rotary cutter

To make sure we always provide the latest information, this page was last updated on 1 July 2020

Best rotary cutter

When embarking on a sewing project, we often need to cut the pieces of fabric that we will use. This article is about a tool that can help with this, ensuring precise cutting and the avoidance of frayed edges.

Table of contents:

  • Information about what a rotary cutter is and who would most benefit from one
  • The features you should look for when making your purchase
  • The cost of the options available
  • A comparison of rotary cutting tools and scissors
  • A buying guide discussing the fifteen best rotary cutters and their features

What is a rotary cutter?

It is a hand-held tool with a rotating circular blade that is used to cut fabric. The shape is similar to a pizza wheel cutter. It is often used by quilters. 

Table of Contents

Our Number 1, and best rated, rotary cutter

NICAPA 45mm Rotary Cutter

Why we rate this the best rotary cutter

  • This is a very safe rotary cutter. There is a safety shield which retracts the rotary cutter blades for safe storage.

  • The rotary cutter has an ergonomic handle design which reduces joint and hand fatigue. This means that you will be able to use it comfortably for longer stretches of time.

  • These rotary cutters are multipurpose: they are suitable for a range of crafts. They are rotary cutters for quilting, scrapbooking.

  • It is a 45mm rotary cutter. The 45mm stainless steel blade can cut through multiple layers and the cutter comes with five replacement blades for maximum durability.

  • Capable of cutting through multiple layers of paper, felt and vinyl at once, this would make a practical addition to your toolbox.

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This is rated our best value for money rotary cutter

AGPtEK Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • Reviews for this rotary cutter declare that it can’t be beaten and that it is excellent value for money.

  • While some rotary cutters ensure safety through blade retraction, this one has a simple safety button with a push button lock, which makes cutting safe even for children if they are supervised.

  • Blade replacement is often a major concern as a rotary cutter blade can dull over time. This cutter comes with seven additional rotary blades, some for straight lines and a few for curved lines.

  • The model includes a comfort grip handle so that you can avoid wrist pain when cutting.

  • This is an excellent tool to keep by your sewing machine as it suits projects involving leather and multiple layers of fabric.

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The best of the rest

OLFA RTY-1/C Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • If you’re looking for a stylish rotary cutter, this Olfa product certainly stands out because of its bright yellow colour.

  • The rotary cutter arrives with a blade guard to guarantee your safety when it’s not in use. 

  • This Olfa model cuts through multiple layers of fabric and the manufacturers have designed it so that right handed and left handed users are able to cut with it. 

  • The cutter is sharp enough to cut through multiple layers of fabric without users having to apply too much pressure.

  • If you’d like a second opinion, reviewers cite its versatility and convenience when it comes to smaller cutting projects.

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OLFA Rotary Cutter RTY-2/G

What you need to know

  • This Olfa rotary cutter is perhaps the best rotary cutter for cutting large pattern pieces from fabric.

  • Reviewers suggest that this is the best of the olfa rotary cutters for quilting. It has a larger wheel size for making straight cuts in many materials of different thicknesses without drag.

  • The safety shield is easy to use which means that a person has a lower risk of blade injuries.

  • If home decor is a consideration for you, this cutter is perfectly able to cut off excess wallpaper with snagging or tearing it.

  • Beginners will love this cutter if they would prefer not to spend too much money. The price is reasonable so it is not too big of an investment.

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Pink Rotary Cutter Set

What you need to know

  • This rotary cutter has a simple safety lock which prevents the handle from being pressed when the cutter is not in use.

  • Its high quality steel blades ensure that multiple layers can be cut at once.

  •  Right and left handed users will be able to cut with this rotary cutter. For left handed users, you can install a left handed blade by assembling the blade on the other side.

  • You can cut up to six layered pieces of fabric at a time with this cutter.

  • The handle of this cutter is shaped like a trigger. It will only work when you press on the trigger, making it very safe.

  • This product comes with a free cutting mat so it is among the best options if you are also looking for cutting accessories.

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Martelli Ergo 2000 Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • It is a formidable cutting tool. The sharp blade can cut 15 layers of fabric in one go.

  • The contoured grip is designed to provide a comfortable user experience.

  • This rotary cutter fits into the natural position of your hand. It is perfect for people with arthritis or hand fatigue.

  • This rotary cutter is for right handed users.

  • If you are looking for a right and left rotary blade, the company also sells a fabric cutter roller with a left handed blade.

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Fiskars Crafts Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • These rotary cutters come equipped with a 65mm blade.

  • They are among the best rotary cutters on the market if a number of users will share the rotary cutter. You have the option of using it if you are right handed or left handed; both kinds of customer will be able to cut with it once it has been assembled correctly.

  • This rotary cutter powers through multiple layers of thick fabrics.

  •  There is a dual action sliding button so that the blade retracts for safe storage.

  • The product is easy to use, suiting a range of customers from experienced seamstresses to anyone with limited cutting experience.

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OLFA RTY-2/C Splash Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • If customers have a preference for an attractive rotary cutter, this Olfa product certainly stands out because of its aqua shade.

