How to Use a Rotary Cutter

Using a rotary cutter is a quick and easy way to cut fabric. Learn how to safely use a rotary cutter in this beginner friendly sewing tutorial.

I have a quilter friend who had been cutting out her fabrics without the use of a rotary cutter for years. When I visited her home and saw how she was cutting out fabric, I was actually very surprised. So, I asked her about using a rotary cutter only to discover that she had never used one and was intimidated to try.

So I promptly invited her to my home and demonstrated how to use a rotary cutter. I then sent her home with a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and a couple of acrylic rulers. Several weeks later she calls me to tell that she couldn’t believe she didn’t try using a rotary cutter sooner. She can cut fabric so much quicker and straighter now.

How to Use a Rotary Cutter

If you are new to using a rotary cutter or maybe have never used one, it can be a little intimidating. But once you follow these tips, you’ll be using a rotary cutter with confidence. And wondering why it took you so long to make the leap from cutting fabric with scissors to cutting fabric with a rotary cutter.

Video Tutorial

To learn how to use a rotary cutter safely, please watch my short video. You will find this video and many more on the Hooked on Sewing YouTube channel. Simply click HERE or on the below image to go to the video.

Tools Needed

To use a rotary cutter properly, you’ll also need an acrylic ruler and a self-healing cutting mat. Let me take a moment and explain what to look for in each of these tools. We’ll start with the rotary cutter, then discuss the self-healing cutting mat, and then what type of acrylic ruler. And don’t forget you’ll need some fabric to practice cutting with!

• rotary cutter
• self-healing cutting mat
• acrylic ruler
• fabric to cut

Rotary Cutter

So, let’s talk about the rotary cutter first. There are plenty of rotary cutters on the market. But, how do you know which rotary cutter to purchase/use? I say, let’s start with safety. Be sure to select a rotary cutter that has a locking mechanism.

Why is this important? Well, a rotary cutter is basically a razor blade in wheel form. Trust me when I say you want a rotary cutter with a safety feature that allows you to lock the blade.

My favorite rotary cutter is the Olfa 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter. This rotary cutter fits your hand perfectly and has all the safety features that are easy to engage. It has a trigger squeeze handle. When you squeeze the handle, it extends the rotary blade, exposing it for cutting. When you release the handle, the blade retracts for safety.

The cutter also has a button that will lock the blade in place. You can lock it closed or open. I never lock the blade open. I mean never. But, I do lock the blade retracted when I put the cutter away. By locking the blade in its safety position, I don’t have to worry about picking the cutter up and accidentally cutting myself. Safety first!

The Olfa Rotary Cutter comes in different sizes. There is a larger 60mm and a smaller 28mm cutter. Eventually, you may find you like/need/use all three sizes.  But, I do recommend you start with the Olfa 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter.

Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Rotary cutters were designed for use with cutting mats. PLEASE do not attempt to use a rotary cutter without a cutting mat! My favorite cutting mat is the Fiskars Self-Healing Cutting Mat with Grid 24”x36”.

Cutting mats are available from a number of manufacturer’s and in a variety of sizes. I prefer the 24”x36” because it gives you a larger cutting surface that is perfect for cutting yardage of fabric.

Acrylic Rulers

In order to cut perfectly straight lines, you’ll need an acrylic ruler (or two). I recommend you start with the 6”Wx24”L acrylic ruler. My two favorite ruler brands are Fiskars and Omnigrid. PLEASE do not use a standard ruler.

There are also times when you may find it handy to have a square ruler, like the 6-1/2×6-1/2” square acrylic ruler or the 10-1/2×10-1/2” square acrylic ruler by Omnigrid. If you plan on quilting, then you definitely will want to have some square rulers on hand. Not necessary, but definitely will make squaring up your fabric and cutting squares a LOT easier.

Ruler Grip

I didn’t mention the Ruler Grip in the list of tools needed to use a rotary cutter, but you may find it helpful to use a ruler grip like the Dritz Omnigrid Double Suction Cup Ruler Grip. It will help to not only keep your fingers out of the way, but provide an ergonomic way to apply gentle pressure to your ruler to keep it from slipping while cutting.

I have also used PopSockets on my rulers. They do help keep my fingers out of the way, but they don’t provide a large enough coverage to keep the ruler from slipping. So, I only recommend using them on smaller rulers. You can learn more about using a PopSocket as a ruler grip HERE.

Safety First

So, I talked to you about the tools needed, now let’s talk a little bit more about safety. There are three things that come to my mind when talking about using a rotary cutter:

1. One is proper hand position or how to properly hold a rotary cutter.
2. Another safety issue is the placement or position of the blade.
3. And the third is truly using the safety lock and making it a part of your normal routine.

Hand Position

With the safety lock engaged, grab ahold of the rotary cutter with your thumb resting on the left side of the handle, your index finger on top of the handle, and your other three fingers wrapped around the bottom of the handle.

Keep your wrist straight. When you have gripped the rotary cutter properly, it should form a straight extension of your arm.  So your arm, wrist, hand, and cutter all form one nice long line.

Blade Position

With your left hand on top of the ruler and away from the edge of the ruler, squeeze the trigger and place the side of the blade against the edge of the acrylic ruler. You will want to start cutting with the blade against the ruler and in front of the fabric. Apply gentle pressure and push the blade along the edge of the ruler to the desired cutting length. Release the trigger.

You never want to cut towards yourself. In other words, always cut pushing the rotary blade away from you. And always take the time to make sure your fingers and thumb on your left hand are safely away from the edge of the ruler.

So, again, squeeze the trigger, apply gentle pressure with the rotary cutter, and move your whole arm away from you.

Safety Lock

I can’t stress enough how important it is to use a rotary cutter safely. One of the best things you can do to help you use your rotary cutter safely is to use a rotary cutter that has a safety lock. That’s why I recommend the Olfa brand. It has an easy to use safety lock.

Do yourself a favor and get in the habit of engaging the safety lock before you put away your rotary cutter or even lay the cutter down. It only takes about 1-2 seconds to engage or disengage and so worth it!

Why Use a Rotary Cutter?

Using a rotary cutter is a total game changer. It will allow you to cut fabric quicker and more accurately. A rotary cutter is great when you:

• need to square up your fabric
• cut through thick layers of fabric
• want your cuts to be perfectly straight
• cut quilting fabric for piecing
• want to cut strips of fabric on the bias
• would like to work more efficiently

Like I said, rotary cutters come in different sizes, such as 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm. Once you learn how to cut fabric with a rotary cutter, it will just become second nature. AND you’ll wonder why you were ever hesitant to try!

More Sewing Tutorials

If you enjoyed learning how to use a rotary cutter or maybe you’re new (or not so new) to sewing and just love learning, then you’ve come to the right place. The whole purpose of Hooked on Sewing is to help beginner sewists (of all levels) to put the fun in learning to sew!

• How to Thread a Sewing Machine
• What the Weft?
• What to do First with Your New Sewing Machine

And you’ll also find beginner friendly sewing patterns right here on Hooked on Sewing!