*Rotary cutter example
The Best Rotary Cutters for Quilting 2021
By Murtaza
The rotary cutter is just like a comfort station for any person engaged in quilting. If you had never had an experience with a rotary cutter, then, you might miss an adventure, correct me if I am wrong. The best rotary cutter can do the same work as you can do with a pair of scissors. So, why not give a chance to the rotary cutter? For your convenience, we have reviewed the top-rated rotary cutters, so, give it a read.
Let me tell you that mastering a rotary cutter might take some time and it is a tedious job as well. But, it would be a rational approach to know some basics of the cutter and then move towards cutting the material like – fabric in an easy and secure way. You can accomplish your quilting related tasks steadily.
When the market has a lot of options, then, choosing the right rotary cutter becomes a bit tedious job. Therefore, we took responsibility and listed the top-rated rotary cutters right now on the market. That said, when looking for a cutter you should consider some factors which are – durability, the safety they provide, ease of use, size of the cutter, blade type, etc. These factors must be kept in mind while choosing the rotary cutter.
Table of Contents
- 1 10 Best Rotary Cutters to Buy 2021 – Reviewed
- 2 Sizes of Rotary Cutter Blades
- 3 Handle Type – Which type will suit you most?
- 4 Safety Latch (safety comes first)
- 5 1. Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter – Editor’s Choice
- 6 2. OLFA RTY-2/C 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter
- 7 3. Quilting Bee 45mm Deluxe Rotary Cutter
- 8 4. Arteza 60mm Quilting Rotary Cutter
- 9 5. Alexandria Rotary Cutter
- 10 6. OLFA 9551 RTY – 1/G 28mm Rotary Cutter
- 11 7. Fiskars 60mm Titanium Softgrip Cutter
- 12 8. Fiskars 28mm Stick Rotary Cutter
- 13 9. OLFA Splash Rotary Cutter
- 14 10. Evergreen Rotary Cutter – Mediocre Level Cutter
- 15 Conclusion
10 Best Rotary Cutters to Buy 2021 – Reviewed
The cutter must be multi-purpose. It should be ready to cut a particular material without any hindrance. Whether it is a piece of cloth or any soft material, it should have versatility. Moreover, if the user is going to use the rotary cutter extensively on different kinds of material, then, first, he should determine which type of cutter would be excellent for his job.
There are many choices for quilters now. Almost every manufacturer is offering different sizes of blades, safety latches, and different types of handles. Now there are a lot more choices for the quilters if we compare the market size of cutters a few years back.
NAME | WEIGHT | DIMENSIONS | BLADE SIZE |
---|---|---|---|
OLFA RTY-2/C 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter | 2.88 ounces | 4.5 x 0.88 x 8.63″ | 45mm |
Fiskars 01-005874 Titanium Softgrip | 0.32 ounces | 0.95 x 4.75 x 8.38″ | 45mm |
Quilting Bee 45mm Deluxe Rotary Cutter | 3.79 ounces | 6.5 x 2.5 x 0.93″ | 45mm |
ARTEZA 60 mm Quilting Rotary Cutter | 4.8 ounces | 9.9 x 4.1 x 1.3″ | 60mm |
Alexandria Rotary Cutter | 2.9 ounces | 6.75 x 1 x 2.25″ | 45mm |
OLFA 9551 Straight Handle Rotary Cutter | 1.44 ounces | 0.6 x 4.5 x 8.6″ | 28mm |
Fiskars Crafts 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter | 4 ounces | 0.95 x 4.75 x 9″ | 60mm |
Fiskars Stick Rotary Cutter, 28mm | 1.28 ounces | 0.64 x 2.75 x 8.5″ | 28mm |
Sizes of Rotary Cutter Blades
The size of the blades starts from 18mm to 60mm in diameter. They are available in different sizes. Most often you would be using the bigger blades, but, the small rotary cutting blades perform better for complicated shapes and to navigate around the curves. On the other hand, it is easier to cut the fabric with a larger blade particularly when there are multiple layers of fabric.
