Prism99

I also think a Go! or Go Baby! would be a good idea. I think 8yo is too young for any kind of rotary cutter work.

Pollytink

What about making or buying plastic templates for whatever shapes she needs to cut and just using a pencil or some kind of marker or even a pen to draw around the template and then she can cut it out using scissors and have it come out well. Doing this even for strips or bigger cuts. The drawn lines will be at the edge of the seam allowance so won't show. You can use template plastic or have some cut at the hardware store from acrylic.....or even use heavier cardboard like the back of tablets. A good, sharp pair of scissors her size would be important too. The Go etc. cutters sound nice but are expensive. Wonderful that she's getting started so young and loves it!!! Go Grandma!!!

ManiacQuilter2

I agree! There is plenty of time for her to grow into using a rotary cutter. Let her concentrate on sewing a straight 1/4" seam.

hybearn8er

If she is just making little gifts why not just gift her with jelly rolls or 5 inch squares or layer cakes then she only cuts a little piece instead of trying to cut a bunch of fabric and as someone suggested she could mark on them before cutting.

stashmaker

Thank you all for your advice. It really did help. Don't know why I didn't think about precuts (duh ) Think we'll go with some charm squares, fat quarters, a small square template, a ruler and a pencil for a few more years. She was given scissors for her birthday. Thanks again and happy holidays to you all.

Dolphyngyrl

everything is dependent on the child. At this point it will probably be high school for mine, not cautious at all

SimpsonFrances

I would not recommend a rotary cutter at 8 years old. The Go products might be a little difficult for her to turn. Try her out on one before purchasing. In the meantime, precuts and grandma's help cutting out the pieces is probably the best advice. This is going to bring her wonderful memories!

joyce888

I believe it's an Olfa rotary cutter that has a button on the side to lock the blade and will only cut when the handles are squeezed together. They also make a ruler that has a guide for the cutter to glide along. That said my LQS warned me against letting my DGD use a rotary cutter when she was 10.

Retired Fire Chief

I would get her the June Tailor rulers with the cutting slots so she can get straight cuts. Hope she keeps it up, isn't it wonderful she is so interested in sewing! She may grow up to be a top designer!

Sew Freak

this works great, I have one and use it all the time, talking about the ruler cutter combo