Edie

Mom taught me everything I know and she told me that when I get ready to cut, line the blade with the edge of the ruler and tilt the cutter just a tish. It holds the fabric and the blade in place and you aren't hitting the ruler (dulling the blade) and you are also protecting those busy little fingers. I change blades when I FEEL it is time to. (You generally can tell). I have a sharpener and I turn the blade (which I learned from you) and I manage to use the blade for quite a while. Edie

Pegleg

Just be sure to change blades out when you are having to push down harder to get them to work. This is the time when nasty accidents happen and a trip to the emergency room is in order. I'd much rather change a blade out for $5 than waste all that fabric money on medical bills. The pain and suffering are not worth it.
We all tend to try to save money these days. But we waste time and money when we don't take the time to change things like rotary cutter blades and putting a new needle in every 6-8 hours of sewing.












b

illinois

I had the same trouble with mine. I finally bought a new cutter and am amazed at how easily it cuts without pressure! Don't know if cutters can go bad but I'm sure pleased that I replaced that one.

quilt3311

You may have nicked the blade on the ruler. I've already put in a new blade and accidentally ran the blade over the edge of the ruler and nicked it. That happens if you have a pin in the fabric somewhere and run over it. Guess who has done that before?? That would be me.
I use the Martelli cutter and since switching to that have no trouble getting off, when I cut. Also you might try getting one of those handles that clamp down on the ruler, mine is actually a suction type one that I got at the hardware store, they are supposed to be put on a shower wall to give a hand hold there. It helps to keep the pressure consistent on the ruler. Hope that helps.

quiltbuddy

I seem to have trouble with the small blades when I have to go around small templates.

hheelleenn

You know, after I bought more refills for mine I thought the same thing. I feel like I replace it almost with every new quilt and by time I finish it's skipping etc. I've thought I'd try the sharpener but then someone mentioned a "Martelli cutter" Anyone use one? Is there really a difference?

Daisydoodle

It helps to keep the same pressure on cutting and I find that standing up to cut gives more even cutting. Also invested in a blade sharpener from one of the online shops, think is was Clotilde. Do sharpen my blades after several cutting sessions. Keeping the blade retracted also prevents nicks that will cause the blade to skip.

hheelleenn

Well, I can't stand. I'm in a wheelchair. Might try the sharpener though. Do you have a sharpener for every size or just the most used?

fireworkslover

If you are having trouble with it skipping, I would change the blade. Skipped cuts is more frustrating than anything. Several teachers have said to put in a new blade with every project. That might be a bit often, in my book, but when I start having trouble, I just change the blade. It also depends on how much cutting you're doing, with that blade, as to how long they last. Are you bumping into the edge of the ruler when you start or going over a pin - OOH horrors! ?

fireworkslover

I've switched to using a Martelli for just about all my cutting, unless I'm going thru many layers, then use my 60mm Olfa. I just prefer the different way to hold it, makes it easier on my hand. I do a lot of strip paper piecing , so I'm cutting when I'm sitting and the Martelli works so well, when I'm in that position.