Handle Type – Which type will suit you most?
There are different handle designs. Some handles are made so to provide additional safety to the user while cutting. You will find the cutters with a straight handle and with a curved handle to fit snugly in your palm. Some designs are ergonomically designed to give comfort along with the basic functionality. Every manufacturer has come up with its own peculiar design. You should go with the design that is going to fit properly in your hand. Moreover, you should differentiate between left-handed and right-handed cutters before going to buy one.
Safety Latch (safety comes first)
Most often the manufacturers provide a safety latch with the cutter. What the safety latch does is that it keeps the blade covered or expose it to cut any material. You can move the latch back and forth to expose and cover the blade respectively. If you have never used the rotary cutter since, then, you may find it strange to deal with it. I wouldn’t say that it is extremely easy to use because you would have to open it and close it again and again when using it. If you are a naïve user then you better go with a basic device. Moreover, always use the best rotary cutting mat when working with a rotary cutter and follow the instructions as well.
1. Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter – Editor’s Choice
Fiskars is a popular brand in producing rotary cutters. This is the best ergonomic rotary cutter that you can buy right now. Fiskars has eradicated compatibility problem for left-handed and right-handed people. It suits very well to left-handed and right-handed guys. It can cut multiple layers of fabric or paper.
Most importantly, it has a curved, loop-handle design which makes the cutter to fit snugly in your hand. Consequently, you get good control over the cutter. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel or arthritis, then, it can help you a lot.
The 45mm rotary blade is coated with a titanium coating that makes it hard enough to cut multiple layers. Moreover, you can assemble the blade on either side of the rotary cutter, thus, it can be optimized for right-handed and left-handed folks. Making the story short, you get a very good designed rotary cutter. Honestly, this is the best rotary cutter for leather and fabric.
Check out this link to find the price of the Fiskars Contour Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Ergonomically designed handle.
- Titanium coating makes the blade harder enough.
- The blade can be assembled on either side of the cutter.
Cons
- No cons can be described so far.
2. OLFA RTY-2/C 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter
The second best rotary cutter 2021 on our list is the OLFA RTY – 2/C. This is one of the top-rated cutters right now in the market. It has a lightweight and very reasonable price tag. It makes changing the blade easier by removing the washer and nut assembly.
To release the blade you just need to slide the blade lock which is on the back of the handle and the blade comes out easily. Similarly, locking the blade is very easy, within a fraction of seconds. Therefore, you don’t waste much time changing the blade, pretty nice.
That said, the handle is good looking. It is very easy to carry. The integrated channel or groove keeps your fingers from slipping towards the blade. At last but not least, there is a cover for an extra safety layer for you. It is the best rotary cutter for fabric in such a low price tag. If you go with it, you won’t regret your decision.
Check out this link to find the price of the OLFA RTY-2/C 45mm on Amazon!
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Low price.
- Sturdy design.
- Easy to remove blades.
Cons
- No cons can be described so far.
3. Quilting Bee 45mm Deluxe Rotary Cutter
Here is another ergonomically designed rotary cutter on our list. This model comes with a 45mm blade, also available in different blade sizes. It cuts a wide variety of materials comfortably. The handle design is somehow similar to Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter.
The handle is made so as to fit properly in your hand. Moreover, it has a versatile design that is feasible for right-handed and left-handed folks.
The blade can be assembled on either side of the cutter. The tungsten steel blade can easily cut up to 5 layers. The blade covers automatically when the handle is released. With the dual-action safety lock, you can either leave the blade closed or open. As mentioned earlier, the handle is made to fit naturally in your hand. You can hold the cutter while rearranging the material you are cutting.
Check out this link to find the price of the Quilting Bee Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Easy to carry.
- It can cut up to 5 layers.
- Dual-action safety lock.
Cons
- The hold and cut feature may not seem good to you.
