Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? I can cut using my Gingher scissors However when it comes to using a Rotary Cutter, I am scared to death that I am going to cut myself. When using the rotary cutter it skips and leaves places uncut (Single or double thickness). What am I doing wrong? I am getting ready to start a quilt and the rotary cutting would be a time saver and to say the least I am getting frustrated with the cutter and about to cut all strips with my scissors and have a hand soaking party.

Try a new blade. A nick in your blade will make it skip. Just be careful while cutting and take your time.

Couple of simple things can cause skipping. First double check that you have a new blade. A dull blade will have "unsharp" spots that will cause skipping. Secondly, are you applying even pressure as you cut? Press down firmly & consistently as you cut.

Hope these tips help. Once you get the hang of it the rotary cutter will definitely help save time cutting your fabrics. Good luck!

1) Not pressing hard enough/consistently.
2) Blade is dull or chipped and needs replacement.
3) Possible cutting thru too many layers of fabric...

This is a new rotary cutter, Fresh out of the package. Could it be the way I am holding it? How much pressure should be used on it?
Thank you for your help.

Exactly! Don't rush, do change your blade and don't stress if you have to make a cut more than once - it happens. Try to keep the number of layers to a minimum. Buy an inexpensive ruler "gripper" to keep your fingers out of the way.

And, um... Yes, I think that's it. Good luck!

You might still try changing the blade, just to rule it out. Who knows what happened to it in the factory before it got to you?

One last thing to consider with your rotary cutter - make sure you have only one blade loaded in it! When you buy blades, they have an oil between them and can stick together. It's not very obvious to the eye when you load the blade, but it has a negative effect when cutting fabric. Sometimes it will look like you have two cuts (very close together)and sometimes it seems the cutter skipped part of the fabric - and that can happen with the same cut on fabric.

Good luck!

Joann's has a glove to wear for cutting....protects your hand

Yes, change your blade, even though it may be 'new'. As JulieR said, you never know what happened at the factory or how old it is, how long it sat on a shelf somewhere.

Make sure you stand over your fabric while your cutting. Not having it the right height for you can effect how you cut. They have finger guards that you can get to put on your ruler. I've even seen some people put on safety gloves. If you make sure and keep your pinky finger on the mat as you hold your ruler straight that helps with slippage. It also helps if you get one with a squeeze handle that way the blade isn't out until you are ready to cut. The rotary cutter is a wonderful tool as long as you respect its personal space. =) Good Luck!

Is your cutting mat on a hard, solid service. One quilter was having problems because she was using her mat and rotary on the carpet. If I use my ironing board surface I do not get good cuts.

A level table helps too. If the table has slight dips in it that will make it skip too.

If its new, probably you are not putting consistent pressure, I have found this is often the problem with me. Just go slow, and always double check that all fingers are out the way. I am very careful to always lock my blade and be weary of where my hand is that is holding the ruler, and tap on wood have yet to cut myself in ten years. Also, the ergonomics of your table might be making it awkward for you to apply pressure, might be too high or too low

I got a batch of bad blades once. I thought I was going to pull my hair out because I thought it was me.

It may be also that you are too hesitant because it is so new to you. I watched my sister use her rotary cutter with such confidence whenI first started, and I was terrified. I often let her cut my fabric for me.

But it was lack of experience. Or at least I am now confident enough that I rarely have problems. Maybe you should practice on fabric that isn't something you care about?

Anyway, with experience....and a sharp blade...you will do fine.

Keep your cutter straight against your ruler and not on an angle. Use firm consistent pressure and stand so that you are over your work. I love cutting but I can't cut properly sitting down or if the table is too high. Get an experienced quilter to watch you and offer some suggestions as it may not be obvious to you exactly what is the problem. Also realize that cutting is not easy for a lot of quilters. When we have hands on at guild evenings, cutting is the least preferred job. It will get better with practice. Don't try to cut when you are tired or the light is poor. Stick on ruler guards are available if you are worried about cutting yourself. Also make sure to use Invisigrip or those little plastic grips on your rulers to avoid slips and slides. Good luck with this.

I used to use one of the white mats and eventually I had lots of skipping. I switched back to my olfa Green mat and all was fine.

what brand cutter?
does it happen to have two blades in it, rather than one?

