Rotary Cutters and Mats
 

Hello, I am new here and to quilting. I want to buy The June Taylor Shape Cut Ruler and it looks like I also need to buy a rotary cutter and mat. What is the best rotary cutter and mat out there to buy? I want to buy the best there is so I only have to buy it once...Thank you!

I have the Olfa mat 24X36 and the 45mm Olfa Cutter that I use the most. I also have two smaller Olfa mats, a rotating mat and the 28mm cutter. Just use your 50% off coupon at JoAnn's or watch for their 50% off sale on the quilting items.

Welcome aboard on the board.... Enjoy it as many have and do.

I have a Fiskars cutting mat, but need a new one since my DD bent it and my rotary cutter cut through the bend. :( As for cutters, I have two Olfa's. I just bought the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler but haven't used it yet.

I like the Dritz rotary cutter because it's pressure sensitive. That means the blade pops back inside when you're not pressing on it, so there's less chance of an accident. I use Olfa mats, the bigger the better. The ruler I use most is the Omnigrid 8.5"x24", but you also need a smaller ruler, maybe 6.5"x8". I hated the June Taylor shape cut ruler, too flimsy for my taste.

I use the green Olfa cutting mats. I have I think one of every rotary cutter on the market and I tend to grab whichever is closest. I prefer the Olfa Frosted ruler 6" X 24". I don't care for the Omni Grid rulers as I think they are too busy ie: to many lines on them.

http://www.joann.com/olfa-frosted-ru...-x24-/prd9818/ I'm sure I bought mine at either Joann's or Hancock Fabrics with a 50% off coupon.

I have four Fiskers mats - 1 24x36, 1 18x24, 1 13x18, and 1 13x13 revolving mat. I use them all for different things. The revolving one I use for squaring up blocks, the smallest rectangle I use for traveling to classes and retreat, the medium one I use beside my machine, and the large one I have a cutting table for.

I have four rotary cutters, three Olfa and one Fiskers. I have a 60mm that I love for cutting from yardage, a 45mm one that I use for cutting squares, another 45mm one with a retractable blade, and a 28mm one for small cuts.

I'm not a big fan of the one with the retractable blade just because the way you hold it is weird to me. Anyway, my first mat I bout was the 18x24 and the 45mm rotary cutter and that lasted me about 8 months until I decided to go with a bigger mat.

Hi Teriann!
Welcome from Minnesota!
If you live near a JoAnn's, go there when you get 50% coupons. There are a variety of mats and cutters...Olfa, Fiskers and June Taylor are all wonderful. All work well! Good luck and happy quilting! :)

I have a big 24" x 72" cutting mat. I got a bargain on it and couldn't pass it up. I am so happy I bought a really big mat. It was an investment, but I have sooooo much cutting room. I also use Olfa rotary cutters, 45mm. And I use Olfa rulers, too. And it's true, each brand of ruler is a tad different from each other. I agree with Tartan about buying one of the new rulers that your rotary cutters ride in. I have cut myself too many times. I'm thinking about buying one for myself.

I have three Olfa cutting mats (different sizes) and several cutters. The cutter I use most often, is Fiskars. I really like this particular cutter because all I have to do is push a button, with my thumb, to retract the blade.

Im sorry to be the one to tell you but no matter which mat you decide on, count on having to buy again in yout lifetime.. lol.. I had to replace my self healing 33x55 mat after its 20 year life.. lol... i cut right thru the horizontal ZERO line up to 10 and Vertical Zero line up to 14.. cant see the 10, 15, 20,25 lines anymore - RIP my wonderful old mat you.. lol..


I have the sew/fit self healing big mats... 33x55 & the 40x72
fiskers, two -13x13 large revolving mat
Olfa 17x23- hate it.. too thin..
dritz 12x18 - like the bright yellow against the blue but still to thin..
Omni grid 12x17 fold away mat and pad
Omni grid 7x7 fold away mat and grid
the 4x4 june taylor board and pressing mat - great for small cuts

I like the Olipfa rulers, hate the creative grids too busy but hold they still on fabric great!!
I have tons of Creative grids, Omni, Quilt in a day,June taylor rulers and templates..
I have both yellow, black and green, white grids rulers and templates; depending on what fabric determines what ruler i use.. Im a notion and gadget junkie...

