Rotary Cutting Tools, Patchwork Rules and Self Healing Mats

To accurately cut through many layers of fabric you need to use rotary cutter in conjunction with a straight rule and a self healing mat. The result will be a perfect cut and precise or cut out shape, that's why most quilters use these tools.

Firstly, you need a sharp rotary cutter, the most popular brand is Olfa, who do a range of cutters and mats. I usually prefer to use the straight handle 45mm rotary cutter, it is easy to handle and can be used to cut both directions.

Secondly, you need a straight edge for the cutter to slide along. No, you can't just use a wooden rule! The cutters a sharp and will easy cut chunks out of a wooded ruler! It's best to use the hard plastic patchwork rules we have listed, they are transparent making it easier to line up with marks on the material beneath them. The rules come in various sizes and shapes depending on the mat size being used and the quilted project being sewn.

Thirdly and most importantly, as we don't want to be damaging the good dining room table, Self-healing mats offer protection to the surface or table you are using to cut out on. The mats are about 3mm thick and have markings on both sides. Metric one side and Imperial the other, both sides can be used for cutting out. The size depends on how much space you have available and where you're going to be using it. The 36" X 24" is our most popular size, which works well with the 24" rule.