Maggie_Sue

I think the cutter attached to the ruler would also be a good option.

Dolphyngyrl

I think it is also the maturity level of the kid, mine is accident prone so not sure when she will have that experience. I do have a glove for when my daughter is ready and I have shown her the cutter and told her she can't use it yet due to how young she is. I think 11 is a good age just make sure to show her good safety and supervise the cutting.

bakermom

Depending on her maturity, she could use use a rotary with supervision. My kids started using them about that age. Does she follow instructions or jump ahead of what she's been told? Does she fiddle with things or wait until she needs to use something to pick it up? One on one should be fine, if you were working with a couple of kids it could be dicey

Bree123

I took my first real sewing class (we had a short unit in Home Ec) the summer I turned 12. Rotary cutters had just recently been invented and our sewing teacher was all excited to show us this new tool. Some of the parents refused to give permission, but of those of us who did use it, there were no accidents at all. I've personally never had an accident with a rotary cutter. I always use a sharp blade & if I meet any resistance, I stop and pick the blade up from the fabric. Because I have more respect for a rotary blade, I've been fine with it. I actually have cut myself with scissors.

I think it's better to teach kids how to properly use tools and to have a healthy respect (not terror) of them. I started teaching the kids I nanny to use paring knives at age 5. They were able to follow directions & had a keen interest in cooking. I let them use the pizza cutter at age 7-8, and feel comfortable teaching 8, 9 & 10 year olds to use a rotary cutter supervised. If 8 year olds can do it, I'm sure your 11 year old granddaughter is more than capable. We have one rule: always ask permission to use the rotary cutter. Then I teach them how to properly set up the cutting mat (it should be at waist height to give them the best control over the cutter. That means I either find a lower table -- kneeling at the coffee table works -- or I find them a chair that will get the to proper height.

If you're really concerned, you could always get one of those handles that suction cups to acrylic rulers. http://www.joann.com/dritz-omnigrid-...p/2327849.html

Onebyone

If she sees you not using a safety tool when cutting then don't expect her to think she has to when out of your supervision. She'll think (even if she agrees not to) that she is big enough to do as you do. If safety is important for her then it should be for you too.

Sew Freak

Have you seen the Quilters Slidelock? I would like to purchase one for myself....seems to be a very safe guide when cutting. (pricey though).

Karamarie

I still have my first rotary cutter and it does not have a lock. Pressure brings the blade into the cutting position so it doesn't need to be locked/unlocked with each use. I've had it about 12 years now. I've also taught my granddaughter (who is 12 today) to sew but haven't let her use the cutter yet. She's in 4-H and is making her second quilt now. The quilt she is making is a disappearing nine patch made with kid prints. It will be part of her child development project and it is an I Spy quilt and she is also making up a little book made with fussy cut pieces from the quilt fabric that she can put into the booklet to point to for the child to find in the quilt. I hope that makes sense.

JanieH

I just ordered the Quilters Slidelock in the 14" and 24" sizes because I am planning on teaching my great niece to use the rotary cutter this summer.
I also had not thought about her showing it to her friends - good thinking and something I will be sure to stress with her. She is super dependable and loves to quilt!

lynnie

no matter how good you are, you can still cut, so i second the votes for the glove. I've been using a t=rotary cutter since they came to this country, and have had 3 oops myself. good luck and have loads of fun!

Pennyhal

I'd buy some of those rulers that have a hand guard on them. Also, have her form the habit of immediately closing the cutter the instant she finishes making a cut.