How to rotary cut safely and accurately

Square up the fabric, then cut strips and squares with a ruler.

Step by step

1. Work on a cutting mat on a firm surface, standing if you can.
2. Fold the fabric selvedge to selvedge and line the fold up with a line on the ruler.
3. Trim one edge straight to start.
4. Lay the ruler on the fabric with the strip width you want on the line, holding it firmly with your spread hand.
5. Cut away from your body in one smooth push, fingers well clear of the edge.
6. Cut the strip into squares by turning it and measuring again.
7. Close the blade guard every time you put the cutter down.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Quilting Daily: Rotary cutter basics
2. Carolyn Gibbs Quilts: Rotary cutting basics
3. Wikipedia: Rotary cutter