Welcome to the board, and you are opening yourself up to lots and lots of fun. The ladies on here are always so helpful, and I have learned so much myself on here, but I still can see I have so much to learn. I love every moment of it though.

Susan

I keep hearing that Harbor Freight carries rotary blades, but I've shopped there in New York and Florida and they have no idea what I'm asking for! Where do you get the blades from Harbor Freight? Perhaps online?

If you have a rotary cutter already and need blades it depends on what size cutter you have to purchase blades for it. The size blades have to match the size cutter. A 45 mm takes 45mm blades, a 60mm takes 60mm blades, etc.

Welcome
 

Great to see the young starting to quilt. If there is anything I can do to help let me know . I have some very beginner patterns I could copy for you and would be glad yo mail them to you. My mom taught me to quilt and it can be addicting. Have fun and let us know how you are doing. Don't know where you live but the mail system is great. Happy to help. I only wish may daughter or daughter in law would take this hobby up. They are busy bringing up kids though but always time later in life. Keep us posted

Debbie
[email protected] (if you want to drop email)

In response to DebbieC (reply#32), there are rotary blades at Harbor Freight and they are used for cutting carpet, etc. I did try the HF blades but they did not work well. For example, there were areas where the cutter did not work at all and I had to go back and cut again. I had another concern...those blades may not be good for the rotary cutting mats. I do not use the generic cutting mats from Joann's, especially the large 36 by 59/60 inches. I learned the hard way the rotary cutting blades have to be replaced more often. It's better to stay with the name brands. Hope this helps.

I'm sure you are totally confused by now. I'd like to suggest that not only you watch Missouri Star Quilt Company videos but also watch Eleanor Burns QUILT IN A DAY videos. They are free to watch. You will learn a lot of the basics from them. Go to your local quilt shop and see if there is any one close to you that would be willing to help you get started. Does your mom quilt-sew? Is she close that she could help? I want to wish you the best of luck with your adventure. Also as a starter I also suggest the beginner set from Walmart. It is a mat, rotary cutter and ruler. Unless you somehow dull your blade you will be able to cut for a long time with the original blade. Then you can purchase a replacement blade or blades. A good pair of scissors and seam ripper are also needed.

Just remember rotary cutters and their blades are extremely sharp. There are many on the board who can tell you from experience exactly how sharp and you can see the scars and ER bills. That said, I favor the squeezable cutter. It is not hard to squeeze but closes when you set it down, every time!! I have never been cut but have come close even with this type of cutter.
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You must use the correct terminology for the store that you are in. At Harbor Freight and most hardware stores, they are called carpet blades.
http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of...des-97642.html

I have the 28, 45 and 60 mm blades. I use the 28 like a seam ripper. Small enough to handle and go through those mistaken seams like no body's business. Oh scuse my manners but welcome to the board. inside of one year you will learn a lot and we will learn from you by shortcuts or links you find. Just have fun.

45mm rotary cutter
 

As a beginner, best to start with 45mm - you won't go wrong. Enjoy! The King's kid