Follow up to my last question: Rotary cutter vs. electric scissors

Stephanie
by Stephanie
Thanks again to everyone who helped with my first question. My gut told me the Rotary cutter was the better choice but I didn't know why! My new question is what size blade? 45mm or 60mm and what is the difference between the two? Also, I realize it depends on how often you use it and the coarseness of the material being used, but approximately how long will a blade last? Should I buy replacements with the cutter or can I wait a while? I guess that was 3 questions! Thank you again all! icon
  4 answers
  • Janice Jamieson Janice Jamieson on Apr 07, 2017

    Hi Stephenie, if you are doing a lot of cutting at one time, such as cutting all the pieces for a quilt, the larger blade is quicker. I have used the smaller size for many years and love it. There are also ergonomic handles which save your hands from pressure. The blades will cut for quite a long time if you are careful to cut on a proper mat, and don't nick anything hard such as a pin. The manual sharpener is quite inexpensive and extends the life of your blade. Hope this helps.

    Janice

    Metcalfe, Canada

  • Stephanie Stephanie on Apr 08, 2017

    Hi Janice! Thanks so much for your help. I think I will go with the smaller one. I'm just starting so I'm not sure how often I will use it. Hopefully a lot! Thanks again!

  • Susan Axsom Curtis Susan Axsom Curtis on Jun 01, 2017

    If you have trouble holding the handle of a Rotary cutter and applying just a bit of pressure then you may want electric scissors I would go to a fabric store and see if you can "test drive" each one.

    • Stephanie Stephanie on Jun 06, 2017

      Hi Susan, I've already gotten the rotary cutter with a nice ergonomically designed handle. I love your idea, I will probably give that a try in the future. Thank you!

  • SLO SLO on Jun 06, 2017

    I'm sorry I didn't see your last question so forgive me if I'm repeating someone's answer. I like a rotary cutter to cut fabric, they help you cut a straight line with the help of a good see thru ruler and a cutting mat and both and be found at Joann's or your local fabric or quilting shop. As with all cutting tools used to cut fabric never use them to cut paper. Paper and other non-fabric materials will quickly dull the blades! I always believe you should invest in the best tools you can buy using sales or coupons. I get long time performances from tools I buy this way for my sewing or crafting. Happy sewing and crafting!

    • Stephanie Stephanie on Jun 06, 2017

      Hi SLO, Thank you for your input as well as the good advice. I'm new to all of this so I truly appreciate all the extra details you can only get from experienced crafters/sewers. I did purchase a rotary cutter as well as a good sized (6x24 I think) clear ruler and a big self healing mat. I agree with you completely about investing in good tools. Imo, you end up spending more if you purchase cheaply, as you keep needing to repurchase the same thing when it dulls or breaks, and worst of all, damaging your project. Thank you again for the helpful input!