Calling all experienced quilters! Your advice...
 

Hi! I literally just signed up for this forum because I'm a brand new quilter (26 years old) and was hoping one of you more experienced quilters could help me with something :)

My mom (who doesn't know too much about quilting), said that I need 45mm rotary blades for my rotary cutter...

There are a few options online, I don't know anything about these blades..

Help!?

Welcome to quilting and to the board! You are in for such fun!

There are different sized rotary blades. I think 45mm is the most used size; it's the only size I've used, and I don't think you could go wrong starting off with that size. I have an Olfa cutter with a slightly curved handle, and it has worked well.

Welcome to the board. Yes a rotary cutter will make your quilting life much easier. There are MANY brands on the market. I started quilting 25 years ago, at about your age. I am still using my original Olfa cutter and I swear by Olfa brand blades. You will get loads of varying opinions on this. All quilting tools have dedicated loyal followers from scissors to sewing machines to needles and fabric. Of all the expenses you will have quilting, the rotary cutter and self healing mat will probably be the most used items along with your sewing machine. Try to get your hands on a 50% off coupon from JoAnnes. It will be well spent on the largest mat you have room for. Have fun and so glad you found us.

Hi, glad to help!

I've used olfa's blades for over 20 years but recently a few of my friends were raving about a new rotary blade called improved cut.

I was curious about what they were going on about so I tried them and was very impressed.

I don't think we are meant to add links here but I'll try anyway if you want to check them out!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...=sr_1_5&sr=8-5

Hope that helped!

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*** HI! Y'all welcome from the upstate of South Carolina.
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*** They do not have the cutter, but the blade are cheaper at Harbor Freight.
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Weird question about cutter blades. I noticed, again, the numbers around the edge of the blades, anyone know what they are for? Just looked them up and will try them next time!

I'm not sure I understand the problem. Do you currently have a rotary cutter and need to buy replacement blades for it? And, if so, is your question "how do you know what size of replacement blades to purchase": 28mm, 35mm, or 60mm?

I can measure the width of each of these blades so that you can compare the size to your current blade if that will help. Let me know if that would be useful.

I use the Fiscars. They are all a little costly for blades so buy when you have some great Joanns coupons

Welcome to the world of quilting! You do not need a rotary cutter at all to quilt. They were only invented maybe 40 years ago & long before that quilts were constructed using scissors.

Rotary cutters offer a more precise cut than scissors. If you are going to use a rotary cutter, you also need a self-healing cutting mat (I love Olfa brand available at JoAnn -- mine is 18" x 24", you don't want to go much smaller than that; you can buy bigger ones if you'd like) and a ruler. A 6" x 24" ruler is probably ideal but I've been using by 3.5" x 24" ruler that I bought when I started quilting for many years now & it's usually sufficient. I like the Omnigrip rulers, but there are lots of great rulers out there & just as many opinions about which is best.

For your rotary cutter, there are 4 standard sizes: 18mm, 28mm, 45mm & 60mm. 45mm is the most common for quilting. The size of rotary cutter you have will dictate what size blades you buy. I'm not aware of a rotary cutter that lets you switch between different sized blades. I only had a 28mm cutter for years. It worked fine for everything except making cuts using a specialty ruler called a ShapeCut. 28mm cutters will only cut through 4 layers of fabric at a time. 45mm cutters can do 6-8 layers & 60mm cutters can do even more. 18mm blades will only cut through 1-2 layers at a time, but their small size allows them to better cut along curves and intricate designs.

You do need to buy replacement blades in whatever size your rotary cutter is (if you don't know, check the blade itself). A good rule of thumb is to change your blade each time you start a new quilting project. I would recommend buying a 5-pack to start with so you have extras if your blade starts to dull & not cut through all your fabric. Dull rotary blades, like dull knives, are dangerous. They can slip, jump on/over your ruler and slice your hand. Not fun.

Wal-Mart has the best deals on rotary cutters & blades.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Thanks
 

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

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.

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.

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.

Hi and welcome to the board! I still have my original Fiskars rotary cutter, 45mm blades. I learned the hard way, only buy name brand blades from Walmart, Joanns, Hancocks, etc. Notice the center opening in those cheap blades, they don't fit the cutter correctly, and in the case of blades, you get what you pay for, IMHO. And I'm a cheapo, look for bargains like everybody else, try to find the sales and use coupons for best results.

When you first start a lot of things seem to be confusing... why not watch a few tutorials and see what and how things are used and then go from there... one of the easiest to understand and follow is the Missouri Star Quilt Company with Jenny Doan showing how to make different kinds of quilts...I learned so much from just watching her and have recommended her to many others who feel the same way...Hope you find quilting as enjoyable as the rest of us..happy quilting.

Welcome to the board. It depends on the size of your rotary cutter. There is an assortment of blade sizes. 45mm is the most common size. There are blades that can not be use in some rotary cutters since the manufacturer of the cutter wants you to buy their blades. I have Olfa cutters and buy the blades when they are on sale at JAF. Being disable, I now use my 28mm rotary cutter the most.

Welcome! You are entering the wonderful world of quilting where all things are possible, well almost. I use an Olfa almost exclusively and the 45 mm blades are perfect for just about anything you'll be tackling. I have a 60 mm that I have found to be fantastic when I'm doing multiple layers of thicker fabric. Yes, the blades at Harbor Freight are cheap; however, it is the old "you get what you pay for." Here's wishing you many happy years of quilting. You made the right step in joining this board, the quilters here are just plain amazing.

Please don't use the rotary cutter on anything BUT the self healing mat. You will need a straight edge of some sort and a rotary cutter is VERY sharp. It will cut you fingers. Ask all of us how we know.

I would stick to Olfa or Fiskar blades. I just read a review of those Improved cut and people were having issues after the 2nd or 3 use of a blade. If you search Amazon, you can find some good deals on Olfa blades. I bought a 10 pack of Olfa 45 for a good price.

As far as the cutter itself, I prefer the OLFA 45mm Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter, which has the retractable blade and ergonomic handle.

A good place to buy rotary cutter blades is through AliExpress.com. 10 blades for $11. I have not had any problem with them and they're much cheaper than anywhere else.

I think this is probably the best advice so far on the board. Choose a good local quilt shop (LQS) with a kind knowledgeable teacher. Then start looking at quilts dreaming of the day when you can create that special...
Soon you will have to change your "board name" because you will no longer be a newbie! hehehe! Welcome to our friendly helpful board and to a great life time hobby (oops obsession!):D

Welcome to the quilting board. Qilting is such an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. I know you are going to enjoy it.

I predict that in a couple of years, you will be answering these questions for other 'newbees'!

Welcome to one of the biggest quilting quilds in the USA!

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