cutting with rotary cutter
Jessica QuiltNCo
Posted by
Jessica
|
Updated on
October 23, 2024
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Best Rotary Cutters For Every Situation

Best For Thick Material
Fiskars Rotary Cutter for Fabric - 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter Blade - Craft Supplies
Amazon.com
4.6
$21.75
PRIMEPRIME
Fiskars Rotary Cutter for Fabric – 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter Blade – Craft Supplies
Best Electric
Hercules HRK-100 5-Speed Electric Rotary Cutter for Cloth, Leather, Natural and Synthetic Fabrics – 4 Inch Single & Multi-Layer Round Knife Cutting Machine
Amazon.com
4.5
$114.95
PRIMEPRIME
Hercules HRK-100 5-Speed Electric Rotary Cutter for Cloth, Leather, Natural and Synthetic Fabrics – 4 Inch Single & Multi-Layer Round Knife Cutting Machine
Best Budget
Mundial 28mm Rotary Cutter Stick- Ergonomic with Soft Rubber Grip, Ambidextrous Use, Japanese SKS-7 Steel Blade, Speeds Up Fabric Cutting, Dual-Action Safety Lock, Ideal for Quilting, Crafting, Sewing
Amazon.com
4.6
$9.75
PRIMEPRIME
Mundial 28mm Rotary Cutter Stick- Ergonomic with Soft Rubber Grip, Ambidextrous Use, Japanese SKS-7 Steel Blade, Speeds Up Fabric Cutting, Dual-Action Safety…
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What To Consider When Buying A Rotary Cutter?

1. What Are You Cutting?

Depending on what you are cutting will determine what type of blade you need.

  • 60mm

This is the thickest blade that you can use on standard handheld rotary cutters. This blade is best for medium to heavy-duty cutting jobs. It is designed to cut thicker fabrics and can handle up to 12 layers of cotton fabric. If you are primarily cutting multiple layers in a straight line, then the 60mm is the best option.

  • 45mm

This the most versatile blade. This is going to be your day in and day out blade. It can cut most patterns and can cut multiple layers of fabric as well as some thick material. If you are new to sewing or using rotary cutters and can only afford one rotary cutter, then a 45mm is the best option.

  • 28mm

The 28mm is best for smaller projects or if you primarily cut 1-3 sheets of fabric at a time. This is an excellent blade size if you are cutting out patterns with tight corners and intricate designs.

  • 18mm

This is typically the thinnest blade offered on rotary cutters. Although you can find smaller blades, they are not common. 18mm is best for cutting lots of curved or small patterns. If you are primarily dealing with paper or other thin material, then the 18mm is a great choice.

2. Who Has Access To Your Supplies?

Depending on who has access to your supplies will dictate the type of blade you should use. Certain rotary cutters are built with auto-retract features and blade locks to maximize safety.

If you work around children or pets getting a rotary cutter with a blade lock and auto-retract handle is probably the best.

We can often forget to close our blade after working, which is dangerous for those around us. These features are also great if you happen to drop your rotary blade while working. It will automatically close and won’t cut you or damage the blade on contact.

If you work alone or with professionals, then these features are not as important. You don’t need to worry about others getting hurt on your equipment.

If you can leave your blade out and it won’t be touched by others, then this is a good sign that certain safety features can be overlooked.

3. What Hand Do You Cut With?

Depending on the hand you cut with, you might have to pay special attention to your purchased rotary cutter. This is especially true for left-handed people. Most rotary cutters are build for right-handed people.

If you are left-handed, make sure always to make sure if the blade can be moved to the opposite side. If you are a left-handed person using a right-handed blade or vice-versa you will not be able to line up your edge with the ruler.

This will not only make it harder to cut a straight line, but it is also dangerous and can cause you to cut yourself.

1. Fiskars Crafters Rotary Cutter – Best For Thick Material Or Multiple Layers

Positives
Ergonomic handle and loop.
Switch feature to extend the blade.
Release button to return blade quickly and easily.
High quality and durable build.
Has a plastic safety shield.
Negatives
Not built for left-handed people.
Handle and loop not a great fit on small hands.
Bulky design.
Best For Thick Material

Fiskars Rotary Cutter for Fabric – 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter Blade – Craft Supplies

4.6
$21.75
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What I Like

Fiskars is one of the most well-known brands in the market so you can be sure that you will get a high-quality and durable. This rotary cutter has an ergonomic design. It comes with a contoured handle for ultimate comfort.

