Teacup

I'm thinking about putting the Donna Dewberry fabric strip cutter on my holiday wish list. It is available online at JoAnns...I haven't checked the store yet...but a coupon would sure bring the cost down. Cutting fabric is not my favorite part of quilting, and I'd like something easy and accurate if it actually works. It appears to be similar to a paper cutter but with a Fiskars rotary blade to cut up to four strips of fabric at a time. If you have one, could you share:
1. What you like about it.
2. What you don't like about it.
3. How large strips or blocks can you cut?
3. Would you purchase it again if you had the chance?

Prism99

I haven't used this, but I do have a paper cutter that is very similar. I have noticed that I have to concentrate on pressing down fairly hard for the entire length of the cut in order to be sure to cut entirely through paper. It's really annoying to have everything cut but an inch or two here and there!

One thing to be aware of is that the fabric would have to be short enough so you can see the ruler markings at the top and bottom. If you are trying to cut strips from 42"-wide fabric, it probably means that you have to fold the fabric twice. I can't imagine this type of cutter working well with four layers of fabric; I have trouble sometimes with just one layer of paper.

My preference would be to use my June Tailor Shape Cut or the Quarter Cut clear plastic mats with slot openings for cutting strips. The mat keeps the folded fabric flat and unmoving even when I am not actively cutting. With the strip cutter, you have to lift up the arm holding the rotary blade in order to move it to the next position.

Knot Sew

I have one and use it a lot...it has a ruller that opens out and measures up to 12 inchs...it cuts through 4 layers with no problem....no strength needed. Blades last a long time and are easy to change I use mine to cut strips and blocks. frequently Joanns has a sale on all quilters cutters ...it was included in the 50% off sale for 25....This is my favorite tool for quilting. My pieces come out much more uniform.......

Some walmart stores have the just fiskars brand....some say its better ...but was not able to find it :D

Teacup

Thanks for both your answers. I'm going to keep thinking about it, but it's good to have a recommendation from someone who has used it. I just hate to invest in something I then find out is useless.

justwannaquilt

http://www.fiskars.com/images/AU/163793_24cqbig.jpg

I have this thing, because it is 24 inches you can cut 44 inch fabric folded in half! I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world!

Teacup

It would cut a lot bigger pieces than the Donna Dewberry cutter. How well does it do small pieces? I assume you find it accurate or you wouldn't like it. How many layers does it cut at a time?

justwannaquilt

I can cut about six layers of regular quilting fabric, less if the fabric is of heavier weight but generally about six layers.

I find that it is VERY accurate, it has a strip of foamy, almost like weather stripping (the stuff you use around doors to keep the cold air out) that keeps your cutter/ruler from sliding on the fabric as you cut.

The only thing that I have found that is hard to cut are pieces that are less than an inch wide IF you are trying to use the ruller attached to the cutter. HOWEVER, if you use the lines on your cutting mat to cut I have cut 3/4 inch pieces with no problem!!!

Teacup

Thanks for the information. I'll have to price it also and take a look. I'm making my list and checking it twice...I've started asking for one or two specific things I want to avoid getting things I don't really want or need. (Last year I asked for a lemon zester and DH looked at a a dozen stores and finally resorted to ordering one online! I didn't think it would be that hard to find!)

justwannaquilt

If your walmart has a fabric dept. still they normally have them. and they are MUCH cheaper than you can get them online!

If you don't have a store that has one and you don't find it for a decent price online, let me know I will get you the UPC number you can either call 1-800 walmart, and have it sent to your store, Or you can take that number to the craft dept. and tell them to get it for you! 99% od the time they do what they gotta do to get you what you want! lol

burnsk

DITTO - I have the Fiskars 24" fabric cutter and love it. I found mine on sale at WalMart for $15 on clearance. Saw the 12" cutter at JoAnn's for $49.99 but don't recommend the shorter one. Originally saw the 24" Fiskars at WalMart for $25 on clearance and told myself, "No, you don't need another gizmo", so I passed it up. The following week-end I went to a sewing retreat and one of the gals there had one and just raved about it and showed me how it works. She was cutting up a storm. It uses the standard 44mm blades (or is it 45mm?) and they are so easy to replace. I couldn't wait to get home and go to WalMart. Lo and behold, when I got there it was marked down even more. I bought 2 - one for myself and one for my sister. So glad I did.