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Rotary cutters are the saving grace of any avid quilter, seamstress or crafter, and anyone who regularly participates in any of these activities has no desire to be caught red-handed with a pair of scissors, particularly when a rotary cutter can do the same job in record time.
The learning curve may be a bit tedious, but it is well worth mastering a few rotary cutter basics to advance cutting fabric and other materials in an easy, safe and exacting fashion. Your projects will flow smoothly and so will your cutting skills.
Choosing the right rotary cutter depends on a number of factors, which includes the benefits of its use and actual feature considerations. A rotary cutter’s size, weight, durability, endurance, safety, ease of comfort, right/left hand use, blade sharpness, project adaptability, and repeated use all need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a rotary cutter.
In order for users to benefit from a rotary cutter, the cutter itself should be able to execute the following functions:
– straight line cutting without wobbling and skipping
– minimal to no blade slippage
– minimal to no blade dulling
– quick and smooth action across fabrics and other materials
– safe cutting that eliminates concerns with finger/hand cuts
Also, to benefit the user, a rotary cutter should be able to adapt to the particular material that is being cut.
If a rotary cutter is going to be used more for fabric as opposed to paper and other items, then the user should decide which cutter is appropriate for the particular material(s).
Below we have reviewed the top 10 best rotary cutters in 2017 to help make your purchasing decision much easier.
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Table of Contents
10. OLFA World Kitchen RTY-2/C 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter
This vibrantly colored rotary cutter with a comfortable, ergonomic/contoured handle makes cutting through fabric an easy process. It is a quick-change cutter for easy blade exchange and eliminates the regular washer-and-nut assembly.
The blade is simply released by sliding the blade-lock mechanism down on the handle back. Additionally, the slide-lock positions the new blade onto the cutter for continuation of cutting action. Finger slippage is eliminated with integrated grooves at the cutter’s head, and a blade cover is included for added safety.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to open and close
- Vibrant color (teal/cyan)
Cons
- Dull blade
- blade can pop off
9. Fiskars 45 Millimeter Titanium Rotary Cutter
Multi-layered fabric, paper, felt and vinyl are easily cut with this titanium coated, precision ground 45 mm rotary blade, which makes almost any kind of crafting a joy. This Friskars rotary cutter has enhanced durability, lasting sharpness and three times the hardness of steel.
It’s sculpted handle contains soft grip technology for comfort and ease of use. Both right and left handed sewing enthusiasts and crafters can easily adapt to the symmetrical design, which makes ambidextrous use a breeze. When not in use, there is a button activated retractable blade guard for safety. The package contents contain one rotary cutter with a 45-millimeter titanium blade.
Pros
- Straight cutting
- Safe to handle
- Convenient for fabric, paper and other mediums
Cons
- Dulling of blade
- Blade wobbling
8. OLFA 9551 RTY-1/G 28mm Straight Handle Rotary Cutter
Small sewing, quilting, and craft projects are easily accomplished with this comfortable 28mm rotary cutter. Miniature work that involves more complex and complicated cutting can also be accommodated.
The cutter’s straight yet durable handle is easily maneuvered, can be adapted to both right and left handed users and is equipped with a blade cover for safety. The actual cutting mechanism is a rolling razor blade that can cut fabric and paper into shapes as well as cut strips, quilting pieces and other designs.
Pros
- Detailed and straight cutting
- Right and left handed use
- Extremely sharp
Cons
- Blade retractor clumsy to operate
- Hard to use for straight cuts
7. Fiskars 28mm Stick Rotary Cutter
Friskars’s 28mm rotary cutter blade is literally the sharpest blade in the box, and its alignment markings allow for correct positioning of the blade guard. A hassle-free blade exchange is perfect for replacing blades and immediately resuming cutting activities.
Right or left handed use is easily achieved with the comfortably contoured handle that makes cutting added layers effortless, whether fabric or paper. There are fewer parts to keep track of with this cutter, and a new and larger plastic capped nut aids in tightening the blade.
Pros
- Rolls smoothly and easily
- Clean and sharp cuts
- Wheel size allows for intricate cuts
Cons
- Retractor button can get in the way
- Wobbling
6. Arteza 45mm Quilting Rotary Cutter
The Arteza rotary cutter makes quilting fast, fun and relaxing with its array of encased blades that are designed for various edgings. Its ergonomically designed handle with integrated soft-grip comfort is usable for both right and lefties, which makes cutting tasks smooth and even.
The cutter is easily disassembled for switching out the SKS-7 tungsten steel blades that fit most brands, which include Olfa and Friskars. A blade guard is incorporated with a locking feature for safety.
