Scissors can handle simple projects, but if your patchworks usually need cutting straight lines, the best rotary cutter for quilting could help your works become more convenient. These cutters can also deal with many material types, from leather to foam and many more. Checking our review on the best rotary cutters for more details!
Best Rotary Cutter For Quilting In 2024 – Quick Comparison
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Buying Guide
Choosing the preferable rotary cutters is not easy at all. There are several factors you might want to think about before purchasing one for your own.
- Size:
You might wonder what size rotary cutter is best for quilting. Most rotary cutters have two sizes – 45 mm and 60 mm. The 45mm rotary cutter is an all-purpose size, which is the most suitable for single fabric cutting.
For people using thicker materials, 60mm rotary cutters will be the better choice. These cutters could easily cut through foam, felt, leather, and other heavy-duty material. They are also able to cut multiple layers at the same time.
- Blade quality:
It is undeniable that we all want the sharpest blade while choosing rotary cutters. So its material is the most important factor.
The best rotary cutter for cutting quilting pieces will have tungsten steel blades, which have greater hardness and good stability.
High-grade alloy and basic steel blades are also popular for their sharpness and durability. Rotary cutters that use copper and iron blades are not recommended as they can rust easily.
The design of the blade will also affect its sharpness. A high-quality blade should be slimmest at its edges and thick at the center.
- Handle quality:
You might want a rotary cutter with a durable handle since you will frequently put great pressure on the machine to cut through fabrics. A soft, shredded handle with a solid cover will be the most favorable. You can also think about cutters with pivots if you do not want to use much strain while cutting materials.
- Your Preferred Hand:
Most rotary cutters on the market are for right-handed people. If you are left-handed, ensure that your rotary cutter is designed for left-handed use. Otherwise, the blade will cover the line of your cut, and it will be hard for you to adjust and correct your cutting.
Top 7 Best Rotary Cutter For Quilting Reviews
#1 Fiskars Crafts 952301010 Rotary Cutting Set – Best Portable Set
If you are just a beginner in quilting, we highly recommend that you buy a set with suitable items for your use. With a 45 mm rotary blade, a large cutting mat, and an acrylic ruler, this Crafts 953301010 set from Fiskars could offer you everything you need.
Since the blade has an asymmetrical design, it is easy to use. You can cut straight lines with no difficulty. The transparent acrylic ruler helps you see your cuts better, and its angle markings also increase accuracy while cutting. The mat features bias lines so that you could create better shapes from your fabrics.
Nevertheless, the blade seems to be not very sharp and might not cut through the materials at once.
Pros:
- Features a blade guard for safe transportation.
- Designed for right-handed and left-handed users
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Blade gets dull fast
- The mat might wear out quickly
#2 Fiskars Classic Rotary Cutter – Best Portable
For those who want a small and lightweight rotary cutter, this product might be the right choice. The cutter’s dimensions are 1.13 x 3.75 x 9 inches, and its weight is only 2.56 ounces so that it will not take up much storage space and be included easily on traveling.
Since its handle has a curved shape design, the item can fit perfectly into your hand. You will not feel any discomfort or inconvenience while using the cutter.
As the blade of the product is powerful enough to cut through many layers at the same time you can use this cutter for any type of project, from small-size to large-size one that uses dedicated materials.
One minus point of this item also comes from its blade. It is hard to open so that you might have some difficulties when replacing the blade.
Pros:
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Durable
- Feature safety button
Cons:
- Blade gets dull very fast
- Cheap material
#3 Honey’s Heaven Rotary Cutter Set – Best Full Set
This rotary cutter set is such a dream one for quilting lovers! It has a 45mm rotary cutter, 5 replacement blades, an A3-size cutting mat, an acrylic ruler, and many craft clips, perfect for crafting, sewing, or even knitting.
The rotary cutter uses high-quality SKS-7 steel blades, which have greater sharpness. Cutting through paper, denim, vinyl, and other dedicated materials is no longer a problem with this item.
However, the blade might become dull very quickly, so you will need to replace it often.
Pros:
- Acrylic ruler enhances visibility
- Beautiful mat design
- Comes in 3 colors
- Features a safety lock
Con:
- Comes with no instruction
#4 Olfa Deluxe Rotary Cutter – Best Overall
Olfa is undeniably a recognized name in the rotary cutters’ market, and this Olfa Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter is among their best products. As the cutter has the standard size – 60 mm, you can use it in a wide range of projects.
The blade is made from high-quality tungsten steel, which has great hardness and good stability. Therefore, it can cut through dedicated materials, such as cotton fabric, tarp, vinyl, or upholstery.
This device also features a safety lock. You could lock the blade while using or lock it inside the handle when you are not using it.
Nevertheless, the item is not very easy to use. You might need to try using it several times.
