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From: lilac_girl
Date: 10-26-2005, 11:21 PM (1 of 14)
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I am starting to sew again after an absence of 25 years. I am tired of trying to find ready made clothes that fit my petite plus figure and figure I'll have to make my own. Cutting out patterns was always my least favorite part about sewing. I see that there are these rotary cutters and pattern weights that you can use instead of scissors and pins. Does anyone have any comments on whether these items make the job quicker and easier? Also is there any advice you have on brands of rotary cutters? I've mostly seen them talked about on quilting sites, but are they good for clothes pattern cutting? Thanks for your help |
User: lilac_girl
Member since: 10-26-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-27-2005, 12:06 AM (2 of 14)
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Hi lilac_girl, Welcome to Sew Whats New. I use a rotary cutter to cut out my patterns. I find it much easier and quicker. It may take some practice , but if you go slow it is really easy. You will need a mat to put under what you are cutting. These rotary cutters are very very sharp, and can do a lot of damage to your surface and your body parts. I have three different brands and they all work about the same. I would say how it feels in your hand is my choice in picking one out. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-27-2005, 01:32 AM (3 of 14)
I still use scissors and pins.....but I have those new Fiskars with the spring (they move up and down and can be locked). I save my rotary cutters and mats for my quilting. (that way I cut down on the number of times I bleed  )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Magot
Date: 10-27-2005, 03:13 AM (4 of 14)
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I can cut in straight ines with a rotary cutter so don't tend to use it for clothes as most of them are not made up from rectangles (saving C16th shifts). I'm a scissors and pins girl. I like to lay it out and go away and check again another day and find if I don't pin it has all shifted.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-27-2005, 04:47 AM (5 of 14)
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I use a pin and scissors too...if I make a cutting mistake, it can be costly. I always lay my pattern pieces tight and I rarely have room for mistakes (recutting). I do, however use the rotary cutter along with a t-square in large pieces that need straight lines (like in home dec sewing), cutting squares for quilting, etc. They are WONDERFUL and sooooo quick and accurate (if I use the straight edge too.)
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-27-2005, 07:24 AM (6 of 14)
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I use a rotary cutter for cutting out patterns. Cutting used to be my biggest problem. The fabric would shift around even if I lifted it just enough to get the scissors under it. I still pin, especially around curves, but for long straight places I find I use weights much more often. The rotary cutter seems faster to me. You do need a mat -- and a large surface that is the right height is important. And always use a good sharp blade so you are not hacking at the fabric (just like scissors). Some people sharpen their blades. I don't so the cutter is a little expensive to use but it is so much more comfortable and accurate. As for which is best, I think they are all about the same. I have three sizes but never use the really big one. I use a 45mm most of the time and a smaller one for doll clothes and tight spots. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 10-27-2005, 09:18 AM (7 of 14)
I love my rotary cutter! I use it for cutting all my fabrics, but it is wonderful for knits, fleeces, & heavy weights, like denims! Those things scissors fight a little more with. I still use my scissors for sharp corners & curves if need be. As far as pattern weights, I didn't buy the actual pattern weights, but went to the hardware store, bought some heavy larger washers. They are allot cheaper, work like a charm. Some women will also use tuna cans, butter knifes, etc for pattern weights. If you don't want your washers to slide any you can get some tool dip from a home store to coat them in. On your rotary cutter, think about getting the blade sharpener too, will cut down on the cost of buying replacement blades, and of course the cutting mat. I have 2 large mats, needed to for things like pants! Another reason I love the rotary cutter - if making 2 of the same item I can cut them at the same time 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: esrun3
Date: 10-27-2005, 09:21 AM (8 of 14)
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Welcome Lilac girl! I still use pins & scissors for cutting out clothing patterns, I do have a pair of the spring loaded scissors that I like that doesn't put too much strain on my hands or my wrist. I do use a rotary cutter and mat though when cutting out fabric for my quilts.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: toadusew
Date: 10-27-2005, 09:38 AM (9 of 14)
I also use pins and scissors when cutting out patterns. It just seems to work better for me. When I'm making a quilt, or home dec--straight edges/lines, I'll cut with the rotary cutter, though. Cutting out the pattern is also my least favorite part of sewing, but in the past few years, I've found that I don't mind it so much because I focus on how much fun I'll have sewing when everything is ready to go 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: lilac_girl
Date: 10-28-2005, 06:43 AM (10 of 14)
| Thank you everyone for your great advice. I guess until I can get the money together for a big cutting mat, it will have to be scissors for a while. The scissors with springs seem like they would help, so I'll see if I can find some of those. I guess replacing my sewing equipment after all these years is going to take a while, but there seems to be so many more great gadgets out there to help you too. |
User: lilac_girl
Member since: 10-26-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-28-2005, 07:25 AM (11 of 14)
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If you haven't looked at sewing notions yet, you'll be amazed at what you can find. I even have a round rotary cutting mat that is on a lazy susan. It has an ironing pad on one side. It is used for "wacking" things like quilt pieces..you can just turn it to get to the other side (what a neat thing). There are cool hand held irons and all kinds of cool turning devices and hot glitzers for adding crystals! Sewing can be almost as expensive as machine embroidery and it has NEVER been so fun! You'd better start saving your pennies.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: skiNsew
Date: 10-28-2005, 08:07 AM (12 of 14)
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Just a hint about all the new gadgets that you are sure to want. If you have a JoAnn's or a Hancock's near you, go to the store and ask the clerk how you get on the "Flyer" list. They send out ads for sales about once a month and usually have a coupon for any one item at 40-50% off. I updated almost all of my "sewing stuff" this way and now use the coupons for fabrics and books. I think these coupons also can be used at their internet stores. Welcome back to the wonderful world of sewing. Mary |
User: skiNsew
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 33 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-28-2005, 08:13 AM (13 of 14)
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Be sure and get on the Clotilde and Nancy Notions catalog list too. They are great places to browse the latest in sewing notions!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: gm23237
Date: 10-30-2005, 10:08 PM (14 of 14)
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I use them for patterns and for strip quilting and yes, they save time, save frustration alot! The self healing biards as they are called will wear out if used alot so you have to replace them but all in all the money spent on a cutter and board is well spent! Peace! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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