  • Reviewers appreciate the product’s accuracy, efficiency, and ability to cope with medium to heavy duty projects.

  • This is the best rotary cutter if you’d like to be able to change the blade quickly. The blade is also very sharp.

  • They have contoured handles, relieving pressure on your hands and fingers.

  • If having a safety mechanism is important to you, the Olfa blade comes with a safety cover.

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AGPTEK 45mm Rotary Cutter Set

What you need to know

  • This 45mm deluxe rotary cutter is the best rotary cutting tool for cutting foam.

  • The kit includes 8 replacement cutter blades for a range of tasks.

  • These products include safety features known as safety latches which lock the blade away when it is not in use.

  • These models work well with just about any cutter fabric including paper and leather.

  • One of the main benefits of this rotary knife is that the handles are ergonomically designed.

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Fiskars Quilting Set

What you need to know

  • These Rotary cutters for fabric allow you to make controlled, freehand cuts through multiple layers of fabric.

  • The rotary blade cutters are versatile and are 28mm long which is a less common size.

  • Customers make the recommendation that the blade is ideal for cutting pattern pieces.

  • If you are a beginner that has been looking for a comprehensive quilting set, this is the perfect solution.

  • This set as a whole costs as much as many of the best rotary cutters when they are purchased alone.

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Lhedon Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • This is the best rotary cutter when it comes to having steel blades that are long-lasting.

  • If you have any concerns about safety, the fabric rotary cutter includes a dual action safety lock.

  • Its best rotary cutter blade is sharp and durable.

  • The blade is quick and easy to replace.

  • Users offer some clear advice: take advantage of these reasonably priced, comfortable models.

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Fahung Rotor Cutter

What you need to know

  • The cutter blade is able to go through more than one layer of fabric.

  • It comes with two extra blades which are not hard to replace.

  • It is the best fabric roller because the blade goes through layers of fabric and also a range of quality fabrics including vinyl, felt and netting.

  • If you know someone that enjoys crafting, this would be one of your best choices for a gift.

  • The product makes cutting a fast, efficient process.

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Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • The rotary fabric cutter blade is able to go through six pieces of fabric at once. 

  • If you’d like to cut pieces with different designs and lines, this cutter accommodates scalloped, wave and pinking edges.

  • The cutter is suitable for left and right handed usage.

  • It has an ergonomic handle for optimal comfort.

  • When the blade starts to lose its sharpness, it can be changed very easily.

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Fiskars Classic Rotary Cutter

What you need to know

  • multiple pieces of fabric. 

  • Cutting fabric is very easy with this product thanks to its looped handle.

  • The curved handle improves your control, allowing you to cut material of different shapes and sizes with ease.

  • It comes with a lifetime warranty, so will suit your long-term needs.

  • These tools have been praised for their ergonomic shape and safe storage.

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Who would use a rotary cutter?

They can be used for almost any craft or sewing project that requires a sharp blade. They were originally designed for garment makers but were quickly adopted by quilters.

They don’t have to be used on wearable fabrics, we can also cut paper, vinyl and bin liners with one.

What features to look for when buying rotary cutters?

Blade type

Depending on the sewing or craft project you are embarking on, you should make sure that the blade accommodates the fabric you are using. Product descriptions will also specify how many layers of fabric the blade can cut through at one time.

Right handed rotary

 If both right handed and left handed people are going to be using the tool, you should make sure that your choice accommodates left handed users. Some rotary tools allow you to change which side the wheel is on so that they can accommodate any user.

Action safety lock

As its name would suggest, a dual action safety lock has the purpose of guaranteeing the safety of rotary cutters. They are reinforced locks which help protect children from being injured.

Blades usually protrude when cutters are unlocked and retract once they are locked.

What does a cheap rotary fabric cutter cost?

If you would like to buy a new fabric roller cutter but you have a budget to keep to, there is some good news for you. Rotary fabric cutters can be very reasonably priced.

The cheapest offers on the internet come in at under $10.

What does the best rotary cutter cost?

The best rotary cutter according to online reviews is not much more expensive than a cheap rotary fabric tool. It costs around 50 dollars.

If you are looking for not just the best rotary cutters but the best rotary cutting set (complete with additional blades and a mat etc.), you might have to part with a little more of your money. Those offers tend to be between 25 and 50 dollars.

Is a rotary cutter better than scissors?

Rotary cutters are a fantastic choice if you need to cut a lot of straight lines. They are able to do this faster than scissors.

If you would like to cut curves, you need to choose a model that can be easily maneuvered. If you are only making tiny detailed cuts, scissors might be preferable.

A useful video for you

Want to learn more? Well here is a useful video that provides you with more useful information when looking to make a purchase.

About the author

Helen Curran

Helen Curran

Helen has a passion for writing and published her first book when she was only 15 years old. Alongside her passion for writing she loves arts and crafts and spends much of her free time imagining things to make to make her home cost and beautiful. Helen loves combining her love of writing and crafts by writing reviews and helpful articles on topics related to sewing and knitting.

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