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From: PaulineG
Date: 12-01-2006, 05:52 AM (1 of 40)
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Have bought myself a rotary cutter (and a quilting ruler) in an attempt to cut some straight lines. It worked okaaaay but not fantastically well. I probably should have bought a cutting mat as I used it on a sheet of corrugated cardboard. There were no instructions on use but I held it straight up and down from above and pressed down - using the edge of the ruler as a guide - is this correct or should it be held at an angle. Also - is there a difference between how well they work on different fabrics? I used it on ribbing but I did get the feeling that it might have been more successful on a less stretchy fabric. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-01-2006, 08:04 AM (2 of 40)
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I think you will find a mat would make a big difference. Don't worry -- you will get plenty of use out of it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-01-2006, 10:43 AM (3 of 40)
You should use it with a mat as cutting on cardboard will dull your blade really fast. It's just like using your good fabric scissors to cut paper!  Here are some procedures I have found. First one is how to cut out patterns...others are basic instructions usually for quilters...but the techniques are similiar: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00005.asp http://www.sewingweb.com/Projects/RotaryCutting/ http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/RotaryCuttingDirections.html http://scrapquilts.com/rotary_cut_strips.html Hope this helps. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: kmccrea
Date: 12-01-2006, 03:42 PM (4 of 40)
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You need a mat to use the rotary cutter! Otherwise you will not have any success and you will dull your blade and damage the surface you're cutting upon. Once you have the mat in place that rotary cutter (with a sharp blade) will cut through everything! Fiber content and stretchiness does not matter. Just make sure your stretchier fabrics do not hang off your cuttting table. Also, change your blade as soon as it begins to just push the fabric down or skipping over the fabric. You'll be able to tell the difference in performance with practice. Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: lendube
Date: 12-01-2006, 03:48 PM (5 of 40)
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Absolutely invest in a mat. It will make your life so much easier. They're great for an all around working surface. But don't make the mistake I did and let one get too hot, either in your car or just laying with the sun upon it. They warp! And when they warp they are useless. There's nothing you can do to straighten them out again. Good luck, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-01-2006, 04:27 PM (6 of 40)
Well at least I know what to put on my wish list for Christmas. I nearly bought a mat when I bought the cutters but of course I wanted the largest one there and couldn't quite make myself pay for it.  Thanks. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Sancin
Date: 12-01-2006, 04:46 PM (7 of 40)
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Pauline Consider looking in drafting and art shops for a mat. They don't have all the markings, especially diagonal but are considerably cheaper there. I purchased several at a large stationary store here. The store is in the business section of town and supplies all the offices, including drafting and architecture offices. It also sells artists supplies. What you are looking for is a mat that recovers when cut. Until I could afford a big one I purchased 2 smaller ones and taped them together on the back. I use one that is 24"x18" (61cm x 46cm) nearly every sewing session for cutting something or other. I don't use my largest mat all that often unless I have it on a table in my sewing room, but I do use it for major cutting sessions. As I cut out on my dining room table I found on smaller mats my cutter would roll off the mat. My dining table has gotten quite scared as the varnish finish has been cut. Fortunately my antique decorating scheme allows for this! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-02-2006, 10:36 AM (8 of 40)
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I use two mats, one a bit smaller and one medium size I guess. That way I can slide the smaller one around under the larger one, depending on where I need it to cut. But I plan to get one the size of my cutting table. What a luxury that would be when I am cutting. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dghowse
Date: 12-03-2006, 08:16 PM (9 of 40)
| Investing in a mat is a VERY good investment!!! It will be worth the money when you get used to using it. I bought the middle size mat and the large one but I rarely use the large one at all. I usually lay the middle sized one on the dining room table or on the floor. I haven't had any mishaps yet but be very careful with the rotary cutters, sometimes they have a mind of their own!!! Good luck in your endeavours. |
User: dghowse
Member since: 11-19-2006 Total posts: 10 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 12-03-2006, 08:35 PM (10 of 40)
As my dining room table can testify. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: ckmom002
Date: 12-04-2006, 10:14 AM (11 of 40)
| I Like My Cutting Mat Also But I Find That I Cut That To And It Leaves Marks Can Anyone Refer One To Me And Pauline I Think I Got The Fiskers One From Walmrt!!! |
User: ckmom002
Member since: 06-11-2006 Total posts: 105 |
From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 12-05-2006, 10:11 AM (12 of 40)
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My first cutting mat was from wal-mart....a purpleish plastic type- the only kind they had. At first, I thought it was fine but thats simply b/c I didnt know they werent supposed to do that. I finally decided to get a new one after all the cuts and scratches I made into it after about 6 months- it looked AWFUL... I ended up getting a pink olfa self healing cutting mat and there is a WORLD of difference between that and my walmart one...HUGE. I cant even begin to say how much better it is. Ive been using it a while now and NO scratches or cuts in it.....I cut a queen size quilt out last night and it looks brand new...nothing..Its awesome. You wont believe the difference until you try it, really. http://www.olfa.com/images/Article/img1-270.jpg May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-05-2006, 10:23 AM (13 of 40)
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About three years ago I bought a grey Fiskers 24 x 36 inch mat from Walmart. It is not looking brand new but it is still doing the job. I have one big cut in it that didn't heal...because I used an exacto knife to cut up some rugs! Lesson learned - never use an exacto knife on your cutting mats. I have a couple of 18 x 24 inch no-name self healing mats that I bought on sale at an art store. They are still sitting on the shelf waiting for the Fiskers to wear out. 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 12-05-2006, 03:10 PM (14 of 40)
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The one I have from Walmart isnt a fiskars brand. I dont remember what brand it is, but its a hard plastic and purple. Granted, it gets the job done and I got a lot of use out of it, but I definatly prefer a self healer over the non. Olfa was just the one I tried, but I know there are lots of good self healers out there.
