The Sewing Place
Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: sharon on March 11, 2021, 15:30:03 PM
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Hi,
I am just starting out and want to make an adjustable apron example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diy7Ko81WYU
Can anyone confirm is this a good cutting mat
https://www.amazon.co.uk/XNM-Creations-Premium-Construction-Imperial/dp/B07JK9Q7DM/ref=asc_df_B07JK9Q7DM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=499353437190&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3028380761081595267&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006565&hvtargid=pla-609814163664&psc=1
And this for a rotary cutter
https://www.amazon.co.uk/WADEO-Titanium-Replacement-Supplies-Accessories/dp/B07KSQXYSV/ref=sr_1_27?adgrpid=117287439266&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7YyCBhD_ARIsALkj54rZLAmSD-N0fUPT9-kOGPpVfWQZsK-fSaxNkioG7ozSexnUj_etQd0aAtixEALw_wcB&hvadid=498384958772&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006565&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=16359451170639703952&hvtargid=kwd-299919775088&hydadcr=18508_1816611&keywords=45mm+rotary+cutters&qid=1615027047&s=kitchen&sr=1-27
I am not sure how much material to buy. I want to make my apron from Denim, please can you send me a link to suggested denim material?
Thank you so much, appreciate your help. I am in the UK.
Sharon
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There is no need for a cutting mat and rotary cutter... just invest in a really good pair of scissors.
I do use a cutting mat and rotary cutter for patch work but I’m old school and use scissors for everything else.
If you do go down the rotary cutter/mat route then get the biggest mat you can... usually an A0 or you will be forever shifting your fabric around.
New fangled isn’t always better... but then I’m an old *art!
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The rotary cutter is identical to the cheapie I just bought though supposedly a different brand. For the price I was pleasantly surprised. It's fine. Never heard of that mat company.
Effie is right, I'd go for a decent pair of scissors/shears. I got a set of 3 last year at Aldi that is much better quality than the price I paid. Only cut fabric. I'd also get an 18" to 24" ruler. If you go the rotary cutter route you'll need a plastic quilter's one to keep your cuts straight. With scissors it is handy for drawing a straight line to cut along so you can use a good condition wooden yardstick or a metal one.
To start you don't need fancy specialist tools. Scissors, pins, sewing machine in good working order, thread, fabric and pattern would be helpful. Everything else is luxury and can be added as you go along and build your skill as well as your interest in sewing.
No advice on denim. I'm in North America.
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Not sure why I'm replying as I'm not a fan of rotary cutters - too much pressure for a consistent cut with lycra, which outside of the era of covid I've cut for many miles.
Like Efemera I rely on scissors, am a great believer in quality and have some pricey pairs but it's ever so nice when quality can be found without a heavyweight price. If I could only have one pair of cutting out scissors it would be my Kai Xact micro-serrated 21cm shears (amazingly under £20 from William Gee, Jaycotts, Weaver Dee and ebay shops). Perfect for wovens, knits and the most slippery shifty stuff too and I feel they would make easier work of denim than a rotary cutter too.
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What a cheek too (https://photos.app.goo.gl/dNU9mLRq2oU9uvoG9)
Click on the first pic to bring it up full screen, then on the i icon (top right of your screen on a laptop) to bring up the details to the right of the picture
But for lightside work you dont generally require RCs and mats ... but you might fancy a walk on the Darkside !! :devil:
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A rotary cutter is not actually an easy tool to use. As for a cutting mat, you don't need it.
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Shears for me too. Don’t understand using rotary cutters for garments. I can see there would be some shift going on and that would never do for me. Safer too!
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A rotary cutter is not actually an easy tool to use. As for a cutting mat, you don't need it.
If you use a rotary cutter you DO need a cutting mat - unless you want marks all over your table!
I'm another who uses a rotary cutter for patchwork and the occasional straight strip of binding, but for general sewing I prefer scissors and can confirm that these are excellent, and not expensive.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galadim-Dressmaking-Scissors-Dressmaker-GD-003-C-1/dp/B08B567SS1/ref=sr_1_6?crid=23PIZKQVGQ7OI&dchild=1&keywords=fabric+shears+dressmaking&qid=1615551159&sprefix=fabric+shears%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-6 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galadim-Dressmaking-Scissors-Dressmaker-GD-003-C-1/dp/B08B567SS1/ref=sr_1_6?crid=23PIZKQVGQ7OI&dchild=1&keywords=fabric+shears+dressmaking&qid=1615551159&sprefix=fabric+shears%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-6)
You will also need a smaller pair of scissers. Kai, Gingher and Ernest Wright are the best brands but cost £££, followed by Fiskars. Whatever you buy keep them for fabric only and never use them for paper or anything else.
I've never heard of Wadeo brand cutters, and you are unlikely to need the fancy blades, just the plain ones - but buy decent replacement blades; Olfa or Fiskars.
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unless you want marks all over your table!
It depends on the condition of your table, but I take your point that rotary cutters are normally used in conjunction with a cutting mat.
I was perhaps being a little too direct in my response to the OP who seems to be talking about clothes making.
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Shears for me too. Don’t understand using rotary cutters for garments. I can see there would be some shift going on and that would never do for me. Safer too!
@Ohsewsimple absolutely zero shift in the layers of fabric using a rotary cutter. Lots of shift using shears. Quilters can cut multiple layers of identical pieces using a rotary cutter.
I found the rotary cutter very easy to adapt to. A mat is essential. Without one you both destroy the table you're cutting on and rapidly dull the blade. I prefer one for garment cutting for all but the tight corners. They come in many sizes so it's easy to get the best size for a particular need.
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@Ohsewsimple absolutely zero shift in the layers of fabric using a rotary cutter. Lots of shift using shears. Quilters can cut multiple layers of identical pieces using a rotary cutter.
Not the way I cut! ;)
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Not the way I cut! ;)
You know this could be taken in two differrent ways... ;) :laughing:
WD