To Rotary or Not To Rotary - this is my question x-post

[WhimsyTyme]

Hi!

I understand that many mamas swear by the Rotary Cutter.

Talk to me about your rotary cutter.

My aunt tells me they are super sharp and dangerous and she doesn’t think I should have it around the kids. She has friends that own a Bernina store. Their daughter grew up in the store using all of the tools and being very cautious. She is all grown up now and a few months ago she cut her finger OFF using the rotary cutter.

I am always worried about my supplies and tools with my 19 month old son. He is quite curious and always wants to see what I am doing (and do it too if he can )

I am curious to hear what you have to say. I am thinking of just sticking with my super duper scissors. I bought some Fiskars last year that are SUPER sharp and work really well, even on my wool sweaters that I cut. But, I am intrigued by all of the talk that the rotary cutter makes things much faster. Fast, quick and efficient are important since my toddler determines the amount of sewing time I get AND we have another lil' bean coming in about 2 months.

The kind of Rotary Cutter I just purchased does require you to squeeze the handle to push out the blade so you can cut. When you are not squeezing it the blade is not sticking out but lying against a piece of plastic – the blade is never fully covered.

Also, can any of you compare the Fiskars to the Olfa? The Olfa is what I have, but if I do use one of these, it appears the the Fiskars Soft Touch may have more protective covering when not in use. The Fiskars also requires you to press to expose the blade. I cannot seem to find the Fiskars in local stores and can only see it online.

Thanks so much for your input mamas!

[Jillbob]

My kids saw me cut my finger with a rotary cutter a few months ago, now they are terrified of it (I don't think this was the best way-ouch-to get the point across, but it worked) When I'm not using them, I keep them in a flower pot on a high shelf. I'm super vigilant about where they are at all times.

I actually prefer my Fiskars to my Olfa. I've never had to replace a blade in the couple of years I've had them (although I probably should) but I've replaced my Olfa blade twice in 4 months, they seem to get knicked easier. I go back and forth between rotary cutters and shears, I like the ease and perfect straight lines with the rotary cutter, but for curves and tight corners, I prefer the shears. Not much help here lol.

[WhimsyTyme]

Thanks so much for responding mama! Sorry about your finger!

Originally Posted by Jillbob

I actually prefer my Fiskars to my Olfa.

Is the blade on the Fiskars more protected than on the Olfa? Say when you release it and lay it down to reposition or remove fabric?

[judybean]

I have a Fiskars and the blade is completely 'unavailable' when it's protected. No way to cute any little fingers

[Jillbob]

Originally Posted by judybean

I have a Fiskars and the blade is completely 'unavailable' when it's protected. No way to cute any little fingers

Both the Fiskars and the Olfa are like that, I think the Olfa would be a little tougher for them to get to the blade, there's a "button" on the side you have to push in and pull back to expose the blade, where on my fiskars, you just push a button.

[WhimsyTyme]

Originally Posted by Jillbob

Both the Fiskars and the Olfa are like that, I think the Olfa would be a little tougher for them to get to the blade, there's a "button" on the side you have to push in and pull back to expose the blade, where on my fiskars, you just push a button.

Hmmm... I've got my Olfa here and there is a sort of lip around the back part and connecting to the handle, keeing you from being able to fub across the blade. But the front/facing half when recessed is lying against the plastic but you could still say rub or drag your hand/finger down and cut yourself. I wish there was a cap or lid for it. The photos I see of the Fiskars, look to me like it is completely covered when recessed.

Jillbob, do like the fact that the Olfa requires some dexterity just to open it for cutting

[Jillbob]

Originally Posted by WhimsyTyme

The photos I see of the Fiskars, look to me like it is completely covered when recessed.

Mine's not, I've had two different kinds and neither one was recessed. It does have a guard along the top, but it only covers about a third of the blade. I have the cheapest Olfa and it's pretty much the same (only w/o the guard of course ) It would be so cool if they automatically recessed and locked so you didn't have to worry about it.

[Jachut]

I cant stand using a rotary cutter anyway. I find it much quicker and easier with scissors and way more accurate too with curves like on a diaper.

If I cut with a rotary cutter, it leaves all little bits uncut and you have to go back and forth etc, plus because you have to have a board behind it limites your workspace considerably.

Plus they are VERY sharp and not something I'd want round the kids like you say.

[AdinaL]

I am not a big diaper sewer...

But I am in theatre (costumes) and do quilts. Rotary cutters are good for repetetive straight lines. Like in quilting. But for actual clothing, and things like diapers (small curves - tight spaces) nothing beats a good pair of Gingher shears.