Rotary fabric cutter

Sorry OLFA

Rotary cutters are not ideal for curves. I wouldn't use one, I would use scissors (or the dressmakers shears I crave). What they are brilliant for is cutting straight lines very quickly and often through more than one layer - depending on the thickness of the fabric.

Rotary cutters can be quite dangerous so you should ensure you are always cutting away from yourself. You can get a much better straight edge with them as you can use them against the right type of ruler.

For paper cutting this may be different but I think that, unless it was a shallow curve, I would still use scissors for these. I think the reason dies are so popular is because curves are difficult. Practice make everything improve of course.

Gracesgran thanks for that I have an excellent pair of Fiskars shears but liked the idea wizzing round with the cutter. After watching the Sewing Bee and noted they used weights instead of pins to keep the pattern in place, my DH sorted out an unused socket set so I know have my free of charge weights and fancied the cutter.

I bought cheap ones from Hobbycraft- they are fine when I’m cutting patchwork pieces but I do go back to my reliable scissors for dressmaking. I think I’ll try more expensive ones next time - they seemed to work marvellously in the Sewing Bee!

Yes I use such a cutter for patchwork too, and find it best when guided by a ruler, probably because you can then apply a more even pressure.

I have a couple of rotary cutters - one 45mm and one 28mm. I use them all the time for dressmaking. I use the smaller one on curves and have no trouble at all, except the very tight ones.
Olfa is a very good brand and I’m surprised that you have problems with it skipping. Perhaps the problem lies with your cutting mat, as they don’t last indefinitely, and I had to replace mine a year ago when the cutter started skipping.

Meant to say, my 45mm is an Olfa - can’t remember the make of the other one (not at home at the moment)

As others have said they are best used for straight lines and with a ruler made for the job. I find it best to stand up when using it and putting a certain amount of pressure over the cutter. I don't use it for curves.
A patchwork group or shop will be able to show you how to use these brilliant bits of equipment.

I belong to several sewing groups online and, at least on a couple of them, I think it would be fair to say that the majority of sewers use rotary cutters for cutting out dress patterns - curves and all. They are most definitely not only for cutting straight lines.

Different people make different choices Bathsheba. I was only putting forward mine not suggesting everyone should abide by them.

No, me neither, GG, I was just wanting people who may be a little wary of using them to know that they can be used for dressmaking. After only a little practice I’m confident most users would be pleased they persevered, as they can considerably speed up the process of cutting out patterns.

Why the need to speed up the patern cutting?
Shears are fine.
I've no doubt so are rotary cutters, although never used in tailoring or professional dressmaking.
Use whatever you get on with in the home dressmaking realm.
We don't all buy the same cornflakes.

although never used in tailoring or professional dressmaking.
How do you know that gmelon? I know, through various online sewing and dressmaking groups, a number of people who are professional dressmakers and use rotary cutters for both speed and accuracy.

I bought one and found it useless.