I am new to quilting and wondered if they made left-handed rulers and rotary cutters ofr us "lefties"

SilverSandy

I use my rotary cutter in either hand. Whichever is easiest to reach the area with.

The rulers work with either hand . I use mine with either hand, also the cutter. The only thing that might be hand specific is the scissors ?

As a "lefty" you will hold your ruler with the right hand and cut with the left along the left edge.

Thanks for all the information, but the numbers run from the right side of the rulers. Why don't they make a left handed ruler?

For your cutter you can change the side that the blade is on to make it easier for a left handed person to use.

Every ruler I have has the numbers going both ways. If not flip it over it might have them in reverse on the back!!!

Welcome from northeast CA. Glad you joined us. For your rotary cutter, at least for Olfa's, you can switch the blade side, usually they're set up for right hands, so just switch everything to the other side. As for scissors, I prefer the brand(can't think of it now) that has a spring in the handle, they're designed for either left or right. We love pictures.

Being a lefty in a righty world, I found the best thing I have is a ruler with a lip on it- to provide support for cutting. Line the lip up with the end of the cutting mat, it provides some extra "holding power" as you cut.

Scissors- I use Gingher scissors, since they are righty scissors (I never could get the grip of using lefty scissors) but very good quality, they slice like butter through the fabric.

I guess I trained my brain to "think" backwards with the numbers on the ruler- one trick I use is to turn the ruler to measure where I need it to be, notate in brain where it is on the cutting mat, then turn the ruler so I can cut, using the cutting mat as the giude. This is where the "measure twice, cut once" rule comes into effect, since there is greater chance for error. I've done the old 1" measurement error more than once over the years. But it works because the ruler is anchored and won't slip (referencing the lip ruler above).

Good luck!

The only thing I have found that is not left handed friendly is the
Fiskars rotory cutting, but it can be switched to the other side. And of course scissors.

Here is a site with left handed tools. My son is a lefty and had a ruler way back when!LOL I just did a google search for left handed ruler.

http://www.ozquilts.com.au/matildas-...er-p10034.html

I'm a lefty and I've never had problems using a rotary cutter. I just pick up and go. :lol:

My rotary cutter - an Olfa - can have the blade switched to either side. All you need to do is put the blade on the side where it's closest to the ruler. I have 4 rules, and all but three can be flipped end to end to be on the left or right. Ironically, the Fiskars one can't be switched.

I'm a lefty and I don't have a problem with rulers or scissors or any of the tools really. I guess we learn to adapt......lol.

Ginghar makes a rotary cutter and scissors for lefties but get ready to pay the price?? I am a leftie also but have learned to usr the right handed tools!!!!!

Martelli makes the high end rotary cutters, and they make a left-handed version. Most others can be set up both ways.
http://www.martellinotions.com/products.asp

Kai makes wonderful scissors, comparable to Ginghers in my opinion (at lower prices), and they make a couple in left-handed versions.
http://www.kaiscissors.com/category.php?category_id=50

I don't see any difference in rulers. Half the time when I pick one up, it's going the wrong way for my use at the time.

Haven't read the other posts, but wanted to mention that Martelli makes an excellent rotary cutter (ergonomic for hand position) in both right-handed and left-handed versions. Here's the website:
http://www.martellinotions.com/
You can see it demonstrated in the videos section.

We have several lefties in our group.. When we pin a quilt for hand quilting, we tease them, that they do it backwards and it takes us twice as long to take them out! They are great hand quilters though.

Check ebay - sometimes the Ginghers are available there for around $20.00 plus shipping

My mom is a lefty and was having trouble with her rotary cutter. I just took the blade and put it on the other side for her and now she has no problems. And yes, there are left handed scissors.

mareliba

Martelli makes an ergonomically correct rotary cutter for both right hander (red handle) and left handers (black handle). It is much easier on the wrist, and I believe safer as well.

If you purchase another brand or type, you have to change the blade from one side of the cutter to the other in order to have accurate cutting.

I have a Fiskars cutter and a ruler on which the numbers run in both directions. Comes in handy because I am left-handed too.

I'm a lefty also, the rotary cutters can be turned around, put the blade on the opposite side. Scissors they make left handed ones, I taught myself years ago to use regular right handed ones. Good luck!! Good meet another lefty! Happy Quilting!

Silver Sandy you might check www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk, it's a great site, I have ordered several items for my son from there.They have rulers(under writing utensils) and pens( yes there is a leftie pen the ink flows out a different direction out of the tip)You name it they have just about everything, have not looked for a rotary cutter though. They also have a lot of left handed info and trivia. If you sign up for email they send coupons. Good Luck :D

Martinelli makes a rotary cutter for lefthand users and I use the one made for right handers.

They are super easy to use and I have found with my limitations due to painful wrists etc, they are the best cutter for me.

Just my opinion. I think I have one of each type made but definitely prefer the Martinelli Ergo cutter.

Teri 8)

Yes, I finally learned that. I have left handed Gingher scissors already.

Thanks. I finally learned how to back on this site. Now I know why 'mom' spends hours on here. Easy to do.

I have an O'Lipfa Lip Edge ruler Model No. 11111 that has the width numbers written from right to left 1,2,3,4 and then from left to right 1,2,3,4. (If that's a problem for you)

clover makes a good cutter that you can swich for left or right handed.

welcome

I have left handed scissors - heaven, got them at leftys - they have put a link on this thread. I just turn my rulers over and use them back to front, or use the west - a - lees, which are ambidextrous. I am still looking for a left handed toothbrush.