Intricate detail
The smallest rotary size is agile around miniature pieces, tight corners and detailed shapes.
Good for: mini appliqué, paper piecing, templates and precise craft work.OLFA Cutting Tools NZ: Rotary Cutters, Blades & Mats
Accurate fabric cuttingCut strips, curves, blocks and garment pieces cleanly against a suitable ruler and mat.
Four rotary sizesMove from intricate 18mm work to high-capacity 60mm cutting without forcing one tool to do everything.
Matched cutting surfacesOLFA self-healing mats protect the table and help preserve rotary-blade performance.
Replaceable sharpnessRenew the edge with the correct OLFA blade diameter and model when cutting quality drops.
OLFA rotary-cutter size guide
Which rotary cutter should you choose?
Smaller blades turn tighter curves. Larger blades build momentum through longer cuts and thicker or layered materials. Choose for the work you do most often.
Curves & small shapes
More cutting capacity than an 18mm blade while remaining easy to steer through detailed pattern work.
Good for: curves, narrow strips, quilt shapes, garment details and templates.The everyday all-rounder
The most versatile starting size for general sewing and quilting, balancing manoeuvrability with efficient straight cutting.
Good for: quilt strips, blocks, garment cutting, patchwork and everyday fabric work.Large & layered cutting
The largest rotary option powers through long runs, heavier materials and bigger cutting jobs efficiently.
Good for: multiple layers, long straight cuts, fleece, wool, leather and large projects.If you are buying your first rotary cutter: choose 45mm for the widest everyday usefulness. Add 28mm or 18mm for tighter curves, or 60mm when thick layers and long production cuts are your priority.
Comfort and control
Straight handle or ergonomic cutter?
Blade size decides the cutting scale; handle style changes how the tool feels and how the blade is exposed. Choose the mechanism you can operate confidently and comfortably.
Straight handleSimple, familiar control with a manual blade cover. A practical choice for routine ruler-guided cutting.
Ergonomic squeeze handleA curved grip and trigger-style blade activation can reduce hand fatigue during repeated cutting.
Quick-change cutterDesigned to simplify blade replacement while retaining a protective cover for storage.
Compass cutterA specialised rotary format for repeat circles rather than general straight cutting.
Compatibility made clear
Match the replacement blade to your cutter
The diameter must match, and the exact blade model should be confirmed against the cutter’s product page or instructions. Never fit a blade simply because it looks similar.
| Cutter diameter | Standard blade family | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| 18mm | RB18 | Intricate rotary and compatible compass cutting |
| 28mm | RB28 | Curves, templates and small pieces |
| 45mm | RB45 or compatible RB45H Endurance | Everyday sewing, quilting and craft |
| 60mm | RB60 or model-compatible 60mm blade | Long cuts, larger projects and layered materials |
Replace a dull bladeSkipping threads, needing extra pressure, ragged edges or repeatedly failing to complete a cut all indicate that the blade needs inspection or replacement.
Keep fabric blades for fabricPaper and abrasive craft materials can dull an edge quickly. Separate labelled cutters can preserve a cleaner fabric-cutting blade.
Choose Endurance for volumeThe 45mm RB45H Endurance blade is the longer-life option for compatible 45mm OLFA cutters and repeated cutting work.
Choose an OLFA cutting mat for your workspace
A good mat protects the table, gives the blade a suitable cutting surface and provides useful grid references. Match its working area to the pieces you cut most often.
Compact matAround 45 × 30cm / 18 × 12in: useful beside the machine, for small blocks, trimming and limited workspaces.
Medium matAround 60 × 45cm / 24 × 18in: a versatile size for patchwork, strips, bag pieces and routine craft cutting.
A1 workroom matAround 90 × 62cm / 36 × 24in: gives garments, borders and larger pieces more supported cutting area.
Rotating matA 360-degree platform lets patchwork and appliqué pieces turn while your body and cutting direction remain controlled.
Mat care: store the mat flat and supported. Keep it away from high heat and conditions that could warp the surface. Use the printed grid as a guide, but rely on a quality ruler for critical final measurements.
Build the complete rotary-cutting system
A cutter is most useful when the blade, mat and ruler all suit the same job.
1Sharp cutterChoose the diameter and handle for the curve, material and workload.
2Self-healing matSupport the whole cut and protect both blade and work surface.
3Stable rulerUse a clear, non-slip quilting ruler and keep fingers away from the cutting edge.
4Correct spare bladeKeep a matched replacement ready so a dull edge does not compromise accuracy.
Sharp-tool essentials
Use and store rotary cutters safely
Rotary blades are extremely sharp. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact cutter and keep every safety mechanism working as designed.
- Cut only on a suitable cutting mat with the work fully supported.
- Move the cutter away from your body and keep the other hand out of the blade path.
- Close the blade guard or engage the safety lock immediately after each cut.
- Change blades on a stable surface exactly as the manufacturer instructs.
- Store and dispose of used blades in a rigid, closed container according to local requirements.
- Keep cutters, loose blades and disposal containers away from children and pets.
Clear answers before you cut
OLFA cutting-tool FAQs
What is the best OLFA rotary cutter size for quilting?
A 45mm rotary cutter is the most versatile first choice for quilt strips, blocks and general fabric cutting. A 28mm or 18mm cutter turns tighter curves and handles smaller shapes, while a 60mm cutter is useful for long cuts and layered materials.
Can an OLFA rotary cutter cut several fabric layers?
Yes, suitable OLFA cutters can cut multiple fabric layers when the blade is sharp and the layers are stable. Capacity varies with cutter, blade, fabric and operator control, so test the stack and avoid forcing the tool.
Do I need a cutting mat with a rotary cutter?
Yes. Use a proper rotary cutting mat to protect the table, give the blade an appropriate surface and help extend blade life. Never run a rotary cutter directly over an unprotected bench or domestic cutting board.
How do I know when my rotary blade is dull?
A dull or damaged blade may skip threads, leave uncut sections, create ragged edges or require noticeably more pressure. Check that the cutter is assembled correctly; if performance remains poor, replace the blade with the specified model.
Are OLFA rotary cutters suitable for left-handed users?
Many OLFA rotary cutters can be configured or used for either hand, but the procedure varies by model. Confirm the individual product instructions and install the blade and safety components exactly as shown.
Can I use the same rotary blade for fabric and paper?
A compatible rotary blade may cut both, but paper and abrasive craft materials can dull the edge faster. Many makers keep a clearly labelled fabric cutter separate so important fabric cuts stay clean.
Where can I buy OLFA rotary cutters and cutting mats in New Zealand?
Shop OLFA cutters, blades, mats, knives and scissors online from Direct Sewing for delivery throughout New Zealand, or visit our Henderson, Auckland showroom. Check individual pages for current models, sizes and availability.
Ready for cleaner cuts?
Build your OLFA cutting setup
Start with a 45mm all-rounder or match the diameter to your specialist work, then add the correct spare blade, a self-healing mat and a stable ruler for a complete cutting system.
Rotary cutters and replacement blades are extremely sharp. Follow the instructions for the exact OLFA model, confirm blade compatibility and keep cutting tools away from children.
OLFA RTY-2/G 45mm Straight Handle Rotary Cutter
$33.00
$45.00
Olfa Quilting Ruler Imperial QR-6x24 - 6x24"
$49.90
$54.90
