AliKat

The numbers: 45, 60, etc refer to the diameter of the blades. Just a uniform sizing thing.

As for which rotary cutter? Try different ones. Which best fits you is important. How do you hold it, do you have any disabilities, etc. I started with an Olfa but went to a Fiskars then back to the newer Olfa due to personal hand limitations. Things change over time.

I hope you are able to join a guild or group of quilters as we love to share. Heck, I got my stash started by guild and group members. I'm ready to start a newbie now.

If budget is a concern, then there are ways to keep your costs down til you are ready for more.

Lucio

If possible, I would strongly recommend taking a very basic beginner's quilting class. There you will be introduced to the essential tools and techniques. Gathering your supplies can be an expensive experience if you don't know what you are doing. The price of the class will be worth it if it keeps you from unnecessary purchases.

bearisgray

If you get a rotary cutter, be sure to get a cutting mat to go with it.

The blades are like round razor blades - they need to go in some sort of holder/handle in order to use them. Usually a new handle/cutter has a blade already installed on it and the package says something like "45 mm Olfa rotary cutter".

One can "free hand" cut with a rotary cutter on the mat - but most people buy an acrylic/plastic ruler that is about 1/8 inch thick to go with the cutter and mat to help them make straight cuts.

The "best" ruler and "best" mat are whole other areas of discussion.

If you are just starting out, you might consider getting this set-up from WalMart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fiskars-Ro...g-Set/12335930

Some people turn up their noses at Fiskars products, but I find them satisfactory.

bearisgray

The first class I took - we traced templates/pattern pieces, and then we cut around the pieces and traced around the templates on our fabrics.

I think the only equipment we needed was:

Fabric
Needles
Pins
Thread
Template plastic - if one is very frugal, one can use plastic lids and other clear or semi-opaque plastic to make the templates
Scissors
#2 Pencil

A small 6-inch ruler is useful for drawing straight lines. At that stage, just one of the little inexpensive "grade-school" rulers work just fine.

Jinny Beyer - one of the "notables" in the quilting world - still hand-pieces many of her quilts.

Grammahunt

Welcome, Newbie! We were all newbies once and are ALL still learning. You don't state your whereabouts but I know for sure that if you are anywhere near central Michigan there are a dozen quilters that would take you under their wing. I'm fairly sure that is the same wherever you are located. I suggest you find a guild, even if you don't become a lifetime member. Guilds are not for everyone but quilts are universal--we either like to make them, sleep under them, or both.

Grammahunt

pewa88

There are so many web sites with lists of needed supplies and it can be overwhelming. I found this site that lists just the basic things you will need. http://fabricbias.com/2008/01/essent...ning-quilters/ Good luck and welcome to the forum. There are many talented quilters around here that are very helpful.

Newbie Quilt

Thanks I checked these blades out! Do you suggest getting the 10 pack? How long do these blades last?? Thanks!

MadQuilter

I was told that you have to buy the same brand of replacement blades as the cutter. So if it's an Olfa, you'd need Olfa blades - for Fiscars, it would be Fiscars blades. Supposedly the hole in the middle is different and they are not interchangeable. Since I only have one type, I never tested the theory.

How long they last depends on how carefully you use it and how stubborn you are.
1. When you use the cutter, make sure you have nothing but fabric on the mat. Don't run over needles for example.
2. Make sure to close the blade after every use. That protects your fingers and the blade from getting nicked.
3. When you make your first cut, don't start at the corner of the ruler. Instead, start a little ways inside the ruler and pull the blade back to start and then push forward.
4. Make sure you hold the blade at a 90 degree angle tightly against the ruler.
5. You can tell that your blade is getting dull when you have to apply more pressure to cut through the fabric or when you have parts of the cut that are not completed. If you are stubborn, you will fight this for a while and hack at the fabric. (Yes, I am somewhat stubborn). It doesn''t really pay off. You spend more time being frustrated and putting more pressure on your wrist.
6. There are blade sharpeners on the market. I have a manual one but it really doesn't buy the blade that much more life. None, if the blade is nicked.
7. I buy them on sale at Joann or with a coupon. Whatever is the best deal and what your wallet will allow.

DOTTYMO

Welcome from the UK. People have advised you on all the different blades rotary cutters and mats. You also need a ruler. A good beginners is 6" by 24" as it will cut folded width of fabric. I suggest you make a list usually available in books on patchwork and quilting. Christmas is coming up and quilting gifts from your list will save you money.

annette1952

Welcome to out wonderful board. No matter what question you have about quilting there is someone here that knows the answer. Also they are always willing to help. Myself, I have a 28mm, a 45mm & a 60mm, but It seems I always use my 45mm. A rotary cutter will sure make your quilting life much easier. (You have to have the cutting mat to use it normally) I have seen those little kits at Wal-mart that a few mentioned. That would make you a good start. I think the cutter in them is a 45mm too so I would pick up some more blades for it too. Just in case. I like to be prepared. Have fun with your projects & post pics when you make things. We would love to see them.