Pros:
- Suitable for right-handed and left-handed people
- Ergonomic handle
- Features safety lock
Con:
- Blade gets dull fast
#5 Fiskars Crafts Rotary Cutter – Best For Thick Materials
No matter how thick your fabrics are, the 60mm blade of this Fiskars rotary cutter will be sharp enough to cut through. The blade also has a titanium coating, which enhances its durability and maintains its sharpness.
The item is very easy to use. The handle’s shape is designed to perfectly fit your hand, and you will not get any pain or fatigue as there is the soft-grip feature. As you can assemble the blade to both sides of the handle, you will have optimal visibility of your cutting.
Despite good features, the blade might become dull and need replacement in a short time.
Pros:
- Comfortable handle design
- Powerful titanium blade
- Sturdy construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Large handle
- Inconvenient auto-retracting safety feature
#6 Martelli Ergo 2000 Rotary Cutter – Best Ergonomic
People who usually suffer arthritis, hand fatigue, or carpal tunnel might want to try this rotary cutter. The ergonomic design of this item will fit your hand and help you cut through fabrics without putting much stress on your hand.
The item features a spring-design cover for the blade, which makes opening and closing the blades much easier. As the rotary cutter is compatible with many types of blades, you will find no difficulty replacing the blade when it becomes dull.
The blade could be a little stiff in the first use; hence you might need to loosen it by moving around several times.
Pros:
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Affordable price
- Can cut through multiple layers
Cons:
- Nondurable
- No safety feature
#7 Hercules Electric Rotary Cutter – Best Smart Design
With many smart functions, this rotary cutter from Hercules will help you finish your work much faster and easier. As it features a speed veto moto, you can adjust the speed of the blade to 5 different levels and get the most suitable speed for certain materials cutting.
A sharpening stone is included inside the machine, ensuring that the blade will maintain its sharpness for the longest time. There is also a LED work light that will light up your cutting line; therefore you will be able to make the most accurate cut.
Since the rotary cutter uses kerosene to lubricate the blade, there might be a foul odor remaining on your fabrics.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable Jam-Free Design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Weak plastic cover
- Nondurable LED light
Tips on Using A Rotary Cutter
It is advisable to cut interfacing or paper with your cutter, as this will affect the blade’s sharpness. While using the rotary cutter, you should try to push the blade forward in one action to get steady cuts. Otherwise, cutting back and forth might create a rough edge and loosen the threads.
The blade is very sharp, hence you should always pay close attention to your rotary cutter. Close the blade every time you place the cutter down and keep the machine out of children’s reach. Don’t forget to keep some band-aids near your cutting space for safety reasons.
FAQs
1. What Are The Best Rotary Cutter Brands?
Olfa along with Fiskars are the most well-known brands, as they are very reliable and effective on sewing supplies. Olfa is famous for inventing the first snap-off blade, Fiskars is one of the oldest and most trusted brands. Therefore, if you want to have the best rotary cutter for quilting, you will want to consider products from these two brands.
2. How To Use A Rotary Cutter?
First, place a cutting mat under the fabric to protect the blade from cutting the hard surface and vice versa. Hold the handle firmly with your preferred hand at a 45-degree angle to the surface and hold the rotary ruler with your non-cutting hand. You should keep the blade straight on the cutting surface and close to the edge of the ruler.
3. What Is The Difference Between A 45mm And 60mm Rotary Cutter?
The 45mm rotary cutter would be the most popular size. It is usually used for cutting fabrics, patchwork squares, and long strips. If you need to cut large pieces and heavy-duty materials, the 60mm rotary cutter will be a better choice.
4. Are Rotary Cutters Better Than Scissors?
Both rotary cutters and scissors are important while cutting materials. However, if your work requires cutting a lot of straight lines, a rotary cutter will be your best assistant, as it could help your cutting become faster and more accurate. With a rotary cutter, you will save more time and get clean edges.
5. Can Rotary Cutter Blades Be Sharpened?
Yes, you can sharpen the rotary cutter blades in many ways like other cutting tools. As there are many blade sharpeners on the market, you can purchase one and use it for your rotary cutter.
However, rotary cutters’ blades are not very expensive. You can buy a new one to replace your old one.
6. How Often Should You Change Your Rotary Cutter Blade?
You might want to change the blade on your cutter each time you start a new project. If you usually use heavy or lofty types of fabric, you will need to change the blade more regularly. A sharp blade will help your rotary cutting become easier and more accurate.
Conclusion
Your sewing set could not be finished if it lacks a rotary cutter. We hope that our review on the best rotary cutter for quilting could help you choose the right item that goes well with your works. If you are still not sure about your choice, the Fiskars Crafts 952301010 Rotary Cutting Set could be a safe choice for you. Don’t forget to take a close look at all of the other products to buy the most suitable one for yourself!
Further reading:
I’m Charlotte Jane, I love quilting. I provide my reviews of the best quilting tools. I hope to help beginners share their love of Quilting with the world.
