice up your pieces of fabric. Im a wife and mama to 4, sewing nerd and refashionista with a passion for DIY. Rotary cutter safety: use your blade guard! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Pinked Seams - The Easiest Finishing Technique, Pressing Tools for Sewing - Essentials & Luxuries. Because a pack of 10 rotary blades will likely last you longer than the time that it takes for your shears to need a sharpening, rotary cutters almost win the price battle. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A 60mm blade will cut larger projects and will go through more layers at once. Plain, simple and clear cut a rotary cutter! Thats not a bad thing if youre looking for precision, but it is something to keep in mind. Its another tale to remind us that sometimes things come down to personal preference rather than clear cut winners. A set of scissors can do everything you need! Replacing blades will depend on how much youre cutting or what you are cutting. Im with you on the scissors. And as my sewing skills grew, Id consider a large mat and a good rotary cutter. In general, the smaller the blade, the more control youre going to have. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the easiest seam finish ever and perfect for lightweight fabrics. You can check out the best sewing scissors for you for my personal recommendations and reviews of 4 popular sewing shears. Like all things it seems, it depends. I personally own and love my Olfa rotary cutters. I didnt know that about rotary cutters! Scissors will be better for curves and fine detail cuts that you need to make.
This isnt really a problem with scissors, but you really do run the risk of cutting yourself with rotary cutters. If pinking seam allowances is a seam finish that you like, try them out. Your email address will not be published. Put rotary cutters not in use off your table away from small hands when not in use. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Scissors need to be sharpened, and rotary blades need to be changed when they get dull.
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If possible go into a craft or haberdashery shop and hold a few different styles to see what feels comfortable in your hand.
If youre finding you have to bear down a lot on a rotary cutter to cut through properly or find that its skipping on the fabric, not cutting some areas, its time for a blade change. If you sew ever outside of your home, its good to pack as light as you can. Hey there, I'm Hailey and I love all things stitching. Old school no fail methods for marking fabric + great marking tools for all fabrics. The rotary cutter ensures sharp, definite and obvious cutting lines and that is the essence of clear cut. Scissors will always be a slower tool to use for this reason. Heres that hidden cost I alluded to in the price section. I almost tossed out the cutter for scissors, but I keep hearing this isnt the best alternative. Thats one of my biggest points in my scissors review post that I tried to get across.
When it comes to rotary cutter vs. scissors, I think it comes down to whats more comfortable for you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Learn how to use a rotary cutter to get the best outcome from the tool. You saved me heaps!
Personally, I don't go through enough blades to justify a sharpener so just buy replacements instead. The blade rotates and enables you to cut faster and more effectively. If you want to go name brand and stick with Olfa blades, 1 Olfa replacement blade will cost you just under $7. Im making my first quilt, and its a bit of a disaster, most likely due to cutting issues. Bigger blades will cut faster, so thats something to keep in mind too. You can use scissors on your best table but could you do that with a rotary cutter? DIY sharpening devices produce inconsistent results, usually cannot remove nicks in the blade, prematurely wear out the blade, and tend to break or wear out before becoming cost effective. Butt them up against each other, and its almost as nice as a full sized mat. Probably when you remember about it. By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy. What you will notice with scissors, especially if you keep them wicked sharp is how well they cut curves. She also created a line of refashioned garments for SEWN Denver. Great article! Ah, but theres also pinking blades for rotary cutters available. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. All images, text, and other content copyright Elizabeth Farr. 4 tips To stay safe when you use a rotary cutter. The rotary cutter, with its razor-sharp blade, cuts through multiple layers of fabric and ensures that several layers or pieces of fabric are cut with precision. They come in different sizes and brands to suit different holders. And should i use a smaller rotary cutter for smaller cuts, or does it matter? Do not use any content from this site without permission and consent. Gotta protect our best tool from overuse injuries! Initially a rotary cutter will be cheaper. It is designed for both sewing and quilting projects that are small to medium in size. Your email address will not be published. Mild carpel tunnel definitely has an affect too. I have noticed that the pinking blades seem to get duller