They also use a switch trigger rather than a push trigger to release the blade. This switch trigger is great for people with arthritis, those who cut for long period, or those who want a modern feel to their rotary cutters.

The 60mm blade makes it easy to cut through multiple layers of fabric in one go.
If you’re doing large jobs with multiple fabric layers, this tool will allow you to cut through multiple layers with a comfortable grip.

What I Dislike

There are some downsides to this rotary cutter. First, it is not ambidextrous, which means it’s not the best fit for left-handed people.

The loop handle is also not the best fit for people with larger hands.

Who Should buy

This rotary cutter is best for those looking to do long jobs or cut multiple layers very easily.
I also highly recommend that people with arthritis use this rotary cutter since you don’t have to hold the trigger to keep the blade extended.

It uses a locking trigger combined with a release button that allows you to extend and release the blade safely.

2. Hercules HRK-100 – Best Electric Rotary Cutter

Positives
Multiple speeds are great for different materials and multiple layers.
Rolling wheels for easy movement and cutting.
Built- in sharpener, which means no need to buy multiple blades.
Standing cutter eliminates the need to hold it in your hand.
Negatives
The handle is not ergonomic.
Large and bulky.
Difficult to use on more precise angles and cuts.
Best Electric

Hercules HRK-100 5-Speed Electric Rotary Cutter for Cloth, Leather, Natural and Synthetic Fabrics – 4 Inch Single & Multi-Layer Round Knife Cutting Machine

4.5
$114.95
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What I Like

Continually using your hand to cut fabric can get tiresome, and spending most of your time on the cutting phase of a project is not ideal. Using an electric rotary cutter is a great way to solve both of these problems.

The Hercules rotary cutter has 5 speeds that you can adjust depending on the number of materials you are using or the fabric’s thickness. This is great if you cut a variety of different materials and layers.

Certain materials need faster speeds to prevent fraying. This rotary cutter will allow you to do that. This rotary cutter is also excellent for those with arthritis who don’t want to hold or press down on rotary cutters for long periods.

The Hercules is easy to maneuver with a rolling wheels on the base. It also uses a switch power button, eliminating the need to strain your hand by pressing down on a trigger like other models.

What I Dislike

This rotary cutter is large and bulky. If you travel often with your rotary cutter, this may not be the best option unless you are ready for the extra weight.

This rotary cutter uses a large blade, much bigger than the blades used on traditional handheld rotary cutters. This makes it challenging and nearly impossible to cut precise patterns and sharp corners.

Another thing I didn’t like is the short wire. This short wire is disruptive, although you can solve it by using an extension cord.

Who Should buy

If you are cutting lots of fabric, especially thick or multiple layers, then an electric rotary cutter is a great way to improve your productivity. This rotary cutter is a great option if your keep you keep your rotary cutter in one location or don’t mind the added bulk when moving around.

If you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands the Hercules rotary cutter is a great option. You can use this rotary cutter without gripping or squeezing anything. There is a switch to turn on and it can be easily pushed with the sliding pads.

3. Mundial Rotary Cutter- Best Budget Rotary Cutter

Positives
Easy to Cut multiple layers or thick fabric
Changing the blade is easy.
Ambidextrous – works for both right and left-handed people.
Easy to cut intricate designs.
Negatives
The handle is not ergonomic.
Trigger is not great for people with arthritis or long jobs.
Expensive price for the design. 
Best Budget

Mundial 28mm Rotary Cutter Stick- Ergonomic with Soft Rubber Grip, Ambidextrous Use, Japanese SKS-7 Steel Blade, Speeds Up Fabric Cutting, Dual-Action Safety…

4.6
$9.75
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What I Like

Well of course the price. You can’t go wrong with getting a rotary cutter for less than $10.
I also like that it comes in both 45mm and 28mm options. This will allow you to cut thick fabrics as well as make smaller intricate patterns.