May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-05-2006, 05:09 PM (15 of 40)
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My favorite is the green one.. I think its Olfa.. It truly does not show any wear at all, so far.. 2 or 3 years, now.. I also have a Dritz.. Cloudy white w/ blue markings.. It shows the cuts but they do not hurt anything.. I like the texture of the green one by far the best.. The Dritz one is too slick.. Seems to invite accidents with the blade.. KWIM ??
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-06-2006, 07:36 AM (16 of 40)
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I have a June Tailor and an Olfa. The June Tailor is fine. The Olfa is much better. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: lendube
Date: 12-06-2006, 12:35 PM (17 of 40)
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Dorothy, that's exactly what I have and exactly what I think! Lennie 
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-10-2006, 11:09 PM (18 of 40)
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Thanks Judy, those sites were great! I bought myself a large rotary cutter and the foldable 24x36 Fiskars cutting mat (half price sale at JoAnn). It says it's self healing so we'll see. I will be storing the cutter in a drawer that is too high for my dd (almost 4) to reach. Can I ask a simple question please? Why is it that the rotary cutter isn't used around curves? Just because it's not made to do that or it's easier to use a scissor? - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-11-2006, 08:24 AM (19 of 40)
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Maureen -- I use a rotary cutter around curves. I cut everything with a rotary cutter and don't get the shifting I did when I lifted the fabric to use scissors. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-11-2006, 10:47 AM (20 of 40)
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Glad you liked the sites. I'd suggest using a small (28mm) rotary cutter if you are cutting small curves since it is easier to manoeuver it than a 45mm would be. Since I have a Fiskar's mat, I decided to check the Fiskars website...I see the ones mentioned on the site have "self-healing" when describing the grey mats. But I noticed that when they describe the folding ones, the word "self-healing" is missing! TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-17-2006, 09:05 PM (21 of 40)
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The sticker on the mat said that it was self-healing, which I why I bought it. I will check it out ater I do a couple of cuts and hopefully there won't be any marks (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!).
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 12-19-2006, 11:00 PM (22 of 40)
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I don't think you can go wrong with a mat. I had never really used one until last year when I made a couple of baby slings. My girlfriend told me that using a rotary cutter and mat made cutting the fabric for the slings so much easier and she was right. Once I started quilting, I found that they are both MUST HAVES. I think it was Debby had a good hint for preserving the mat (was it you, Debby?) I wrote it down in my notebook and I'll try to remember to look through it tomorrow and see what it was. I did buy a rotary cutter with the safety blade thing where you push the thing down and it locks it from rolling. Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-19-2006, 11:04 PM (23 of 40)
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Is there a chance to press too hard? I'm afraid of pressing too hard and ruining the mat. Can a self-healing mat be ruined if the cutter is pressed down too hard?
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-19-2006, 11:10 PM (24 of 40)
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Press hard enough to cut the fabric. That's what you bought the mat for! What good is it if you don't use it? You will figure it out long before the mat is damaged. Just store it flat away from the heat. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 12-21-2006, 12:58 AM (25 of 40)
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I've discovered that I've been pressing way too hard and that's why my blades get so dull so fast,(thanks Tom). It's amazing how easy they cut when you don't try to cut through the fabric and the mat to score the table!!! And I was showing my 4 yr old GD who wanted to help grandma sew that these were very very sharp and she wasn't to touch them, then proceeded to cut a good chunk out of my middle finger right in front of her. Oops! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-21-2006, 02:05 AM (26 of 40)
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Well at least she'll never touch them now. Hopefully. Hope it feels better soon.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-21-2006, 08:31 AM (27 of 40)
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Laura -- Guess you showed her!! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-21-2006, 12:59 PM (28 of 40)
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A demonstration is always the best way to learn. How noble of you to make such a sacrifice!
