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-   -   45 mm blades or 60 mm? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/45-mm-blades-60-mm-t85322.html)

Swap 12-26-2010 02:51 PM

I am using the 60 mm blades in my rotaty cutter. I'm learning many people prefer the 45 mm blades. What do you prefer and why?

mom-6 12-26-2010 02:54 PM

The 45mm blades are more readily available in my area, so I use that size.

mhunt1717 12-26-2010 03:01 PM

45--I have more control, I think!

Swap 12-26-2010 03:02 PM

Thank you...that little boy is a cutie!

cjomomma 12-26-2010 03:03 PM

I use both. But I prefer the 60mm only because the handle is the right size for my Big hands.

lab fairy 12-26-2010 03:04 PM

45 mm is what I use the most often but I have one in every except the 60 mm. I am told the 60 mm is great when you cut more layers but I like the accuracy of cutting single layers (just me) so I never bothered to get one.

LivelyLady 12-26-2010 03:04 PM

I feel I have more control, too. I won't cut more than 4 layers at a time to make sure the cut is accurate so a 60 wouldn't be necessary for me.

Swap 12-26-2010 03:07 PM

I never thought about the control aspect of the blades. Someone sold me a 60 mm rotary cutter a few years back, so that is what I used without thinking about the control. I think I'll get a 45 mm and try it out. Sometimes a 60 mm blade does present control issues. Thanks everyone!

greensleeves 12-26-2010 03:46 PM

I had always used a 45, then someone gave me a 60 and I started using it. Couldn't find it quickly one day and grabbed the 45-it felt very strange going back to the 45. I now use whichever one is handy.

Prism99 12-26-2010 05:10 PM

I prefer the 60mm for most uses because it is easier to cut through multiple layers. I found, though, that it does not fit particularly well into the shape-cut rulers, so I will change to a 45mm for that type of cutting.

Cyn 12-26-2010 05:42 PM

Good info! Thanks

MadQuilter 12-26-2010 06:06 PM

I have a 45mm cutter so that solves the problem for me. However, I also have a 28mm for small pieces and inside the curved template where the 45 won't fit.

If I bought another cutter, I would look more at the ergonomic use (I have wrist problems) to make sure I get the best to help with my issues.

featherweight 12-26-2010 08:05 PM

I prefer 60mm I don't have to use much pressure when cutting!!!

caliquocat 12-26-2010 08:17 PM

I like to use my 45mm blade, I feel more in control. The 60mm blade makes me feel like I'm, "running with scissors".


:D :D

SherriB 12-26-2010 08:21 PM

I have used a 60 mm blade for over a year and really preferr it over the 45mm. I can cut more layers and feel comfortable doing so.

luvTooQuilt 12-26-2010 10:30 PM

I have all three sizes.. Just depends on what Im cutting that determines which one I grab for..

watterstide 12-27-2010 03:05 AM

Price of the blades would make a difference too. i use a 45mm 95% of the time.

LuvQuiltin 12-27-2010 03:07 AM

I'm a 60 mm blade gal. I have long fingers and the 45 just isn't comfortable. I just feel more in control with the larger grip on the cutter.

quiltbuddy 12-27-2010 04:52 AM

Would the 60 mm would be more economical to use since it can cut more fabric? I like to use the 60mm whenever possible.

quilt3311 12-27-2010 04:59 AM

I have the Martelli cutter and that is what the original cutter uses. I believe they now have a 60mm but I like my 45mm.

juliea9967 12-27-2010 05:46 AM

Most of the time I use the 45mm blades. I use the 60 for cutting heavier fabrics and fleece fabrics. I use the smaller ones (18mm and 25mm) for cutting around the arm holes and necklines on patterns. They all serve a purpose.

Fabaddict 12-27-2010 06:10 AM

I use 60 for cutting batting. Prefer 45 for fabric because to me they are more managable.

quiltmaker 12-27-2010 06:14 AM

I use the 60, 45 and 28mm depending on what I am working on.

hobbykat1955 12-27-2010 06:16 AM

Have both but never touch the 60...seems to big and bulky so 45 for me

KyKaren1949 12-27-2010 06:23 AM

I noticed you're in Western KY. So am I, so where are you? I'm in Owensboro.

vickimc 12-27-2010 06:39 AM

I use a 60 blade when triming a quilt after quilting it. I am a longarmer.