4. Arteza 60mm Quilting Rotary Cutter
The Arteza 60mm quilting rotary cutter is the best rotary cutter in 2021. It comes with 6 replacement blades. You can take the extra blades with you any anywhere and you can do so with the included carry case. The carry case will keep the extra blades safe and lubricated for later use.
The company has paid special attention to safety. With the locking safety mechanism, it has been made secure for the user. And this extra safety layer lets you work fearlessly.
The ergonomically designed handle gives a firm grip to you, so, you don’t get fed up by the slipping grip. Enjoy your work seamlessly with the Arteza rotary cutter. The best rotary cutter blades are also compatible with other brands like – Fiskars and Olfa. The blades remain sharp for long periods. You can effortlessly cut materials like – leather, nylon, cloth, paper, fabric, etc. So, order this rotary cutter for quilting from Amazon and make your cutting experience a breeze.
Check out this link to find the price of the Arteza Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Comes with 6 extra blades.
- Easy to handle.
- Safer to use.
- You get for what you pay.
Cons
- No cons can be described so far.
5. Alexandria Rotary Cutter
Here is another best ergonomic rotary cutter on our list. This is Alexandria ergonomic rotary cutter. Its design looks similar to that of Arteza 60mm rotary cutter. The lightweight cutter has a tungsten steel blade which is sharper enough to cut any material effortlessly.
The cost-effective cutter has a retractable blade that can’t be used to cut any material until you press the handle. Its design gives a natural fit to your hand. It provides the comfort level that you need with a rotary cutter.
If you are suffering from wrist pain due to ordinary scissors, then, it is going to help you a lot. You would get what you need along with a decent comfort level. What can you do with this cutter? You can cut any fabric material for sewing, for installing vinyl fabric on your car’s seats, cut the foil for use in the kitchen, etc. As mentioned earlier its blade is hard enough to cut multiple layers. Moreover, the security button gives you extra safety, so, you don’t cut yourself while doing your work. Above all, it is compatible with the blades of other brands like – wave, scallop, and pinking blades. It is a nice choice, but, if you don’t like it then there are better options in this price tag.
Check out this link to find the price of the Alexandria Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Compatible with blades of other brands.
- Secure to use.
Cons
- Better options are available in this price tag.
6. OLFA 9551 RTY – 1/G 28mm Rotary Cutter
To make the list balanced we included this best small rotary cutter for quilting. The bigger cutters are suitable for extensive usage and cutting multiple layers at once. Therefore, big cutters are not suitable for small projects.
Big rotary cutters are not suitable to make corners or certain shapes like cutting a square. This is the time where small rotary cutters come in. Making corners and shapes is extremely easy with the small cutters.
It has a simple straight handle. Hand position is very important while using a rotary cutter. To expose the blades you have to push down the button. You should put your index finger on the top when using the cutter.
The position of the hand becomes at an awkward angle when you hold the cutter in your palm and you might feel pain in your hand after some work. The blade is extremely sharp and you should never leave the cutter around when the blade is exposed. You should better use a container to put the cutter into. In this way, you can easily find them when needed and they become secure as well. You should order this cutter if you gonna use it for smaller projects.
Check out this link to find the price of the OLFA 9551 RTY on Amazon!
Pros
- Extremely easy to carry.
- Lightweight.
- Extremely cheap.
Cons
- Might feel wrist pain if not held properly.
7. Fiskars 60mm Titanium Softgrip Cutter
The Fiskars 60mm Titanium cutter is one of the best rotary cutters for quilting. It comes with a rotary blade that has been coated with titanium to make it hard enough to cut multiple layers. The cutter is ideal for both left-handed and right-handed people. You can cut multiple layers of paper, fabric, or cloth.
With that said, a soft-grip handle gives an additional comfort level and keeps you away from fatigue. The blade can be assembled on either side of the cutter which increases vision. The curved handle gives you a firm grip and you can rearrange materials while holding the cutter in your hand. The big blade looks good, but, the Fiskars 45mm works very well. It is the best choice and going to be a good addition to your toolbox.