a little quicker than my pinking shears. It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I always keep my scissors handy when I need to cut notches. As you do this, the fabric can shift annoyingly. As such, all that repetitive motion can build up in your hands and cause pain. Thats eliminates the need for having to pack a big cutting mat. Think about what the cutter will do for you and the amount of use you will get from this handy tool. Our cutting tools are the ones we probably use the most in the sewing room other than our machines. Ive used both generic blades and brand name blades, and to my mind, they cut about the same. When learning how to use a rotary cutter, you will also need: The rotary cutter makes cutting fabric so much faster, easier and more accurate. Some are just clunky to use and so tiring on hands. True left-hand scissors can still be difficult to find. What more could be asked of a cutting tool? It navigates curves much more cleanly than other rotary cutters I own. Yes, problem number 4!!! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its so nice to be able to cut as youre measuring with a good ruler. Its a bit like slicing pizza as you put a bit of pressure on the rotary blade and push down to slice up your pieces of fabric. If you are using a rotary cutter dont you need a large cutting mat? 45mm vs 60mm, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Other Supplies, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Instructions, How to Use a Rotary Cutter - In Conclusion. Required fields are marked *. Well talk about how rotary cutter vs. scissors fare in categories about price, cutting, ease of use, speed, and types of fabrics. ), Refashioning and Upcycling Sewing Projects. Here are 3 ways you can sharpen a blunt blade: If sharpening your blades doesn't appeal to you, then you can purchase new replacement blades quite cheaply. Ideally, you should also match the brand of your replacement blade to your cutter. Once you have used a rotary cutter you will be totally converted to this method of cutting. Thank you for the info.,didnt know what to do, Your email address will not be published. As for getting your shears sharpened, thats something you should do a few times a year. One type fits all! There are pinking edges on some cutters and even scalloped edges if you want to be adventurous. I like that it has its own cover and a pressing surface built in as well. I usually end up using a combination of my shears and rotary cutter. Like badly. If you cut a lot of straight lines, a rotary cutter is your literal best friend. Thank you for your helpful tips!!! This is a real thing. As a general rule, the smaller blade does curves and corners nicely and the larger blade obviously handles a greater quantity of fabric at a time. Which is a better price: rotary cutter or scissors? I know Kai makes some true left handed shears, but they do seem to be more expensive (the 7250s are $80 vs. $70 for right-handed). Its a good nod to the fact that were all built uniquely. Thank you! Lets sew something creative together! This cutting mat from Sullivans measures 40x72 which is big enough for most garment sewing projects. Rotary cutters vs. scissors: Who wins out of the box? Okay, so the big question is who would win the actual cutting test. Im left-handed. Thank you so much!! In: Quilting, Resources. If you are cutting regularly, however, it will be more cost effective in the long run to purchase a sharpener. The first thing you will need is a rotary cutter. That way your family doesnt reach for them when its time to fix a garden hose. The generic blades have always worked well for me. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. How big of blades do I need for my rotary cutter? That being said, if youre a quilter, a little small mat + a rotary cutter is totally packable. Decisions of what brand to choose when learning how to use a rotary cutter are not necessarily as clear cut because there are several brands available and shapes and sizes too. Your email address will not be published. I like the rotary blades for curves and shears in general, and heavier weight fabrics, Im always reaching for my shears. When it is blunt, you will find that the blade will tear the fabric and struggle to cut through several layers at once. Pinking shears are those cool scissors that cut little triangles out of your fabric. For scissors, you need to measure out items like bias tape or neckbands first with chalk. Thats cool Laura. best on sequins, but dont use your best pair. Its just so easy and you will never turn back once you experienced the rotary cutter in action. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Consider it a way to mark your scissors FOR FABRIC ONLY. All rights reserved. