How to Use a Rotary Cutter: What You Need, How It Helps & Choosing the Right Blade Size

Looking for cleaner cuts and faster fabric prep? If you’re tired of jagged lines or hand strain from scissors, it’s time to switch to a rotary cutter — one of the most essential tools for sewing, quilting, and fabric crafts.

Whether you're making garments or quilting layers, a rotary cutter gives you precise, professional results every time. At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, we proudly stock high-quality rotary cutters from Olfa and Fiskars – two leading brands trusted by makers around the world.

🧵 What Is a Rotary Cutter?

A rotary cutter is a handheld cutting tool with a sharp, circular blade that rolls along your fabric to deliver clean, smooth cuts. It's ideal for cutting:

• Straight lines

• Curves

• Multiple fabric layers

Rotary cutters work best when used alongside a self-healing cutting mat and clear acrylic ruler – together, they make cutting faster and more accurate than traditional fabric scissors.

🛠️ What You Need to Use a Rotary Cutter

Before you begin, gather these essentials:

• ✅ Rotary Cutter – Choose from our trusted Olfa or Fiskars range

• ✅ Self-Healing Cutting Mat – Protects your work surface and extends blade life

• ✅ Acrylic Quilting Ruler – Ensures perfectly measured, straight cuts

• ✅ Spare Rotary Blades – Keep extras on hand as blades can dull over time

✂️ Step-by-Step: How to Use a Rotary Cutter

1. Lay your fabric on a self-healing cutting mat
   Smooth out wrinkles and align it with the grid lines.

2. Position the acrylic ruler on your cut line
   This helps guide your cutter for a straight, accurate cut.

3. Hold the ruler firmly
   Apply even pressure so it doesn’t shift.

4. Roll the rotary cutter along the ruler edge
   Use steady pressure and let the blade do the work.

5. Retract the blade when done
   Always close or lock the blade immediately after use for safety.

💡 Pro Tip: Change blades regularly to avoid skipped threads and dragging.

🔍 45mm vs 60mm Rotary Cutter: Which One Do You Need?

Choosing the right blade size is key for cutting efficiency and comfort. Here’s how to decide:

✂️ 45mm Rotary Cutter – The All-Rounder

The most popular size, perfect for:

• General use and beginners

• Cutting curves and tight shapes

• Up to 2–3 fabric layers

• Light to medium fabrics (cotton, rayon, knits)

👉 Shop 45mm Olfa & Fiskars Cutters

💪 60mm Rotary Cutter – The Heavyweight

Best suited for:

• Thick materials and bulk cutting

• Straight, long lines

• Cutting through 4+ fabric layers

• Heavy fabrics (denim, fleece, canvas, batting)

👉 Explore 60mm Rotary Cutters Here

🎯 Quick Guide: 45mm vs 60mm Blade

Some sewists keep both sizes for flexibility depending on the project.

💡 Why Rotary Cutters Are Better Than Scissors

• 🔹 Speed – Cut multiple layers in one pass

• 🔹 Precision – Perfect lines with less effort

• 🔹 Comfort – Less strain on hands and wrists

• 🔹 Cleaner Finishes – Especially important for quilting and professional-looking seams

🌟 Our Top Rotary Cutter Brands

🟡 Olfa Rotary Cutters

Crafted in Japan, Olfa cutters are known for razor-sharp blades and ergonomic comfort. They're the original rotary cutter brand — a staple in quilting and sewing circles worldwide.

👉 Browse Olfa Rotary Cutters NZ

🟠 Fiskars Rotary Cutters

Known for their iconic orange handles and comfort grip, Fiskars cutters are reliable, safe, and ideal for beginners or everyday use.

👉 Browse Fiskars Rotary Cutters NZ

🛍️ Shop Rotary Cutters & Accessories at Direct Sewing

We stock New Zealand’s best range of rotary cutters, blades, mats, and rulers. Whether you're upgrading your sewing tools or just getting started, we've got everything you need to cut cleaner, faster, and more accurately.

👉 Explore Our Rotary Cutter Collection