Judy L's UFO Challenge

Friday, March 06, 2009

How Big Is Your Rotary Cutter?

I use a 45 mm rotary cutter. For awhile there I thought I had gone out and bought a 60mm and been using that but then one day a friend sent me a pack of rotary blades without any discussion of size. When I got them, it brought me back to my reality.

I bought a 28 mm recently to use with some slotted rulers I bought. During my big sort out today I found one that I already owned.....sigh... It will get used, no worries.

So here is a question for you. I am currently trimming HSTs. I watch a friend of mine trim scraps. When she does this she uses a 28mm cutter. She seems to have good control with it so I plan to try trimming the rest of my HSTs with the smaller cutter to see if that works better for me. Things seem to slip around on me with the 45mm.

When you trim what size cutter do you use??

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I use scissors to cut fabric with.

Suzanne Earley said...

i use a 60mm for everything, even for trimming small stuff.

Donna said...

I used to larger cutters all the time, until I tried my smaller one. Now I almost never use my 45... 28mm all the way!

Bethany said...

60mm. Can't live without it. Others are just too small for my big hands

Ele said...

I have all 3 sizes, and have just recently started using the 28mm more and find I really like it. Of course, having a nice sharp blade does help the cutting a lot! LOL I have been making a bunch of paper pieced blocks, and have used both the 45mm and the 28mm, and think the smaller one does a better job. I will keep all my cutters, however, because I love playing with them all.

romika said...

I use anything I can get my hands on

Susan said...

I don't have the 60mm. Never really thought about it. I use scissors to snip HST's

Paula, the quilter said...

I use
• a 60mm for multiple layers of fabric
• a 28mm for trimming excess fabric when paper piecing
• 3 different 45mm: one only for paper, one with specialty blades like pinking, and my go-to one that I use all the time

I should move the 28mm over to my cutting table. You are right about a perfect size for trimming. Thanks

The Calico Cat said...

I own a small one that lives with a small mat & ruler - I think that is my "trim the millenium charms" kit...

I have a second small one that mingt be in my "on the go" bag or it might just be missing in the stash room...

I have about 3 of the medium ones & the last time I checked, they were all in 1 bag... (The bag that I just took to my mini group meeting so that I could cut squares.) Otherwise the bag is in my dining room AKA new place to cut fabric...

I do not have a large one...

I did not mention the "first" cutters that I got & probably still have but don't use...

Anonymous said...

I only have a 60mm and have never used anything else. Might have to rethink that....

Babs said...

As you know, I love my 28mm. I was given a 45 when I started quilting and just hated it. Then I was given a 28 and I've been hooked. I have much better grip and control with it. I stock up on the blades when JoAnn's has them on sale.

Mary said...

I use a 28 for small stuff and a 45 Martelli for everything else, the Martelli can cut through multiple layers so I have no need for a 60mm.

Teresa said...

I have a small cutter, but would you believe I have never used it. Someone gave it to me and I just never think to try it out.

I use a 45 mm - don't own a bigger one....I am such a klutz and they scare me!