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I love to share the tips and tutorials that I wish I had when I first started to stitch. Sharp tools are safe ones as theyre less likely to slip. To be honest, I think the blades are pretty similar and you can swap the blades in one for another. On the other hand, the angle it requires to cut with a rotary cutter can be uncomfortable for people. One of the other advantages of a rotary cutter over scissors is that there is no real difference in design for left or right-handed cutters. I mainly cut smaller projects and just a couple of layers at a time so the 45mm size worked best for my requirements. She has written sewing Eguides and patterns, been a featured teacher at Rebecca Pages Sewing Summit and Jennifer Makers Holiday Maker Fest and her work has appeared in Seamwork and Altered Couture magazines. Even though rotary cutters for sewing are generally cheap, mats can be an investment. On a side note, this long-necked lady also loves her Wolf Secundo shoulder rest, but you may have lost a lot of people there, haha! Consider how much cutting you are planning on doing and whether you want something ergonomic or just simple. elizabethmadethis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking toSome of the links below are affiliate links. Your email address will not be published. Youll have to keep sliding the mat under your fabric as you cut. Ultimately, the best rotary cutter is the one that feels best in your hand. With a good pair of shears, all you need extra is maybe a scrap of fabric or ribbon to tie around the handles. A cheap cardboard mat like this Dritz Kraft Board will serve you for years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you had to pick sewing tools thatll up your game the most, these are it. The fine rotary cutting makers have thought about this too. Its just so easy and you will never turn back once you experienced the rotary cutter in action. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you mostly sew quilts, a little mat is probably going to suit all your needs. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 Treasurie. Which are easier to use: rotary cutters or scissors? Check out my tutorial below with photos below. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. If I was just starting out, Id pick these lightweight Ginghers for their price and versatility.
My ergo rotary cutter is the one I pick first, but if I have to use scissors I will. I own a 28mm Fiskars rotary cutter with this design and its quite comfortable to use. This wonderfully simple tool is the answer to effective clearcut pattern cutting and crafting. Wouldnt it mark the table? A good quality pair of shears on the other hand will run you from just under $16 for these lightweight Gingher trimmers to just over $65 for these specialized serrated Kai 7250 shears. Ive paid anywhere from $8-10 to get my scissors sharpened professionally. How to make tab top curtains for a cozy DIY casual look, How to make a tiered dress for any season, How to make an ironing board cover (free pattern), Summer cute: how to make a flutter sleeve t-shirt, Is a sewing subscription box right for you (Save time! What, why, and how. I love a good sewing tools comparison so I thought, why not do a matchup of rotary cutter vs. scissors. A pack of 10 generic rotary blades is about $11. *. You got to have that mat so that you dont end up shredding everything you own. Its a bit like slicing pizza as you put a bit of pressure on the rotary blade and push down to slice up your pieces of fabric. Im a wife and mama to 4, sewing nerd and refashionista with a passion for DIY. Rotary cutter safety: use your blade guard! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Pinked Seams - The Easiest Finishing Technique, Pressing Tools for Sewing - Essentials & Luxuries. Because a pack of 10 rotary blades will likely last you longer than the time that it takes for your shears to need a sharpening, rotary cutters almost win the price battle. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A 60mm blade will cut larger projects and will go through more layers at once. Plain, simple and clear cut a rotary cutter! Thats not a bad thing if youre looking for precision, but it is something to keep in mind. Its another tale to remind us that sometimes things come down to personal preference rather than clear cut winners. A set of scissors can do everything you need! Replacing blades will depend on how much youre cutting or what you are cutting. Im with you on the scissors. And as my sewing skills grew, Id consider a large mat and a good rotary cutter. In general, the smaller the blade, the more control youre going to have. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is the easiest seam finish ever and perfect for lightweight fabrics. You can check out the best sewing scissors for you for my personal recommendations and reviews of 4 popular sewing shears. Like all things it seems, it depends. I personally own and love my Olfa rotary cutters. I didnt know that about rotary cutters! Scissors will be better for curves and fine detail cuts that you need to make.
This isnt really a problem with scissors, but you really do run the risk of cutting yourself with rotary cutters. If pinking seam allowances is a seam finish that you like, try them out. Your email address will not be published. Put rotary cutters not in use off your table away from small hands when not in use. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Scissors need to be sharpened, and rotary blades need to be changed when they get dull.
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If possible go into a craft or haberdashery shop and hold a few different styles to see what feels comfortable in your hand.