This is so true. I had this happen to me and the fabric looked like I was shredding it. Those two blades together are almost impossible to see (smile). Great advice here. Check the blade!!

sobaboo; I find my cutters work best on at least 4 layers of fabric, rather than 1 or 2. I believe that was what they were designed for, way back in the dark ages of quilting. Cutting tracks on an older the mat can also cause skipping; flip it over and use the second, smoother side. Use your ruler for measuring strips and squares, not the grid on the mat. I use the mat grid strictly for squaring/straightening a length of yardage. Hope this helps you :-) :-)

Stand over the fabric you're cutting. Get a firm grip on your rotary cutter - but don't white knuckle it. Give it firm pressure but don't press so hard you're making it "stall out" - roll - think roll like a rolling pin. lean ever so slightly the top towards the ruler so it doesn't go off to the side and take your time. No need to speed here. It takes time to get the hang of it, but never be in a hurry when cutting strips. Also, do check that it doesn't have two blades on - very carefully. (Try a magnifying glass - if it does use a tool to separate them - not fingers. Careful not to nick it.

Yep check the blade for, chips, could have been dropped or running over a pin, (how would I know that) also grooves in the cutting board. Practice made a big difference tho.

One more thing, when I learned, left the part I was cutting off exposed, so could softly scoot it over to see if all was cut, without letting up on the guide, but the grid was straight, can cut both ways now with guide over the strip I'm keeping.

Don't think I've ever cut me tho ;) did cut the phone cord in half the other day :(..... Woops :)

Your mat can be the problem also. Is it clean, can you see any deep cuts it the mat or is it worn.

There are a lot of nuances with rotary blades. I know I press harder than I should frequently. Lint can get up into the cutter also.

Does your cutting mat have bad places in it? Mine did! So bought a new one at Joann's 50% off sale...

Also, bought the blade sharpener from Harbor Freight Co. so my blades will always be sharp now...

I'm a scairdy cat, too. Be careful when cutting... Hugs...

Make sure too, that you are holding the cutter/blade straight up. If you slant it to the left or right, you can cut "into" the ruler instead of riding right up next to it. That can make uneven/inaccurate cuts, and knick your blade so that it makes skipped cuts like you are describing :D:D:D

Another thought, make sure the screw is not turned to tight, that can make the blade skid instead of roll smoothly :D:D:D

you might need to use more pressure could try to change the blade some times the blades r a dud LOL also get a glove by fons and porter and then you cannot cut yourself
LUV Aunt Patti

Please let us know what blade sharpener you purchased thru Harbor Freight. A new HF store just opened in our area and I did not see a sharpener. Do you happen to have the item number. Thanks. :)

if you are afraid of cutting yourself get the "clutz glove" - it even has little grippies to help you hold your mat.

Also, make sure your hip is aligned with your shoulder and directly in line with where you are making your cut. if you don't then you could be leaning the blade left or right which will result in poor cuts.

Definately worth going to a LQS and asking for help. Or ask a friend for a cutting demonstration and then ask to have your technique watched to see if you need any adjustments.

Good Luck!

You may need to ajust the tention nut to a looser setting so it cuts smoother.

I have decided to purchase new blades and a new mat. Also will be buying some cheap fabric and just cut till I get it right. Did not know about the glove, Will be looking into that also. My Mat is about 5yrs old.And that part about white knuckling it, That is me. I got the cutter out and took a good look at the way I used it. Seems that I put a lot of pressure on it when cutting. Should it be held at an angle? I also seem to want to use it straight up and down? I think I am going to think of it as a Pizza Cutter and see how that goes. lol
A Big THANK YOU goes out to each and everyone of you for your Help and suggestions.

Sometimes , even the wrong kind of blade will skip. Make sure you have the exact blade your cutter calls for.

I have found I sometimes hold the blade at the wrong angle and it skips. I slant it too much and then it skips. I currently have a blade with bad spot in it where I hit a pin and it is driving me nuts. Only blade I have. Going shopping today. Hope I can find a coupon.

I have found that if I tighten the screw that holds the blade in place too much it causes skipping. Try loosening the screw. Carefully try to turn the blade and make sure it is turns easily. Try even firm pressure when you are cutting, and don't be afraid of it. If you are afraid you will cut yourself Fons and Porter sell gloves that can protect your fingers. Good luck.

You might want to check your self-healing mat. Sometimes there are grooves or ruts from frequent cutting in the same spot which can cause the rotary cutter to skip a thread or two.

4) Also, check that you don't have a build up of lint on the blade (clean and lightly oil the blade), this may help.
5) make sure the blade is tight.

this is a glove that is resistant to cutting. It does not mean that you can't get cut.. JFYI.. Lindsey

Also check to be sure the blade is on tight. Several times I have put in a new blade and had trouble. Once that was tightened it was better.