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-   -   Do you use your fabric rotary cutter when cutting paper in paper-piecing? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/do-you-use-your-fabric-rotary-cutter-when-cutting-paper-paper-piecing-t150411.html)

Dolly's sister 09-04-2011 03:33 PM

It looks like when you get a paper pieced block completed you just use your rotary cutter to trim up the paper and fabric. Is this ok for your rotary cutter or does it dull the blade faster? Do some people use other blades when trimming paper piecing?

ckcowl 09-04-2011 03:39 PM

when i trim around the outside of my paper pieced blocks i do use a rotory cutter- but i have 2 - one with an old blade- which i use for paper- fusables ect- one with a nice sharp blade for cutting fabrics- when the fabric blade becomes dull starts skipping i put it in an old case marked old-
then when the old blade cutter is really not working well on paper ect i can change it out to one in the 'old blade case'

ghostrider 09-04-2011 03:41 PM

Because I do so much work with paper-backed fusible web and mixed-media collage (using fabric and paper together), I have a separate cutter for use with any paper/fabric combination. I change the blade on that one much more often than the fabric one. I do not use my fabric cutter for paper, no.

snipforfun 09-04-2011 03:44 PM

Paper does not cause blades or scissors to become dull. Paper can leave a residue that can be wiped off periodically. The reason we have always kept "weapons" out of reach of family members is that they use scissors for cutting plastic, rocks, wood, etc. All the things that can ruin blades. I do lots of paper piecing and have never had to use a separate blade. I have Gingher scissors for years that Ive not had to sharpen and I use them for everything. Getting nicks on blades is another matter.

tsnana2000 09-04-2011 03:45 PM

I've used my rotary cutter to cut gift wrap. It comes in handy at Christmas. lol

hobbykat1955 09-04-2011 03:45 PM

Use the same one...don't seem to have a big problem with dulling

SewExtremeSeams 09-04-2011 03:49 PM

I do a lot of paper piecing.

I use regular computer paper and Harbor Freight blades in my Olfa rotary cutter. I do not notice blades becoming dull any faster. The need to change blades is pretty infrequent. The blades end up costing about $1 apiece.

On the right side of where I am sewing I use a portable black TV type tray where my small Omnigrid cutting mat and ironing pad are.

sushi 09-04-2011 03:51 PM

This is so good to know! Thanks, everyone!

erstan947 09-04-2011 03:52 PM

I would suggest using an older blade. I have been known to use whatever blade is in my cutter when I want to cut whatever. I buy the harbor freight blades so no big loss.

meemersmom 09-04-2011 04:08 PM

I use whichever one happens to be handy when trimming up paper pieced blocks, and have never noticed any more dulling because of it.

mom-6 09-04-2011 05:33 PM

The only time I've experienced serious dulling of my blade when cutting paper was when I used it on a 20-page brochure printed on 28 lb paper that I trimmed three egdes on each one - did about 50 of them. That was definitely a test of its longevity!

slstitcher 09-04-2011 06:09 PM

I use my rotary cutter and don't notice if it makes it dull

Pieces2 09-05-2011 03:28 AM

I do trim with my ruler and rotary cutter. But I have an old one specifically saved for paper.

BarbP 09-05-2011 03:45 AM

I keep a small (28mm) rotary cutter for paper piecing and it doesn't seem to get any duller than the bigger ones that I use for just fabric.

IrishNY 09-05-2011 04:37 AM

I use the same one. I've never noticed that it makes a difference.

quiltingaz 09-05-2011 07:00 AM


Originally Posted by IrishNY
I use the same one. I've never noticed that it makes a difference.

I agree

BellaBoo 09-05-2011 08:01 AM

I use my rotary cutter for fabric, paper, card stock, fusible,
and trims. And it I need templates and have the Go Die that fits, I cut paper with my Go.

carslo 09-05-2011 09:38 AM

Yes, I use my rotary cutter when using triangles on a roll!

NJ Quilter 09-06-2011 08:37 AM


Originally Posted by lindasidlow
Paper does not cause blades or scissors to become dull. Paper can leave a residue that can be wiped off periodically. The reason we have always kept "weapons" out of reach of family members is that they use scissors for cutting plastic, rocks, wood, etc. All the things that can ruin blades. I do lots of paper piecing and have never had to use a separate blade. I have Gingher scissors for years that Ive not had to sharpen and I use them for everything. Getting nicks on blades is another matter.

I agree with everything said here. No special rotary cutter for my pp'ing and I don't notice blades getting dull any quicker than with cutting only fabric.


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