Pros
- Array of blades with different edges
- Comfortable hand grips
- Protective blade cover
Cons
- Unevenly sharp blades around edges
- Skipping with layers
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5. Fiskars 60 Millimeter Titanium Softgrip Comfort Loop Handle Rotary Cutter
This Friskars model is not only perfect for cutting a variety of thicker materials such as multi-layered quilting fabrics, foams and batting, but its cuts are precise as well. The rotary blade can be put together on one side or the other, which accommodates both right and left-handed individuals.
The 60mm rotary blade has a harder than steel titanium coating that provides durability and long-lasting sharpness. The cutter’s curved shape with a loop-like handle incorporates Softgrip technology for fit, hand control and lasting comfort. A sliding button is included that aids in extending the blade for use and retracting it for storage.
Pros
- Slider button automatically locks in use
- Good for large quantities/varieties of fabric
- Comfortable and easy to grip handle
Cons
- Dull blade
- Blade disengages
4. OLFA 45 mm High-quality tungsten steel Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
OLFA has designed this tungsten steel model to work with medium to heavy duty quilting and sewing tasks, as it can cut up to six layers of fabric. Both right and left handed users gain comfort and ease of use with the ergonomic comfort-grip handle that effortlessly glides through fabrics with no interference from resisting fabric, which makes cutting quilt pieces more productive and pleasant with every cutting session. The cutting blade is self-retracting for non-use and safety concerns.
Pros
- Safety mechanism retracts blade
- Excellent cutting blade
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Utting wheel strays from straightedge
- Cuts crooked/wavy lines
(packaging/instructions in another language)
3. Ghinger 45mm Rotary Cutter
There is superior sharpness with this leading rotary cutter, which is made from top-grade tungsten steel. The cutter is great for use with medium to more borderline heavy duty projects, and its easy grip handle has a no-slip grip that provides the kind of comfort necessary when working with heavier fabrics, and even plastics.
The cutter comes with four (4) blades that deliver a smooth yet hard-hitting action for efficient and consistent cutting. There is also built-in safety with this cutter through a retractable blade that minimizes risks and mishaps.
Pros
- Well constructed
- Sharp blades with replacements
- Fast, easy and precise cutting
Cons
- Blades hard to spin
- Difficulty mounting blades
2. Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter
Friskars outdoes itself with its contour rotary cutter and this 45mm cutter is no exception. It is perfect for cutting multi-layered fabrics, paper, vinyl, felt and other materials. The cutter is made from top-grade, precision-ground, stainless steel and the rotary blade remains considerably sharper than other blades in the same class.
Users are able to assemble the blade on either side of the cutter, which provides high discernibility of the blade for either right or left-handed individuals. Comfort is provided through a curved, loop-like handle that fits restfully in the hand and ensures control that allows the user to keep the cutter in hand while performing other tasks.
Pros
- Versatile cutter
- Ergonomically sound – sturdy sound grip
- Cuts through fabric well/sharp blade
Cons
- Blade loosening
- All plastic – breaks easily
1. Premier Blades Rotary Cutter
Premier Blades rotary cutter is an all around tool that creates immaculate, accurate and precise cuts through its premium titanium coated steel and its 45mm razor sharp blade. Straight cuts, curves and corners can be flawlessly executed both quickly and safely. There are no jagged edges with this cutter.
It’s left or right handed comfy-grip handle alleviates cramping and aching hands with any activity, plus it can speed up production time through its ability to cut through a number of layers at once. The cutter is safe as well with its push-button lock for easy opening, closing and storage. The 100% thrilled customer guarantee is another aspect that offers users the opportunity to try the product without problems down the road.
Pros
- Goes through almost any material type
- Money back guarantee
- Super sharp thin blade/easy to replace
Cons
- Some safety concerns
- When rotary handle is pressed down (with blade out) use caution with closeness to hand area
Which Rotary Cutter Should You Buy?
The ten best rotary cutters on the market for quilting provide a wide variety of options for quilters, seamstresses, tailors and crafters. Most of the cutters reviewed here can be coordinated with various sewing and crafting related projects and tasks with successful outcomes.
The size of the cutter is important as is the ability of the blade to effectively cut through various types of material(s) in a straight and even pattern. Safety, handle comfort and quick cutting maneuverability, minus dragging, wobbling and other snags are also critical considerations with some of the cutters reviewed.
Of the cutters listed and reviewed here, the Premier Blades Rotary Cutter is at the pinnacle because of its versatility with a number of materials, its lasting, titanium coated blade and its 100% “Thrilled Customer Guarantee”. In addition, the cutter’s ability to take the user through an entire gamut of uses is incredible. Quilters, seamstresses and tailors are happy with its features and just how quickly it solves cutting issues.
Take another look at the 10 best rotary cutters discussed here to gain a better understanding as to exactly what features are most important with each of these cutters. With a little more research, you can decide which one best fits your needs and budget.
The choices are close in comparison, but each cutter offers subtle differences through specific attributes that may be just what you need to cut your quilt pieces in perfect squares.
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