Rotary Cutters? 45mm or 60mm
 

What is your size preference for a rotary cutter? I had read where the 60mm cuts better with less pressure. I have only used the 45mm. Thank you

I sold my 60mm worrying that I would really cut myself badly with a blade that large. The blades are very expensive. You should be able to cut multiple layers with a 60mm. Being disable with poor motor skills, I am cutting with my Klutz glove and a 28mm rotary cutter.

I have both....use my 60mm for cutting out fabric for the quilts and my 45mm for trimming.

I have all sizes. I use the 60 when I want to cut more then four layers of fabric. The new rotary cutters have a selection to cut thick layers. More of the blade is exposed to cut more layers. I haven't notice any less pressure used to cut with either one.

I think the amount of pressure required depends more on the sharpness of the blade than on the size of the cutter. I use the 45 for most things, and like Onebyone I use the 60 when I'm cutting through lots of layers. I can't think when I last used the 28, but I bought it for curved cuts.

I also have both. A sharp blade is the key. My cousin & I split an order of 100 45MM blades on ebay for less than a dollar a blade. I found now I'm more apt to change them when needed rather than applying more and more pressure. I spend lots of $$ for fabric for a quilt, so why not also use a new blade for less than a dollar every couple projects. I use the 45 almost all the time, but the 60 does come in handy when cutting many layers or squaring up a quilt after quilting to cut thru the whole sandwich.

I use 45mm for most things. 60mm is great when you have thick fleece, flannel, batting or a lot of layers of cotton so it is also very valuable

I change the blade at the first skip cut. Why wait for it to get worse?
I get so frustrated at guild members that use a blade that works fine if you make several passes! The fabric is so chewed up it looks like they used a chain saw on it. I think if the cost of a blade is enough to break your budget then why do you use a rotary cutter in the first place.

I use the big blade for big things, little blade for little things.

Most of the time I use my 45 mm. I use my 60 mm when cutting flannel or wools, thicker fabric. So both have their use.

I have both, but mainly use the 45mm because yrs ago, about 30, book subscriptions gave out rotary cutters, and i have the original ones about 4 of them. i have one 60mm, i took from work with me when i quit.

I use a 60 mm for just about everything. I lucked out a few years ago and from Ebay snagged 3 Olfa 60mm stick style cutters, along with a pair of Olfa appliqué scissors, 2 boxes of 3 60mm Olfa replacement blades and a box of 10 Olfa 60mm replacement blades all for $35 including shipping. I gave one of the 60mm cutters and some replacement blades to a friend who quilts. One of the 60mms stays with my big cutting mat that's in another room along with my Sizzix Big Shot Pro.

I have a 45mm Olfa with the ergonomic handle that I sometimes use for quick square ups on the small cutting mat that I keep next to my sewing machine, but I really am more comfortable with the 60mm stick.

Aside from the fact that I prefer the old fashioned stick style cutters over the newer ergonomic ones, I like the 60mm because it just seems to go a little more quickly since the blade is larger and I can cut through 6 to 8 layers of fabric easily and accurately with it.

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Like several others above, I also use the 45mm more often than the 60mm. When I use my June Tailor slotted ruler, it works best with the 45mm. I like the Olfa Ergonomic cutters.

I use 45 mm.

What I am cutting also determines the size. When just cutting so I have not so much material to use for cutting specific pieces I use the 60mm. For cutting most pattern pieces I use the 45mm. For cutting curves and yo-yo's I use a much smaller rotary cutter & blade. The purpose defines the use for me.

I am using my 28mm cutter just now for the 365 day challenge as cutting small pieces, I use the 45mm one most of the time and I use the 60mm when when squaring off my quilt sandwich. They all have a different place in my sewing room and I use them all.

I use the 45 most of the time.

My first cutter was a 60mm and I've stuck with it. I bought a 45mm last year because the 60mm blades are so expensive, but I still find the 60mm easier to cut with, even 1 layer--it seems to stay close to the ruler, whereas the 45 tends to veer off. My guess is that a bigger blade's path is more stable than a smaller one.

I use the 45mm for everything---do not even own the 60mm cutter. I did recently buy the smaller one as I may try some curved pieces and have read those are easier with the smaller blade.

I have several of both sizes - it's whichever one seems to be closest to me at the time.

I use a 45mm. I do have a 28mm, but don't use it much.

I don't even own a 60mm. I use both a 45mm and a 28mm Olfa ergonomic. Which ever one is handy but I prefer the 28mm.

Cari

Lately have been using 28mm cutter as blades are less expensive!

Use all 3 but it depends on the cutting project. The 28m is newest to me but I use it more than i thought I would.

I used 45mm all the time, after watching one of my many quilt shows talked about using 60mm that it covered more ground and this made the cuts shorter, I tired it and have not went back to 45mm.

I use my small one for everything because 'it feels good'.

60 for strip cutting(I think it goes faster/easier...not sure which); 45 for most cutting after the strip cutting; and for an example I am currently cutting and saving 9" apple core pieces and I use the 45 for the outside curve and the 28 for the inside curve....so basically, it depends on the project and what feels most comfortable for you.

It depends on what you area cutting. If it is long straight cuts, a 60mm goes thru multiple layers easily. When I am doing smaller cuts or on my little board, I use my 45mm. Only use the little one for curves.

Thank you for sharing all of the great information.

I use the ergonomic 60 mm when I use the June Tailor shape cut (I buy the blades when JA's has a sale or coupons). I also use it for cutting more than 4 layers or very heavy fabric -- it just seems easier. I use the ergonomic 45 for trimming or cutting single layers. I use the 28 for cutting curves and the 18 for ripping out seams.

I use both but the 45 works better for me.

I use my 60mm for most of my cutting. I go to the 45mm for small and/or intricate cuts.