I Use olfa hand squeeze retractable rotary cutters; 60mm, 45, and the thumb/finger retractable olfa 28mm one.. and use Olfa blades in all of them..

I have the fiskars blue and orange 45mm but too wobbly so its now used for paper and templates..

Welcome from Milwaukee. The other girls have pretty much summed up what you need. You'll find what's comfortable for you. I just wanted to ad that if you wait for your JoAnn 50% off coupon your mats and cutters are much more reasonable. The coupons also work for buying more blades on line. Good luck. Talk to us often.

Just an FYI, Rotary Cutting tools and mats are to be 50% May 11 - 13 at JoAnn's. Just saying...I need a new one so I am sure I will be going. And I have a $5 off $25 or more, including sale priced items!!

i have bought most of my (small) mats, cutters, blades, notions at Joannes with a coupon.. the specialty ones i buy on amazon or at the lqs when they have sales or demos.. my larger mats i have to get them online.. but well worth the $100 price after 20+ years of use..

I bought the June Tailor Shape Cutter Plus 18" X 24" size last month on Amazon.com and love how fast and accurate I can cut pieces now. About the only way you can goof is to mess up the mental math or mis-align your horizontal fold before cutting. I do make a little chart for myself if I have to make multiple widths or fractional strips. (for instance: 3.5, 7.0, 10.5, 12.0, 13.5, 15.5, 17.5 for 3.5", 2" and 1.5"). I write it on an index card and place it next to the mat. Once I did that I could cut up a yard of fabric in a hurry.

Of course you will probably need a 24" X 36" mat or larger to use the ruler. I like to flip it on the plain side for cutting strips. My Olfa mat is really old, I'm assuming they still are made with a plain side. The 60mm Olfa hand squeeze rotary cutter is what I like to use with a regular 6" X 24" ruler, but I found that it is a little harder to fit in the slot starting point on the June Tailor shape cutter than the 45mm. Now I need to save for the 45mm ergonomic rotary cutter.

For new quilters: the Olfa rotary mat. The rotary cutter you use depends on how they feel in your hand. some are heavy and some are light. Personally I prefer the Olfa rotary cutter where the blade automatically goes in to protective/carry mode when not in use; you have to squeeze the handle to get the blade out and cut. I suggest this one as there is less accidental cutting of yourself or someone else while working.

Once you have made quilting your passion I have different preferences. The Martelli mat. It seems to preserve the blades so they last longer.

ali

I have a Fiskar's rotary cutter and mat that came as a set that I got for a gift about 12 years ago. Recently I took a beginning quilter's class and forgot to pack mine along. They provided omnigrid rulers and I personally loved them! The surface of the rulers keep the rulers from moving while cutting and the green color seems easier for me to see the lines as opposed to the orange of mine. It also seems that my rotary cutter gets nicks in the blade real often..which means I feel like I am always changing the blades. There is my two cents worth!

Hi and welcome from NE Ohio. I have both Olfa and Fiskar clotting mats.

This is a hard question, it is all about personal preference. I have several different cutters, but my favorite is my Fiskars rotary cutter that has a button by your thumb that releases the blade back to the safe position. I have both Fiskars and Olfa cutting mats and like them both. I had to replace my6x12 ruler and bought one of the frosted ones, and I really like it.
What I don't like, June Taylor cutting mats...too much like hard plastic.

For mats the better question might be what size. My suggestion is, if you have the space, go with a larger one. But, remember they must be stored flat--some people store them by hanging them up using skirt or pant hangers (the clippy kind).

Welcome and good luck. This was a really smart question.

My favorite cutter is gingher for the 45 (find it on ebay cheap) and olfa quick change for 60mm for thick stuff. I have the june tailor mat and I love mine but a lot of people hate that mat, but I have had mine forever so to each his own. If you buy the shapecut, buy the 12x18 because you can cut more strips than the 12x12.

I just purchased a True Cut 6x24 ruler & their big square ruler along with their angled cutter. I saw it used at a quilt shop and they let me try it. DH and I are both enjoying using them. Angled rotary cutter is easier on the wrist. My original Olfa mat is still holding up. I just don't trust the accuracy of the markings.

