How to use a rotary cutter, a handy tool for cutting fabric, perfect for sewing and tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making)!

When you need a lot of fabric for a project, cutting each piece with scissors can be a real chore. That's where a rotary cutter comes in handy. And if you use a grid-lined cutting mat, you can cut the fabric even more accurately and neatly.

What is a rotary cutter?

A rotary cutter is a tool that uses a rotating circular blade to cut sheet-like materials such as paper and cloth. It can cleanly cut both straight lines and curves.

Using a rotary cutter, you can cut fabric straight and neatly like this.

How to cut fabric using a rotary cutter

When cutting, placing a cutting mat underneath will make the work easier.

A cutting mat with a grid pattern is convenient.

First, place the fabric so that the grain aligns with the grid lines on the mat.

Align the ruler with the grid lines and place it on top.

Trim the edges.

I was able to cut the fabric straight and neatly.

POINT 1: Cut along the ruler in one swift motion.

Align the blade precisely with the ruler, hold the ruler firmly, and cut in one swift motion from near to far.

Keep the fabric still and cut by sliding the ruler.

POINT 2: Use graph paper to measure the size.

Using a grid on a cutting mat eliminates the need to measure the size.
*The scale may vary depending on the type of cutting mat, so please check the unit (size) of the scale before use.
Here, we will explain using the example of cutting the fabric into 3cm squares.

Align the fabric with the grid lines on the cutting mat, place a ruler 3 cm from the edge, and cut.

Align one end of the elongated piece of fabric with the lines on the cutting mat, cut the edge, and then cut it into 3cm squares.

In no time at all, we had lots of square pieces of fabric.

POINT 3: Cutting them in layers saves time.

Once you get the hang of it, you can even cut two or three sheets at once.

Using a rotary cutter allows you to cut large quantities of fabric quickly and neatly.

Use a rotary cutter to save time on your DIY projects!

A rotary cutter is easy for anyone to use. If you use it effectively, it will significantly increase your production efficiency! Make good use of your tools and enjoy your handmade life!

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