Rotary cutter
 

My granddaughter has taken up sewing. She loves it. I gave her my stash because I can no longer quilt. I want to buy her a rotary cutter. She is 5'3” and she uses her dining room table to cut fabric. Right now she uses a scissors. Is there a better rotary cutter for her to use considering her height. I’m going to give her my cutting mats and rulers. I’d give her my rotary cutter but I lent it to my other g'daughter and its lost. TIA

I am 5'6" but have relatively short arms and legs. For me, my kitchen table is the right height for me to cut on. My taller/longer armed friends often find that kitchen counter is the best for them. I do cut standing up for a number of issues. One is those short arms again, the other was when I was a larger person my tummy would want to get in on the action and move things about... I can do subunit and block trimming while sitting -- all others, especially the full long across fabric widths I do standing.

My sewing table is height adjustable, currently it is set lower than I like because my machine doesn't fit well in the cut out and so is on top and not in the opening. For me, the table is just a tad too low and my back starts complaining after a bit.

I don't find the different cutters/handles make much of a difference to me.

I don't think your height makes any difference as to the cutter you use. The height of her cutting surface is probably more important. I love my Famore cutters.

I use an Olfa rotary cutter and like it, but I think the type of blades is even more important. I personally use Japanese steel blades and change them often.

Hello from a former Baton Rouge resident! We lived there until the end of 2015 and my bestie is still there. I am short and use all kinds of surfaces and have a lot of cutters. I like the Olfa the best. I did fall for the one with the ball bearing and can't tell a difference. I think the blade is key. Change often.

I’m originally from New Orleans. I came to LSU in 1961, met my future husband in 1962, married in 1965. We are both still kicking. I bought my Olfa in 1995. That’s the only rotary I’ve ever owned. It served me well. I’ll probably get her an Olfa.

I've tried most all brands of cutters. I have a basket full of them. My favorite is Quilter's Select rotary cutter. I have more different brands but the ones I don't use that much are at the bottom of the basket. As long as all have new blades in them, they cut just fine. One thing I bought my Granddaughter who started quilting and sewing last year was the Accuquilt. She said it changed her cutting life. LOL

My favorites are the Martelli (you have to buy left-handed or right-handed), and the Olfa ergonomic. If she’s just starting and hasn’t ingrained habits I would recommend the Martelli. It takes a learning curve to use properly but is very ergonomic and can be used for long sessions with minimal fatigue.

I've been teaching 10-13 year olds to use a rotary cutter. We've been using Olfa cutters that are the straight shaft where you pull back the cover to use the cutter. If I were buying a cutter for a youth sewer, I would choose the Olfa that has a curved handle and the blade is always covered unless you are using the cutter and holding the lever as you use it.

My Granddaughter found everything she needed to supply her sewing area from my sewing room. I haven't missed a thing. She seems to enjoy quilting/sewing.