I forgot to say that your basic rulers may be something you need to see in person before you buy. My 6" X 24" Omnigrid is probably 20 years old. I have used it for sewing and quilting and used to love the markings to the 1/16ths. But now I have trouble seeing that arms length distance as clearly as I used to, even with new glasses. Those tiny yellow/black markings aren't so easy to see anymore. I found the June Tailor Shape Cutter Plus on sale at Amazon, and found that in addition to the slots, I liked the black ink. I may have to save up and use a coupon to buy a new utility 6" X 24" ruler with black printing.

Martelli cutters and mats
 

If you want the Cadillac of cutters and mats take a look at the Martelli ones.
Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tifHqHiGEy8. They are expensive but the company has frequent sales at Redline on their site. Joann's has the cutters and blades on sale now. Their website is Martelli Catalog: Cutting Mats.

I have had the Ergo cutter for about 6 years. It is one of the easiest to use tirelessly. You can cut many layers. It rolls like a rolling pin. The mats are self-healing and made out of heavy material. The rulers do not skid. The company is fantastic to deal with. When I had a problem, I mailed the cutter back to them and they replaced it.

I second the Martelli mats and rotary cutters. They are wonderful! Don't know how I managed without them especially since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Cutting is fun again. I've had them about 6 or 7 years now and they're still look like new.

welcome from virginia ...I use my green olfa mat most often.....45mm olfa rotary cutters...

I use a Fiskars mat here at home. Grey with yellow lines. And I have a Fiskars cutter, too.

But at the shop we have Olfa and use Olfa cutters as well. I like both brands and have no trouble switching back and forth.

I refuse to use anything other than Creative Grids rulers. They are the best...lines marked well, 1/8" increments, built-in grippers on the back, and very accurate.

I like the Olfa cutting mats and rotary cutters. I LOVE my 6 x 24 O'lipfa ruler (I think that is how it is spelled). It has a lip on it so it is easy to line up and make sure the ruler is square with the mat before you cut. As budget allows, it is nice to have cutters in different sizes - I use my 45mm most, but also use a 60mm and a 28mm often. If I could only buy one cutter, I would go with the 45mm.
Good luck and welcome to the world of quilting! You are going to love it!

I would buy an Olfa mat and on a ruler fund one that you are comfortable reading. I can no longer read the yellow ones so use only clear ones with big numbers. Welcome to the board.

I bought both of my mats at a Remote Control Model Shop(DH's hobby-one of many !!lol) a while ago and paid OODLES less than one at any fabric store.. so maybe that is a thought .. it has a few extra items for the RC'er in the family, but has a great grid system. One is grey and one is green, I use them both and are the same thing as the mats that Olfa makes (probably the same manufacturer just for a different type of hobbyist!)

JoAnn's Online has all their rotary cutters for 50% off right now.

I have always used Omnigrid rulers as well. Someone already told you to stick with one brand so they measure the same. Although I have always used the green Olfa mats, this time I wanted a different color-the green gets boring after so many years! I bought a blue Dritz and love it. I can't tell a bit of difference between the two brands.
Even though you may not want to ever have to buy these things again, they do wear out and will eventually need replacing.

I really like the Olfa cutters as well, they close automatically when you put them down. But I found a Martelli ergonomic cutter at the Mid-Atlantic quilt festival and decided to give it a try. It's becoming my favorite cutter now. My wrist doesn't hurt, that was the first thing I noticed after I started using it.

I found a video on youtube showing what it looks like, and a quilter is describing how it works. She does a better job explaining than I could! Video of the Martelli ergo rotary cutter

I love my rotating mat & it is worth every penny I spent on it. You don't need it for every project but when you do need it, it is wonderful.

Welcome to the quilting board! I use a fiskars rotary, works fine, and an Alto's QuiltCut 2, so don't use a mat very much.

Before you buy check walmart if you have one I got the June Taylor shape cut for $5.00. Mats and rotary cutters there too

I prefer the "ergonomic" retractable Olfa cutters and the Olfa mats, including the revolving ones. However, you sometimes need to air them out first. I do have a larger cutting mat on my cutting table from JoAnns.