09/29/2026
Tuesday Tips 🧵
Choosing the Right Size Rotary Cutter for the Job 🤔
If you've ever stood in the quilting aisle staring at a wall of rotary cutters, you know the sizing question isn't trivial. Rotary cutters typically come in four standard blade sizes — 18mm, 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm — and each one is built for a different kind of cutting task. Picking the right one saves your hands, your fabric, and your patience.
Not sure which blade size to grab? Here's the quick breakdown:
🔹 18mm – Best for curves, appliqué, and detail work. Struggles with thick stacks.
🔹 28mm – The in-between size. Great for curved piecing and garment sewing.
🔹 45mm – The workhorse! Most popular size for everyday quilting, strips, and 2–6 fabric layers. If you only own one, make it this.
🔹 60mm – Built for bulk. Ideal for fleece, denim, batting, and cutting through many layers or long straight cuts.
💡 New to rotary cutting? Start with a 45mm — it handles almost everything, and you can add other sizes as your projects grow.
Change your blade often, as dull blades not only increase cutting risks, but they can also permanently damage your cutting mat.
*Note: Best to pair your cutter with a self-healing mat and a lip-guard ruler, and remember to retract the blade after every cut! Rotary blades are extremely sharp and don't discriminate between fabric and fingers. 🙌
