New quilter
 

HI all, I am making my very first quilt! I have been sewing for 50 years just never made a quilt before. I have decided to make quilts for my kids for Christmas. I have finished one which is more of a comforter. My question is this: How many blades do you go through for one quilt? I am making a Bargello and I have used 3 of the 5 packs already, it is a very large quilt but my goodness if you spend $60.00 on blades for one quilt it makes the project kind of expensive. I guess I am hoping somebody has a trick or sharpening tool or a bargain site for buying them,,,thanks in advance for hopefully some help, Arlene

I do not know about sharpening them, but when mine start to "miss" a bit, I bear down harder because I do not want to put new ones in all the time. I am lucky that my sister gave me some, so I do feel too badly about eventually changing blades.

Several people in the group have given opinions about sharpening them. Hope someone sees this and has an answer on that part of it for you.

I don't change blades that often. I do the same as BOSTON1954, just bear down harder. I did get a special ruler that supposedly sharpens your blade as you cut, but it's not very see-through, and it's too hard for me to see my fabric under it.

I generally use one blade with each (queen sized) quilt and work a little harder at it as I go (unless working with flannel).

I use about one blade for one quilt. Sometimes I can get many quilts from one blade, but not if it is a Bargello. I just finished a full sized Bargello and it took one blade. I can't help but think something is wrong if it is taking you that many blades. Are you cutting on a mat? I use an Olfa mat. Maybe that makes a difference. I wouldn't think that holding the rotary cutter wrong could make a difference...but maybe that is it? Could you be holding it wrong?

I am sure that someone here will have a better idea of what could help you, but something just doesn't sound right. I use Fiskars blades. Maybe that makes a difference? Or maybe you accidentally put in two blades at once. That would make them not cut right...

I have not heard of anyone being real excited about the blade sharpeners that are available, but I bet that there are those here who do know of places to buy larger amounts at a discount. I just buy mine at Walmart.

Warning about this hobby. It is addictive....(and not cheap). I have been a sewer for 50 years and started quilting 4 years ago. I just finished my 75th quilt. (like I said, addictive...)

Welcome to the hobby.

Dina

Sometimes you can turn the blade over in your holder and get just a bit more out of it. I too, use about one every 1-2 king or queen quilts. I am working on a DWR now and it's wanting to eat the blades for lunch....lots of cutting, that one.

I have cut material for 5 quilts and still have a sharp blade. What cutting surface are you using? Is is a soft self-healing mat like the green Olfa? Seems like there must be something on your cutting surface or mat that is dulling or nicking your rotary blade.

My goodness I never use that many blades for 5 quilt tops. I have used one blade for 2 or 3 easily. I buy the titanium ones from Fiskars and they seem to really last a long time.

I can usually get at least 6 - 10 quilts out of a blade. I use the Martelli Blades in my martelli cutter on a Martelli mat.

I think either you do not have a very good mat and it's dulling your blades or there is something wrong with the blades or cutter.

I have found that if you have one of those white mats, they seem to dull the blade quicker.
A self healing mat will keep your blade a bit sharper. The only other thing I can think of is if you are using a poly blend rather than 100% cotton fabric.

When I was first learning to use a rotary cutter I banged up my blades & dulled them fast. Not sure what I was doing besides banging them into the ruler & probably not holding it properly, but I only use one or occasionally 2 a quilt now.

Goodness, I only change blades when absolutely necessary. I never kept track, but I believe it is probably every 5--10 quilts. I use an Olfa mat and either Fiskar or Olfa blades. I recently bought some titanium blades and really like them. I wonder if you are hitting the ruler with the blade and that is dulling them. Another thing, I don't cut too many layers at a time. Usually 2--4.
Sue

Three new blades for one quilt seems excessive. What cutting mat are you using?

I have also had problems with the blade skipping when the mat stops healing itself so well. The blade will skip over those little grooves.

I don't change blades that often. I'm wondering if it your mat. There was a post recently about a seller on e-bay selling blades for around $1 each with good reviews. I have not tried them.

I think it's your mat too. I have a few used areas on my self healing Olfa mat and it seems like the blade doesn't cut through on those areas. I also agree with the others that maybe you are hitting the ruler. Also, I have to be standing and using a lot of pressure. It doesn't work with me sitting down. Not enough pressure or right angle.

I feel like a big ole cheapskate. I don't use blades in relation to quilts, but like months. 1 blade can last me 3-4 months depending on use and fabric being cut. I use olfa titanium blades and mat.

Beside the mat underneath some fabric is not very goof with blades. I find poly and thicker fabrics cause problems. Perhaps a look at sizzix or the cutters would end up bet ter for you although one are cheap.
Quilting"
Mats and cutters expensive and need replacing sometimes.
Fabric getting more and more expensive .
Notions expensive.
Scissors guard with your life ONLY FOR FABRIC.


OH BUT IT IS SO RELAXING, THERAPUTIC, GREAT FRIENDS TO MEET , AND ADDICTIVE
Will stop the cleaning, cooking and soap thrills .

Keep quilting and enjoy all these wonderful things all wrapped up in cotton fabric.

Thanks all so much! It has to be the mat and I never would have thought of that. I use a blue mat that says "rotary cutting mat"

I am old fashioned and have muscle issues. If I am making strips or even blocks I tear the fabric as much as possible. It keeps the grain straight and saves a lot of that bearing down with a cutter that is so hard on my arms and back.

