Get the most out of your quilting projects safely with our detailed guide on rotary cutter safety. Learn how to handle, store, and maintain your cutter effectively while preventing accidents.
Rotary cutters, while an invaluable tool for quilters and textile artists carry inherent risks due to their sharp blades designed to cut through fabric seamlessly.
If mishandled, they can cause significant injuries. It’s vital to respect this tool and understand its potential dangers to mitigate risks effectively.
This article guides gives you the essential knowledge required to understand how to handle rotary cutters safely.
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Rotary Cutter Safety: Safe Handling
Correct handling of rotary cutters is crucial in ensuring safety.
Here are some essential tips:
Blade Exposure
Only expose the blade when you’re actively cutting. Most rotary cutters have a safety latch or a retractable blade feature. Always retract the blade into the sheath when your cutter is idle.
Cutting Direction
Always cut away from your body to avoid accidental injuries.
- Keep your free hand at a safe distance from the cutting line.
- When holding the fabric closer to where you’re cutting is necessary, wear a protective rotary cutter safety glove. Be aware that wearing these gloves may alter your “feel” or give a false sense of security.
Use a Cutting Mat
Always use a self-healing cutting mat when working with a rotary cutter. This not only protects your work surface but also maintains blade sharpness and prevents slipping.
Rotary Cutter Safety: Proper Maintenance for Safe Use
Regular maintenance of your rotary cutter also contributes to safe usage.
Blade Sharpness
Always keep a sharp blade fitted to your cutter.
Dull blades require more force, increasing the risk of slipping and injuries. If your cutter is skipping over threads in the fabric, is no longer cutting cleanly, or is obviously damaged, replace it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Economical packs of replacement blades are readily available.
Cleaning
Regularly clean your rotary cutter to remove fabric lint and dust that may cause the blade to jam or work inefficiently.
For more information about cleaning and caring for rotary cutters and scissors see the related article: How to Care for Sewing Scissors and Rotary Cutters.
Rotary Cutter Safety: Safe Storage of Rotary Cutters
Always store your rotary cutters safely when not in use. They should be stored out of reach of children and with the following tips observed:
Blade Retraction
Retract the blade or use the safety cover before storage to prevent accidental contact.
Storage Location
Store your rotary cutter in a designated drawer or container, out of reach of children and pets.
Child Safety Around Rotary Cutters
Rotary cutters should always be kept out of children’s reach.
If your children are interested in quilting, consider using safety cutters designed for kids under adult supervision until they’re old enough to safely handle standard cutters.
Also, invest in a pair of child-size cutting safety gloves — these considerably reduce the risk of damage to young fingers.
Rotary Cutter Safety: Emergency Response to Rotary Cutter Injuries
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If a rotary cutter causes a cut, clean the wound immediately and apply a sterile dressing. Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, doesn’t stop bleeding, or if it’s a puncture wound.
Rotary Cutter Safety Accessories
Investing in safety accessories can help prevent rotary cutter accidents.
Safety Gloves
Cut-resistant gloves can provide additional protection, preventing accidental cuts. These gloves are a wise investment and are available in adult and child sizes.
Rotary Cutter Safety Ruler
Whether cutting fabric or paper, these safety rulers will protect your fingers when using a rotary cutter. They feature a non-slip base and markings in inches and centimetres.
Quilting Ruler Handle
Fitted with suction cups, these economical handles grip your quilting ruler, allowing you to keep your fingers out of the way when cutting fabric. The handles are also helpful for anyone with conditions such as arthritis.
Prioritising safety when using a rotary cutter ensures your quilting experience is enjoyable and risk-free. Adopting safe handling, maintenance, and storage practices not only minimises accidents but also helps prolong the life of your rotary cutter.