Rotary Cutting 101

Once mastered this technique is invaluable to quilting and sewing. Recommended Tools: Self Healing Mat Olfa 45” Rotary Cutter 6”x24” Non-Slip Ruler (This is a very versatile size that will allow you to create many different size squares and strips. An absolute must! I highly recommend Creative Grids – they are honesty the best and the most slip resistant, and they come in 6.5”x24” which will comes in very handy when quilting) ½ yard quilt cotton fabric *As always we recommend washing your fabric prior to use to allot for shrinkage. (Not as critical for bags/accessories etc) Also be sure to press your fabric. Begin... by folding the fabric selvage to selvage. Lay it on your mat, with fold closest to your body. (Don't perfectly match up the selvages, but allow the fabric to fold in half where it naturally wants to fall - this is likely a little crooked) Hand Placement: Use a firm pressure and spread your hand out wide, with your fingertips holding the ruler in place. Place your hand in the middle of the ruler at about the 12” mark so your pressure is evenly spread over the ruler. Note: Another way I do it is to use my forearm to hold the ruler down, but sometimes this makes all of the lines harder to see, and isn’t always easier on your back J Something to try later on perhaps! Now... Place the rotary blade flush against the bottom right-hand edge of the ruler and with steady pressure, run the blade from bottom to top. Be sure to keep the blade flush against the ruler at all times. Be sure no fingers are hanging over the edge of the ruler!! Very important!! Many proficient quilters have been injured this way so please always check your hand placement!! Voile! Zippity Boom Bang! You have made your first rotary cut :) See Cutting Strips for instructions on squaring up.