Using a rotary cutter safely

A rotary cutter with a self-healing mat and acrylic ruler cuts straight, accurate strips fast. Cut away from you, keep fingers on the ruler away from the edge, and close the blade every time you put it down.

Pinny's tip
Make 'close the blade' a habit from day one. Most rotary cutter injuries happen when it's left open.

What you'll need

• Rotary cutter (45mm (1 3/4 in) is the common size): straight cuts through a few layers.
• Self-healing cutting mat: protects the table and blade.
• Acrylic quilting ruler: a straight edge to cut against.

Step by step

1. Place the ruler on the fabric and spread your fingers on it, away from the cutting edge.
2. Hold the cutter upright with the blade against the ruler.
3. Open the blade, keep it upright against the ruler and roll it away from you, moving your ruler hand up as you go.
4. Move your hand up the ruler for long cuts rather than reaching.
5. Close the blade straight away. Change dull blades; they skip and need more force.

Common mistakes

• Cutting towards yourself. Always away.
• Leaving the blade open. Close it every time.
• Using a blunt blade. Extra force makes slips more likely.

Watch it done

• How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Updated by Professor Pincushion on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• 👍 HOW TO USE YOUR ROTARY CUTTER - 10 TIPS FOR BETTER RESULTS by Just Get it Done Quilts on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• Rotary Cutting Tip for Beginners- Crafty Gemini by TheCraftyGemini on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

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

1. YouTube: How to Use a Rotary Cutter - Updated (Professor Pincushion)
2. YouTube: 👍 HOW TO USE YOUR ROTARY CUTTER - 10 TIPS FOR BETTER RESULTS (Just Get it Done Quilts)
3. YouTube: Rotary Cutting Tip for Beginners- Crafty Gemini (TheCraftyGemini)