Check out this link to find the price of the Fiskars Titanium on Amazon!
Pros
- Hard blade.
- User-friendly design.
- The blade can be assembled on either side of the cutter.
- The curved handle gives a firm grip.
Cons
- No extra blades.
8. Fiskars 28mm Stick Rotary Cutter
The Fiskars 28mm rotary cutter cuts multiple layers of material with its extremely sharp blade. You can use it without straining your hand. It is extremely easy to carry due to its size. The best 28mm rotary blade is extremely easy to change.
The alignment markings ensure that the blade is in its right position. You get a larger nut with the plastic cap to tighten the blade. There is no small washer.
You can use it in small projects with grace. Its small size makes it extremely portable and you can easily cut multiple layers with the small blade. Don’t go on the small blade, it is enough for your basic quilting needs. As the blade is extremely sharp, you should use a container to keep it in. In this way, it remains secure and is easy to find when needed. Also, keep it out of reach of children and always use a rotary cutting mat. If you need the best small rotary cutter for quilting then this is the best choice. Give it a place on your table.
Check out this link to find the price of the Fiskars Stick Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Easy to carry.
- Good for small projects.
- Extremely sharp blade.
Cons
- The straight handle may not provide a firm grip.
9. OLFA Splash Rotary Cutter
The OLFA splash rotary cutter comes with a 45mm sharp blade. To expose the blade you have to push the button. The blade is extremely sharp which can cut multiple layers. Same like other models of rotary cutters, it is also compatible with right and left-handed people as well. It comes with a single blade and there are no extra blades with it.
Most people agree with its performance, but, it has a hefty price tag. It might be a deal-breaker for you because there are better options in the market at an extremely low price tag. Let me give you my expert opinion if you don’t care about price, then, it might be for you. But if you want a good cutter at a cheap price, then, the market is teeming with the good cutters out there.
Check out this link to find the price of the OLFA Splash Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Good dynamics.
- Sharp blades.
Cons
- Expensive.
10. Evergreen Rotary Cutter – Mediocre Level Cutter
Last but not least, here is the Evergreen 45mm rotary cutter. It has a Titanium coated blade which is ultra-sharp and easily replaceable. This rotary cutter is perfect for paperwork/sewing/fabric/leather and seamstress tailors.
If you want flawless cuts then this is the best cheap rotary cutter for quilting that you can have right now. Whether you use it for straight cuts, corners, curves, and whatever the position is, it gives sharp cuts without the rough edges.
It will surely save you time. It can beat the scissors if compared in terms of efficiency. You get a push-button lock that can keep the blade open when you are working and you can close it for safe storage.
With this evergreen rotary cutter, you get a comfort station for you, therefore, it really pays off in the form of quality and comfort. It fits snugly to the left-handed and right-handed people. If you are fed up cutting with the scissors, then, this is the cutter you should go for.
That said, with this rotary cutter you can cut multiple layers at a time. The blade is made of Japanese SKS-7 steel which makes the blade ultra-sharp. If you looking for a cheap or budget rotary cutter, then, this isn’t a bad choice. You can cut precisely and comfortably through multiple layers.
Check out this link to find the price of the Evergreen Rotary Cutter on Amazon!
Pros
- Ultra sharp Titanium coated blade.
- Fit for left and right-handed people.
- Cheap.
Cons
- Not great if compared with OLFA and Fiskars.
Conclusion
So, folks, the best rotary cutters have been listed. We are sure enough that you got the answer to your question for which you are here. However, the final decision would be yours when picking the rotary cutter. But, let me give you my honest opinion. Keeping in mind the price tag and functionality, the best cutters are OLFA RTY-2/C 45mm Rotary Cutter and Fiskars 45mm Contour Rotary Cutter. We are not here to impose our choice on you but to help you in finding the best product for your needs. These two rotary cutters are extremely easy to use, moreover, they don’t break your bank. I hope you got the point.
Which rotary cutter do you like the most? Let us know by dropping a comment line below.