Marylynne 12-27-2010 06:53 AM

I have used the 60mm for along time and by mistake bought the 45mm blades and decided to try that size and love it.......for alot of layers I used the big one but the 45mm is so much easier.......

shirley35 12-27-2010 07:01 AM

I use both, whichever is in reach. If they are both handy I use the 60.

ShirlinAZ 12-27-2010 08:14 AM

I used just the 60mm for several years. Broke down and bought a 45mm because the blades are cheaper. I now have all 4 sizes (18, 28, 45 & 60) and use them all. Small blades are more controllable for cutting curves, etc. Large blades do multi layers and thicker material better. I mostly use the 45mm now.

Swap 12-27-2010 08:22 AM

Hi, KyKaren!

I live in Ottawa, KS, which is about 30 miles south of Kansas City, KS.

Annasgrannie 12-27-2010 08:49 AM

Funny you should ask--I have used a 45 but one day I had the opportunity to use a 60--loved it. Maybe that's because I am always in a hurry. But since I am getting a shape cut ruler than the 45 will be better for that.

chris_quilts 12-27-2010 10:17 AM

I have a smaller one, the 45 mm, the 45 mm pinking shear blade one, and 2 60 mm ones. I love the 60 mm one from Olfa - it's their curved handle one. My girls bought me the Martelli for Christmas along with the blades (Very expensive). I use the 60 mm almost exclusively. Since I switched from the 45 mm size to the 60mm size, I just don't like the 45mm one. Now if I can't find the 60 mm, I do use the 45 mm and also if I'm cutting small pieces and sizes, I do use the 45mm one for better control. Haven't test driven the Martelli yet but am thinking about playing with it today after I get going on some laundry.

amma 12-27-2010 03:12 PM

I use them both, the 60mm for cutting through more layers, the 45mm for regular/normal cutting.
There is a cost difference in the blades, I can usually pick up the 45mm much cheaper on sale than the 60mm :D:D:D

Daisydoodle 12-27-2010 03:54 PM

Always used thr 45 mm, then bought a 60 mm with a special handle for AR. Love it, don't even look at the 45 mm any more.

Ziggysmom 12-27-2010 05:22 PM

I have all the sizes available for the rotary cutter. I find that I rarely use the 60mm. My favorite is the 45mm in the ergonomic cutter. It gives me the most control and is most comfortable to use. I use the 28mm to cut out garment patterns--especially helpful with slippery, silky fabrics. I have only used the 18mm one once in a class for miniature quilts. I think I could have accomplished the same thing with the 28 mm. Hope this helps.

k9dancer 12-27-2010 05:53 PM

I recently misplaced my rotary cutter and treated myself to a new 45MM Gingher. Wow! So smooth. Worth the extra $$$.

Annz 12-27-2010 06:14 PM

I have both and use which ever one is the closest at the time. Both are good in my opinion.

CruisingStef 12-27-2010 06:16 PM

I use the 45 mm versus the 60 because it gives me better control. Although I never cut more then 4 layers to get correct accurancy, I feel a 60mm is not needed.
CruisingStef or Stephanie

madamekelly 12-27-2010 09:06 PM


Originally Posted by Swap
I am using the 60 mm blades in my rotaty cutter. I'm learning many people prefer the 45 mm blades. What do you prefer and why?

Unless you are going to purchase a new cutter, you use the size that fits. If you do lots of 'fussy cutting', or intricate cutting, a small blade might be easier. 'Fussy cutting' can be much easier with a small blade. I have never used a 60mm, but I can see where one would be more useful. (Cutting backing fabric, etc.)

lalaland 12-27-2010 09:25 PM

I have to join the ranks of the 60mm. I used the 45 for years and then got a 60 for the fleece cutting I was doing, it's so thick, and now I find myself grabbing it first most of the time


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