Quilt in a Day Forums

Does anyone have any ideas about a comfortable rotary cutter? I use the 45 mm Olfa but I am starting to get some arthritis and problems with my wrists. I have the ergonomics model, but still have pain if I do a lot of cutting. I know there are a lot of good brands out there. Any advice?

Many who have arthritis problems use the Accu-cutter with the dies. Cuts the fabric without the pain of using a rotary cutter. My favorite rotary cutter is the smaller olfa 28mm - cuts very nicely for me - the bigger one just seems clumsy to me. I have used both and really like the smaller one.

I use a Gingher rotary cutter. I find it to fit my hand well and the blades seem to stay sharp longer than other brands.

Mostly I use an Olfa cutter. Couldn't ever get used to the Martelli one, though I know several quilters who love them. Gave mine away to a forum friend a couple of years ago. I do recommend changing blades pretty often - easier on your wrist and on the mat!

i use a Martelli i love it. i broke my wrist and was having trouble using my regular one. and the teacher at our quilting class gave me it to use and i love it and of course my mom bought it for me so we could quilt together i do like it a lot mine is 45 mm.

I alternate between my Martelli and my Gingher. Like them both. If you haven't seen the Martelli, it's a different animal. It's more like it has a handle that you hold from a different angle. Really rests the wrist. But sometimes I find the blade wobbles. I generally chalk that up to operator error, though.

I use a Martelli. The trick for cutting using this one is to put your index finger up on the top over the blade protector while cutting. I think the instructions tell you this but not everyone reads the instructions. I saw it demonstrated at the Houston quilt show and the guy stressed your index finger placement. Anyway, with this cutter you don't have to twist your wrist at all - it marvelous. No, I don't own stock in Martelli.

Has anyone tried the therapy gloves? I found them in the clotilde catalog and wonder if they are worth the purchase. I also have arthritis and cutting, especially, is rough on my fingers, wrists and elbows. About the only thing that I've found that works is to take a break every 15minutes or so and then go back to it. Also helps to take anti-inflammatory meds.(ask your dr. first) BEFORE you start cutting or sitting at the machine for long periods. Don't wait till you're already hurting, the meds. don't work as well under those circumstances. Can you guess that I'm a retired nurse? Yeah, i know.... Once a nurse, always a nurse!