Yep, I agree that it could be your mat. Those white ones do not last as good as the others. Even the self healing mats need replacing every so often. One suggestion, buy your blades when Joann's has them on sale for 40 or 50% off.

I have one of the blue ones, but it was the first one I bought. A green Olfa is probably what you want. (I have several of those now.) Use a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby or download a coupon for Hancocks or whatever store you have. That will make the cost much better. Probably you want one that says self-healing. Not sure about that. I can't seem to find that information on mine. Maybe all Ofla are self-healing, or maybe mine aren't. :)

Dina

There has been chatter about where to buy your rotary blades. I have in the past bought them at JAF and have no problem with them. Hope that you are cutting on a proper self healing rotary mat and not one of those plastic imitation mats. One nick on an acrylic ruler will ruin the blade.

Hope you post a picture. There are a bunch of us that are Bargellos lovers.

...or you may be hitting into the ruler which nicks the blade. If so, try holding the rotary cutter straight instead of letting it move on an angle. I used to nick the blades and the rulers until I got better at using the rotary cutter.

WAWAK.com has good prices on blades, no coupons needed.

Use caution about bearing down hard on the blade - I think this just makes it more difficult to cut, will give you hand fatigue, and if you slip or something breaks you're more likely to get injured. I have been told to push forward, not down when cutting fabric and that tip has made my hands feel a lot better after doing a lot of cutting. Firm pressure should be all you need. I don't change my blades very often at all (every 3-4 quilts probably) and I often cut through 6-8 layers at a time, and I don't need to press that hard on the blade. Firm, yes. Hard, no. (I use a 60mm blade, which helps with all the layers, and they seem to stay sharper longer than the 45's too, but that could just be my imagination.)

I'm also not at all impressed with the ruler that's supposed to sharpen as you cut. I have one and I swear it DULLS my blades, so I've stopped using that edge. (Fortunately the sharpening stuff is just on one edge)

I've tried sharpening blades and I get a little more use out of them, but not much, and if there's a nick there's no saving the blade. So I just buy new blades. (I was using those blue manual sharpeners though, a powered one might do better.)

Welcome to your new addiction, and I do hope you post a pic! There are a LOT of bargello fans here, myself included. :)

I use no more than 1 blade per queen/king quilt. I think the suggestions about the cutting board are valid. I use an Olfa mat. I haven't tried sharpeners. I did try Harbor Freight carpet cutting blades with poor results. Someone recently provided a source for blades by the 100's.

Hmmmmmmm. I use mostly precuts, but I remember my blades did not last very long either. I recently bought a new Olfa mat and that might have been my problem. I was using a Fiskars mat.

You might also be holding your cutter wrong - yes there is a correct way. Here is a link to Nancy Zimmerman - I looked out there and was surprised at how many of the examples aren't really correct, or like how I was shown. The two important things that I was taught was that 1) the ridges on top of the handle - your index finger should be on that and 2) the angle that you hold it. I have a lot of friends who when I showed them the angle got much better cutting results.

OK here is the link - hit post too quick
http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewi...-cutting-tips/

a way to extend the life of the mat is to soak it in the tub, it will remain self healing longer...

I use a blade through several quilts the green olfa mat is the best also if you are hitting or running over the ruler this will nick the blade also are you taking your blade out to clean lots of lint can form under the blade and cause it to skip be very careful but take your blade out wipe under it with a soft clean cloth put just a tiny drop of sewing machine oil under the blade just a drop as to much will get on your fabric when I do this with mine it will work like a new one again just be very careful when cutting that you don't hit or run over your ruler or any pins

.
I have two of the rulers that are supposed to sharpen as you cut and haven't been pleased with either. they really are hard to see through so will probably take them to Goodwill. They just keep getting in my way in my ruler collection! :D

Sometimes you have to clean the blade & the cutter where the blade is attached. Be careful - they're sharp!

You can buy blades from Harbor Freight for about $3 for a 2 pack. They're called carpet cutter blades. Some people don't like them but for the price you can't beat them.

there is a gadget which is basically sanded paper, it is pretty effective and inexpensive, I get lots of use from each blade.

Sometimes, if you reverse the blade you will get more out it. Also, there is an inexpensive gadget that will sharpen your blades to give them a little longer life. I have also purchase on Ebay, resharpened blades and have been happy with them.

I like a nice sharp blade so I got the "TrueCut" blade sharpener kit, it will do any size blade, and as soon as all the blades in all my rotary cutters are dull I will use the kit to fix them right up!

I cut several quilts with one blade and have no difficulties. I have an Olfa mat and use Olfa cutters. I will add that when we travel in our camper I have one of the white, non self healing mats an the blades do not last very long. I am looking to buy a new Olfa mat in a small size to use in the camper where space is limited. I try to do most of my cutting before I leave home when possible. No, blades are not a huge cost for me. I buy quite a few at a time when I find a really good sale.

I purchased a cheap blade sharpener from jhittlesewing.com and it does a pretty good job. I get a lot out of my blades! I can cut 2 or 3 quilts at least. Hopefully this will help somebody. Hope so

Welcome to the quilting world.

I'm on my 24th quilt and have always used a scissors. I cut on my counter top and am not tall enough to bear down correctly.