I spent some time over the weekend trying to find the Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter I bought in 2014, but was completely unable to find it. Where do rotary cutters go to die? At any rate, I had to purchase a new one since my hand is still hurting me.
Here is a tip that may be useful to some of you who might want to purchase one of these RTY-2/DX model Olfa rotary cutters: the prices are all over the place. Olfa lists them for $34.99. Fat Quarter Shop has them for $30.99. Amazon has them for $17.99. You can probably guess which one I opted to buy.
The good news is, it cuts like "buttah" and is very easy to use. The only trimming I did was to trim down the seam allowance on my paper pieced square in a square units. The final trimming I can do when my thumb isn't so sore.
Part of my problem when using the regular cutter was pressing too hard, and the other thing was the repetitive motion of using my thumb over and over to open and close the blade. I am a stickler for closing it each time and that has taken a toll on my thumb muscle.
I figured that maybe I couldn't trim much, but I could still sew and work on getting these block units done. I worked on the square and square units, and the flying geese units.
I got through quite a few units and once my hand isn't so sore I will get them trimmed up and made into blocks. For now, I am stashing the components for each block into a little sandwich baggie.
And I have a whole project box full of baggies!
I actually won't have to make all the blocks because the center medallion I made of the little vampire ghost and witch will replace a bunch of them. All in all, I am getting there!
I will be glad to wrap this project up, because I am very tempted to start something new…
You know how that goes!
13 Responses
I use the Martelli rotary cutter to help with my arthritis and carpal tunnel issues. It might help you since you use your index finger to close it. You put the handle under your palm and push with your hand instead of your fingers.
I have been using your new OLFA for years; I inherited from my mom and I agree it’s less work. I have the ergonomic one Marti Michell makes also- expensive and not as user friendly and I’m not sure if it helps any.
Sorry to hear about your hand issues! I hurt my thumb using regular scissors to cut a rag quilt. Ouch! Good for thought just finding another way to move ahead! Your quilt is looking lovely!
I’ve used the Olfa trigger grip cutter for years. I never went back to the thumb lock style because I loved it so much. Have both the 45mm and 60 mm.
Sorry to hear about your hand. I have been using a Dritz self-closing cutter for over 30 years. Love it, hope it out lasts me!! Carol L
I’ve used that Olfa rotary cutter exclusively since I started quilting. The ‘straight’ type made me feel uncoordinated & ‘wobbly’ when I’ve tried those. Don’t over-do, but I’m glad you found a work-around until your thumb muscle recovers.
I’m sorry to hear about your hand pain. I hope the new ergo cutter helps. Your Halloween cute is so much fun and I can’t wait to see the quilt you’re making with Christmas Figs – nobody does reds and greens like Fig Tree!
I’m so glad that you figured out a way to keep on quilting despite this challenge!
Just got my copy of Halloween Memories, and the Hey Boo panel is in hand! So happy to see you are able to sew a little, and excited for Christmas Figs! Xox
Sorry to hear about the pain you are dealing with. Hopefully immobilizing it and some anti-inflammatory medication helps. Repetitive motion injuries are no joke. I’ve never used one of the ergonomic rotary cutters, they look awkward to me. Changing my blade more frequently is what I need to do. I use my blade far too long until I’m pushing so hard to cut that I’m making grooves in my mat. Hope rest will help. The Halloween quilt is going to be super cute!
I have to say I agree with Sandra. Changing my blade has helped immensely to relieve the pressure on my whole hand and arm. Why do I wait so long? They aren’t that expensive.
I have to say I agree with Sandra. Changing my blade has helped immensely to relieve the pressure on my whole hand and arm. Why do I wait so long? They aren’t that expensive.
I switched to this style of rotary cutter early in my quilting days because I kept nicking myself with the other style-I’d forget to close the blade and brush my hand against it. I like how this one automatically closes even if I don’t like it. I hope your hand woes improve soon!