Rotary Cutters, Self-Healing Mats and Rulers: What to Buy and How to Use Them
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Rotary cutters are razor blades on a handle. Here's how OLFA, which says its founder invented the first rotary cutter in 1979, says to use them, plus the cutters, mats and rulers by what their listings state.
Safe cutting (OLFA)
- Close the cutter after every cut. Never lay it down with the blade open.
- Cut away from yourself, never toward.
- Keep your ruler hand's fingers away from the edge.
- Clear the mat of pins and scraps that can damage the blade or cause injury.
- Stand up. OLFA doesn't recommend sitting while cutting.
- Replace worn blades, and keep cutters away from children.
- Use a mat and ruler every time.
Rotary cutters
OLFA's ergonomic RTY-2/DX has a squeeze handle that exposes the 45 mm blade and retracts it when you let go, and a lock for open or closed, per the listing. That self-closing design helps with the "close it every time" rule.
OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Squeeze-Handle Rotary Cutter (RTY-2/DX)
- 45 mm blade; squeeze handle exposes the blade and self-retracts, per the listing
- Dual-action lock holds the blade open or closed
- Pre-loaded with an RB45-1H Endurance blade
OLFA's quick-change RTY-2/C has a built-in blade cover and is listed to cut up to 8 layers of cotton. Fiskars' 45 mm loop cutter uses a sliding button that extends, locks and retracts the blade.
OLFA 45mm Quick-Change Rotary Cutter (RTY-2/C)
- 45 mm tungsten tool steel blade, per the listing
- Quick-change blade system with built-in blade cover
- Listed to cut up to 8 layers of cotton
Fiskars 45mm Loop Rotary Cutter
- 45 mm blade; loop handle, per the listing
- Sliding button extends, locks and retracts the blade
- Snap-in blade replacement
Spare blades: OLFA's 10-pack fits any OLFA 45 mm cutter and includes a disposal case, per the listing.
OLFA 45mm Rotary Blades, 10-Pack
- Ten 45 mm tungsten tool steel blades, per the listing
- Fits any OLFA 45 mm rotary cutter
- Storage/disposal case included
Cutting mats
Fiskars' 24 x 36 inch mat is double-sided and self-healing, with grids and 30, 45 and 60 degree lines, per the listing. Fiskars' listing says it's sized for cutting full widths of fabric.
Fiskars 24 x 36 in. Self-Healing Cutting Mat
- 24 x 36 in., double-sided self-healing surface, per the listing
- Measuring grids plus 30, 45 and 60 degree bias lines
Mat care (OLFA)
- Store flat, out of hot or cold cars and direct sunlight. Don't iron on it. OLFA says a warped mat can't be made flat again.
- Don't cut in the same spot over and over; it creates a groove and dulls your blade.
- Clean with mild detergent and a soft damp cloth; lift fibers with a lint roller, heavy tape or an art gum eraser.
Rulers
The Omnigrip 6 x 24 inch ruler has non-slip backing along its lines, 30, 45 and 60 degree marks, and works left- or right-handed, per the listing.
Omnigrip Non-Slip 6 x 24 in. Quilting Ruler
- 6 x 24 in. clear acrylic ruler, per the listing
- Non-slip backing along the neon green lines
- 30, 45 and 60 degree lines; left- or right-handed use
Prefer shears? See fabric scissors.
FAQ
How do I use one safely?
Cut away from yourself and close the blade after every cut.
How do I care for a mat?
Store flat, away from heat and sun; never iron on it.
Why is my mat grooved?
Too many cuts in the same place.