I thought it was my blade but have found out also that my cutting mat is gouged up. I used my cutter on a self-healing mat and boy what a difference. When I can afford it I'm getting a new mat for my cutting table. Found a company that will cut to fit with and without marking. Think someone on this list gave us the website too. I need a 4 x 7' cutting mat so that's the reason why I need to wait. Plus they will send the cutoff section to you so you can make them into ones you can put next to your sewing machine. Works for me............:-D

Suz in Iowa

My son gave me idea years ago when I had a business make hair accessories. He sharpened my sewing machine needles with a knife sharpening stone, it worked like a dream. I don't know why it wouldn't work on the rotary cutters, even if it's not perfect, it will lengthen the life of the blades, they are expensive.

Ditto. Blades are expensive and maybe we wait so long because of the expense? Here's a tip I try to remember with every cut: Among the various costs of quilting...fabric, thread, sewing machine, batting, time, quilting (if you send it out), the least expensive is the $2 or $3 for a rotary blade. For the sake of even seam allowances, wear and tear on our arms, we should change our blades as often as needed!!

Try using a knife sharpening stone, hold the blade at an angle and swipe across the stone, (being super careful where you put your fingers. I sharpen my needles and rotary blades this way.

Been there, done that, trying to save a little money doesn't always result in a savings - new blades - what a difference.