I have returned to quilting after 18 years and have found that after cutting a baby quilt with a rotary cutter my shoulder hurts all night and into the next day. I guess I have cut too many before really noticing it and my shoulder hurts all the time! If I use scissors instead of the rotary cutter, my strips and blocks are not as straight. Any suggestions??

I do not cut very long at a time. I cut a little and then do something else and the go back to cutting. My old body does not let me do anything to long at a time.

I have the same problem.
do a little at a time
I cut for 1/2hr maybe 45 min and then take a break
being sure to do ROM exercises with my arms.
I also got an accucut studio but you still need to turn the crank so I follow the routine.
Don't overdo it!
I got tendenitis in my shoulder last year and ended up getting cortizone injections

Do you have shoulder problems. It sounds like my DD. I would cut for a while than sew for a while. Give your poor shoulder a break.

A Martelli ergo rotary cutter helps a whole lot.

Maybe you're pressing WAY too hard?????? Keep your blades sharp and go easy on yourself!

I would also make sure that your blade is nice and sharp, I know some people change their blades with each new quilt.... This way, you won't have to push so hard to cut your fabric. How many layers are you cutting at once? Also, check the height of your table that you use to cut, as it may be causing some of your problems. Some like a counter height for cutting, and some like a table height. Maybe try a few things to see what is most comfortable. One other thing, what size blade are you using? Maybe a bigger or smaller blade might help.

I'm not trying to be bossy, or a know-it-all, I just would hate to see you give up on quilting! I don't want you to be in pain!

I hope you find something that works that doesn't cause pain!
~Heather

(in the meantime) *Hands over some cookies* "Take 2 of these and call me in the morning! :lol: :lol:

Is the cutting surface the right height for you? I used bed risers to lift my cutting table. My shoulders and elbows give me fits....so lots of breaks and ibuprofen!

when i first started quilting my shoulder hurt too, i was pressing down way too hard on it, once i relaxed, the shoulders felt much better.

Didn't read as bossy - read as helpful suggestions I better store for the future :)

I do not look at any suggestions as bossy or pushy. We are all trying to help each other out in our addiction to fabric and quilting. Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions.

as the ladies have said,,, a sharp blade and a stable cutting area is good,, you should not have to press to hard,, unless your cutting a few peices at one time,, I was having those issues,, asked around,,and found out my blade may not be sharp enough,, got a new one,, and now,, goes through like a hot knife in butter,, hope this helps.

how tall or short is your cutting table? that might make a difference. and if you have a microwave heating pad you can wear around your neck area, that should help.

I have bad shoulders and have had surgery on the right twice and the left once. The right is still not good.
I use a Martelli cutter and it is much easier on my shoulder than the Olfa or Fiskars. I highly recommend getting one of those.

Also, don't try to use a dull blade, it makes you have to press too hard.

I warm up my shoulders, neck and hands with heated rice bags before cutting and sew. Stretching exercises before starting is a good thing too.
Take frequent breaks, every 15 minutes or so and strectch.

I like to cut for about 30 minutes and then do something else for 20-30 minutes, then go back to cutting.

I still find that I can only cut for a total of 2-3 hours in one day or my shoulder will give me fits :roll:

My Physical Therapist keeps stressing how important it is that we stretch for 10-15 minutes atleast 4 times a day. It doesn't have to be strenuous, just enough to get the blood and oxygen flowing to all areas to keep injuries/soreness from happening :wink:
Even for sitting and sewing :D:D:D

I pushed my thumb out of scoket, only I was pressing down on the ruller. My left hand was out of commision for 3 1/2 months. I felt sorry for myself then, dull blades. I won't make that mistake again.

Someone clever should invent a Bengay dispenser with a roller on a long arm!

Hi, I have had 2 surgeries on my right shoulder(of course, I am right handed) and found that the height of the cutting surface seems to help. I found that my kitchen counter is the perfect height for me (about 36" high). It sems to put less strain on the shoulder. I hope this helps, as I feel your pain every day! Good luck

maybe you are putting too much pressure on your cutter...if your blades are sharp they should go through with out much pressure. also, try different height's to cut at...i found if i sit to cut it causes shoulder pain, also, i had to walk around the house trying different levels until i found the perfect height for me to stand and cut pain free. i tried the kitchen table...too low, the island...almost right...another table with stools not too bad, went out and bought a new cutting table that folds up and is just right. it is important to have your table the correct height for you to make it ergonomically work for you. also, dont cut a whole quilt at once...breaking up cutting time may help. but i think not putting so much pressure on the cutter and finding the correct height cutting surface will help amazingly well.

Now THAT is a great idea!