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: Teri
Date: 12-23-2006, 09:14 AM (29 of 40)
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I love my 2 June Tailor mats for on-the-go sewng, ironing mat on one side rotary cutting mat on the other. The Olfa self healing is a dandy also, I have worn a grove at the 2.5, 5, and 7.5 measures as I strip quilt (try not to let that image enter your mind!) quite alot. When I was at my cottage this summer I didn't have a mat with me and used a new dollar store disposable food chopping mat, worked great, and at 2/$1.00 was pretty thrifty.
Teri
"Where are we going, and why am I in this basket?" |
User: Teri
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 66 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-23-2006, 09:57 PM (30 of 40)
Well I aim to please!! And Teri, what a good idea in a pinch, though I don't know if I'd take my quilting to the cottage....on 2nd thought, I probably would 
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Dee Dee Warren
Date: 12-27-2006, 07:31 AM (31 of 40)
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I just never could get the hang of rotary cutting and I have the mat and all the gizmos.
Xena the Sewing Princess ~ I have many skills
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User: Dee Dee Warren
Member since: 04-25-2006 Total posts: 49 
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From: chrisk
Date: 12-27-2006, 07:57 AM (32 of 40)
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Do you use your rotary cutter to cut the fabric with the pattern tissue on top? Also, is a special ruler needed when cutting around curves? Thank you Chris |
User: chrisk
Member since: 12-23-2006 Total posts: 9 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-27-2006, 08:21 AM (33 of 40)
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I just pin the pattern down and cut around it -- no ruler, freehand so to speak. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: chrisk
Date: 12-28-2006, 05:20 AM (34 of 40)
 Wow, Dorothy, you must be very good at that. I still tend to slipp off a bit but...with lots of practice, the treaded task of pattern cutting could be easier and faster with a rotary cutter. Off to practice know Chris |
User: chrisk
Member since: 12-23-2006 Total posts: 9 |
From: craftedbylouise
Date: 12-30-2006, 03:49 PM (35 of 40)
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A couple more tips I learned about cutting mats is: 1) NEVER have it on the same surface that you are ironing on, as it will cause warps in the mat (I learned this the hard after ruining a BIG 23x36 mat many years ago). 2) USE the hole at the end of the mat to HANG the mat up when not in use, if you "stand" the mat up behind a door or something it will sag and develope a "bow" in it, by hanging it up it keeps it flat. Two lessons in which I had to learn the hard way about as I had nobody to teach me the proper way to store my mats or care for them. Hope this information will be helpful to someone out there in sewing land. Louise
Brother nv1000 since 12-15-06 http://craftedbylouise.hobby-site.com |
User: craftedbylouise
Member since: 12-25-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-30-2006, 10:20 PM (36 of 40)
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Wow, Louise, I do both those things. I keep a mat on the table I iron on all the time -- but I don't iron on the mat! And I regularly keep my other mat standing behind the book shelf. I'm not saying either is a good habit -- I have lots of bad habits -- but they are my habits. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Brenisback
Date: 12-31-2006, 01:27 AM (37 of 40)
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My green mat is a mess...I have a lot of cuts in it and it is warped...I had it standing against the wall by the window...Well I learned what not to do.
Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 12-31-2006, 09:00 AM (38 of 40)
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Mine slots nicely underneath a lounge chair. Out of the way so nothing heavy sits on it and kept flat.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 12-31-2006, 10:25 AM (39 of 40)
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Thanks for all of the tips on this fantastic thread. I went out and bought myself a little rotary cutter, and I think I will now retire all of my scissors. I could not believe how easy it was to cut armhole curves freehand - and with no jaggered little bits. Thanks all for making my sewing life easier and much much quicker.
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: flaquilter
Date: 12-31-2006, 07:02 PM (40 of 40)
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For those who have what appear to be cuts and rough places on the self healing cutting mats, you can get a Mat Smoother. This is a round disk that you rub over your mat and it rejuvenates the mat, removing the embedded fibers and rough places without harming the grid marks. They are available from Nancy's Notions, Item #MS5711 and the cost is $12.98. Great investment for those of us that use our mats a lot. Hope this helps someone else. Happy Sewing in 2007 |
User: flaquilter
Member since: 12-16-2006 Total posts: 8 |
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