How to use a rotary cutter to cut strips for quilting

This basic video is perfect for folks who have never used a rotary cutter. *disclaimer–I had the camera on a tripod so a few things got cut off. Also, I wasn’t scripted (obviously) so the narration isn’t perfect–but I think you’ll get the idea.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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19 Responses to How to use a rotary cutter to cut strips for quilting

  1. TekkamanChronos says:

    can you use a Rotary Cutter to cut out patternsI’ve always had a hard time cutting them out with sheers, so when I saw this I thought it might be easier, so would you recommend it? for such use?

  2. mdhaworth says:

    @telljo2 I have a wavy blade/cutter and it works fine. I just don’t find many uses for it in projects I do. If you’re just learning,? start with a flat blade then work with the wavy one.

  3. telljo2 says:

    That was an excellent tutorial for me… seeing as I’m just a beginner with a rotary cutter.. I have the special mat and cutter.. but no ruler … yet! But its on the shopping list… Have you used a wave blade in your cutter? Are they any good? I’m thinking? about using it for my fleece baby blankets…

  4. peeltoseal says:

    Thank you so much for this video, this was very helpful. I always wondered how sewers cut their fabric in a straight line. I’m now planning on buy a cutting? mat, special ruler, and rotary cutter.

  5. mdhaworth says:

    @floresbetzy I’m actually not sure! It’s not the olfa (yellow/black) one. i find those a bit? too busy with so many lines. The lines on mine are orange and fewer in number but I’ve had it for a decade or more and don’t know the brand and haven’t been in the market to know where to find one like this. Sorry.

  6. floresbetzy says:

    @mdhaworth Thanks! I wanted to know the brand you used because there are so many online and is hard? to deside. In your video at least I like the clear numbe on the colors.

  7. mdhaworth says:

    @newbeequilter I probably should press the fabric better but unless it’s really wrinkled I don’t bother. I’m not the most rule oriented quilter. As for making v’s the trick is the line up the ruler on the FOLDED? side of the fabric. As long as you’re perpendicular to the fold you’ll get a straight strip.

  8. mdhaworth says:

    @floresbetzy The? ruler is a special quilting ruler–it’s made of clear plastic with marks to line up the fabric.

  9. floresbetzy says:

    Can? I know what kind of ruler is that? Thanks!

  10. jamajezzie says:

    do? you own an iron?

  11. newbeequilter says:

    I notice? your fabric has lots of wrinkles in it, so I’m curious to find out how you can get your pieces to come out an accurate size. Isn’t that like moving the angle of your ruler and then coming up V’s in a strip? Do you press the fabric strips before cutting them in smaller pieces? I would think that would involve and extra step in unnecessary measuring or cutting again. Just curious, because some very reputable quilters emphasize the importance of keeping your fabric flat b4 cutting.

  12. rotarycutter says:

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  13. rotarycutter says:

    yes you get it.welcome to my website rotarycuttertools cOm? get more info.

  14. sugababes8 says:

    thanks?

  15. ronnettaw says:

    thank you! this video helped me overcome my fear? of rotary cutting!

  16. IEJP says:

    what section? is that in at the hardware store i coudnt find it?

  17. mdhaworth says:

    sewkittoo–I also have the fiskar but mine broke really quickly–it doesn’t keep the blade locked into the position to cut. The olfa blade guard is moved manually so it never breaks. Not sure if that makes sense. For actually cutting, as long as it’s not broken,? the fiskar is very comfortable to use.

  18. 10forRP says:

    Great intro? video. Thanks!!

  19. luchrod says:

    Thank you, this is a good lesson to begin? with, as I’m just starting to buy my tools and didn’t know how to start cutting