The Best Quilting Cutting Tools for Accurate Fabric Slicing

Essential Quilting Cutting Tools for Precision and Comfort

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out on your first quilting project or an experienced quilter, the right cutting tools can make all the difference in your work. From my experience quilting for over 10 years now, I’ve found that investing in high-quality, comfortable cutting tools pays off in precision and prevents hand fatigue. In this article, I’ll review some of the most important quilting cutting tools and share tips for getting the most out of each one.

Rotary Cutters

The rotary cutter is arguably the quilter’s most essential tool. Rotary cutters feature a razor-sharp round blade that spins to produce a smooth cut through fabric layers. For straight cuts and squaring up quilt pieces, a rotary cutter allows for fast, accurate cuts. When choosing a rotary cutter, size matters – I prefer the large 60mm size for cutting through multiple layers of fabric at once. The 45mm size works well too if you have smaller hands.

Make sure to choose a model with an ergonomic handle for comfort during long cutting sessions. I like the Fiskars Soft Grip and Olfa Soft Square models. The handle cushioning reduces hand fatigue. Blades are replaceable too, so you don’t need to throw the whole cutter away when the blade gets dull. Speaking from experience, changing blades regularly is important for clean cuts and safety. Invest in a 10-pack of replacement blades – they dull more quickly than you might think!

Clear Rulers and Mat

A self-healing cutting mat and clear acrylic rulers are must-haves for rotary cutting. The thick mat protects surfaces from blade cuts and self-heals between uses. I like having a large 24×36 inch mat so I have room to lay out fabric pieces without things feeling cramped. As for rulers, accurate 6×24 inch squares and triangles allow you to cut perfect quilt blocks and pieces every time. Look for rulers with measurements printed on both sides for maximum versatility. The see-through acrylic lets you easily line up cuts.

Rulers and mats take a real beating from the rotary cutter blade over time. Even though it seems pricey, replacing them every year or so ensures you maintain sharp cutting precision. A dirtied or worn mat becomes less slippery and compromises cut accuracy. From experience, I can say a fresh mat really makes a difference.

Paper-Backed Rulers

Paper-backed rulers serve a different purpose than self-healing mat rulers. I keep a set of various sizes in my toolbox for marking and cutting curved pieces without wasting fabric. The paper backing lets you draw directly on the ruler with a washable fabric marker. Then you can safely cut along the marked line using a rotary cutter on your cutting mat. I’ve had good luck with the Fiskars Easy Express Curves set for marking circles, half-circles, and fun shapes.

An inexpensive trick I learned is to cover self-healing mat rulers with plain printer paper for the same marking effect when more curves are involved than the curves-focused rulers can handle. Just tape the paper down securely and you have an instant paper-backed ruler. It works well in a pinch!

Scissors

While the rotary cutter is king for large cuts, no quilter’s toolbox is complete without good fabric scissors. For trimming seams, notches, and other detailed cuts, a quality pair of scissors is essential. I prefer a shear-style scissor with 8-inch blades for power and control. The Fiskars Softgrip scissors and Gingher Dressmaker’s Shears are tried-and-true favorites. Look for models with padded handles for comfort during extended periods of snipping.

Don’t use fabric scissors for paper or anything else, as this dulls the blades more quickly. Only scissors deserve to snip fabric! Keep a separate junk pair on hand for everything else. Sharpening scissors once a year helps them cut like new.

Other Useful Tools

A few other cutting tools make the job much easier:

1. Rotary cutter blades – Stock up on extra blades for quick changes to keep cuts clean and safe.
2. Washable fabric markers – Essential for marking seam lines, squares, and patterns on fabric before cutting. Stay Away and Sew Line brands rinse away.
3. Seam ripper – For inevitable picking out of mistakes. A must for every quilter’s kit.
4. Self-healing mat board – Extra-thick cutting board protects surfaces from scratches and provides a stable cutting area.

Proper care and storage of tools also protects your investment. I keep blades, scissors and rulers in protected cases or zippered pouches. A rolling tool tote or carrying case contains the whole kit for transporting to classes or quilting nights. A magnetic strip on my workshop wall stores scissors, seam rippers and rulers where I can quickly grab what I need.

With the right high-quality cutting tools, you’ll find quilting to be a breeze instead of a chore. Taking care of materials and replacing worn parts keeps everything running smoothly. Whether you’re a novice or expert quilter, the tips here will help you cut with confidence and comfort for all your projects to come. So don’t skimp – treat yourself to a full set of pro-level cutting essentials!

Happy quilting! Let me know if you have any other quilting questions.

Comparing Popular Quilting Cutting Tools

FAQ

1. What tools do I need for cutting quilting fabric?

   Most quilters basically use just a few tools for cutting their fabrics. The most important one is good scissors. You’ll want fabric shears that can make clean cuts. Rotary cutters and cutting mats are also very handy. With a rotary cutter and a self-healing mat, you can cut multiple layers of fabric at once.

2. How do I store and organize my cutting tools?

   There are a bunch of different ways to keep your quilting cutting tools in order. Some folks use tool rolls or pouches that you can take with you wherever you go. Others like to have shelves or drawer organizers in their sewing room. Possibly the neatest method is wall-mounted cabinets for everything. However you choose to store them, the goal is to have what you need easily accessible.

3. When should I replace my cutting tools?

   It depends on how much you use your tools, but as a general guide: replace fabric scissors every year or so. The blades can get dull quicker than you might think. For rotary cutters, the wheel needs changing once the cutting surface gets worn down after many hours of use. Luckily, replacement wheels are pretty affordable. Testing your tools periodically will clue you in to when it’s time for an update.

   

4. Is it OK to cut non-quilt fabrics with my tools?

   Most experts say it’s not a good idea to use your quilting cutting tools for other materials like paper or felt. Those surfaces can potentially hasten blade dullness. Many quilters have separate tools just for quilt fabrics to keep them performing at their best for as long as possible. Nevertheless, an occasional non-quilt cutting job is likely okay. Just don’t make it a habit.

5. What’s the best way to care for my cutting tools?

   Taking a few minutes to properly maintain your investments is important. Wipe blades clean after each use to prevent gunk buildup. Lightly oil scissors and watch for rust. Store everything in a dry place away from dirt and dust. You can also buy special lubricating sprays made for blades. With simple care like that, your tools should last for years of cutting fun!

6. Are name brand tools really worth the higher price?

   Yeah, when it comes to quilting cutters there’s basically no going back once you’ve used the good stuff. Pricey name brand blades stay sharper longer. The motions feel smoother too. Not to mention, higher quality handles prevent hand fatigue on long cutting days. More affordable options work fine for starting out. But if you end up quilting a lot, splurging for reputable supplies is really worth it in the long run.