There is not much to this rotary cutter, but it does the job. It has a nice build; the bled retracts and extends smoothly, making for a seamless transition for cutting.

Unlike other straight handle rotary cutters, it has a rubber handle for added comfort.

What I Dislike

There are no safety features such as an auto-retract handle or slidable blade cover, which is a downside. This blade is not ergonomic. However, it has a rubber grip, its not the best for long jobs.

I also felt the handle was a bit small, I typically prefer a bit more girth. I feel it makes it easier to cut through multiple layers.

Who Should buy

If you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this rotary cutter. For less than $10 you get a functional rotary cutter.

The soft grip, as well as the two-blade options, make it great for many beginners or people who don’t use their rotary cutter often.

4. Fiskars Rotary Cutter And Ruler – Best Rotary Cutter And Ruler Combo

Positives
Easy to make  straight cuts
Great for people with arthritis.
It allows you to cut up to 24 inches at a time. 
Makes cutting fabric faster. 
Negatives
Large and bulky – not easy to use while traveling.
Expensive
Cutting multiple layers (greater than 10) can be difficult. 
Best Combo

Fiskars Rotary Cutter and Ruler Combo – 24"L x 6"W Fabric Cutter with Gridlines – Craft Supplies – Gray – Clear

$44.97
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What I Like

Rotary cutter and rulers combinations are not a popular or obvious option when buying a rotary cutter. If you are typically only cutting straight edges and not doing much pattern work, then the ruler rotary cutter is a great option.

The Fiskars Rotary Cutter and ruler combo is 6 x 24 inches, but it also comes in a 12 x 12 inches.
This is a great option if you have arthritis or need to do long jobs. You won’t have to grip or push down very hard with this rotary cutter, making it easy to use. Just push down and slide the rotary cutter for a straight cut every time.

Another major benefit is that it makes cutting straight lines easier than before. You don’t have to worry about holding your ruler down and possibly cutting your finders. Also, no need to worry whether you have a right-handed or left-handed rotary cutter.

What I Dislike

My biggest concern is how large and bulky this rotary cutter is. If you travel often or like to move from one station, this rotary cutter can make it more cumbersome.

It is also a bit hard to cut multiple layers or thick fabrics. While this is only a problem for very thick materials or when reaching double-digit layers.

This rotary cutter is also on the expensive side when compared to other rotary cutters.

Who Should buy

This is best for people who primarily cut with straight cuts and don’t cut many patterns.

This is also a great option for those with arthritis or have difficulty gripping objects. The ruler and rotary cutter combination make cutting easier and require little pressure or gripping.

5. Fiskars Rotary Cutter Kit – Best Rotary Cutter Kit

Positives
All-in one started pack. 
Seal healing mat keeps blades sharp. 
Large cutting mat and ruler. 
Easy to use rotary cutter. 
Negatives
Rotary cutter lack ergonomic feel. 
Rotary cutter could be better, bundles often don’t include the best rotary cutters.
Less expensive mats and rulers work just fine.
Best Kit

Fiskars Rotary Cutter 3-Piece Set – 45mm Stick Rotary Cutter for Fabric, Cutting Mat, and Sewing Ruler – Craft Supplies – Gray

$49.95 $69.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: November 30, 2024 4:56 pm

What I Like

If you are new to sewing or quilting then this is the perfect starter pack. You get everything you need to start cutting.

The mat is a seal healing mat, which will help keep your blade sharper for longer.
The ruler and mat are large which is great for making long cuts.
Rotary cutter is high quality and blade slides in and out smoothly.

What I Dislike

The main downside of this bundle is the rotary blade. The top two rotary blades on this list work much better than the one provided. While it’s a high-quality blade it lacks an ergonomic and safety first design.

While this bundle is reasonably priced, combining an inexpensive mat and ruler with a high-quality rotary cutter.

Who Should buy

I highly recommend this bundle if you are new to sewing or quilting. This will give you everything you need to get started.

Fiskars is a reputable brand you can be confident that they deliver durable and high-quality products.

Also great for those who don’t cut often or perform long jobs. 
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