As quilters, we cut a lot of fabric. As such, it can feel like a hunt to find the best rotary cutters. Life just feels a little easier when you have a rotary cutter that gets it all done — precise cuts, a comfortable handle, sharp blade. When that’s not the case, a lot of time and energy can be wasted when using a dull or uncomfortable rotary blade.

In this post, I am reviewing different types of rotary cutters and I have rounded up the best rotary fabric cutters on the market today. My recommendations are based on my own experience and Amazon customer reviews. I am also going into the different brands, different materials, and different blade sizes to help you decide what rotary cutter is best for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Video Review

What is a rotary cutter?

A rotary cutter is a cutting tool used for cutting layers of fabric. At its most basic, it is made up of a circular blade contained within a handle; picture a miniature pizza cutter. Rotary cutters are a quilter’s best friend. It allows you to cut multiple fabric pieces at once with less effort and more precision. If you don’t already have one, a rotary cutter is a great investment. A high quality rotary cutter can last a long time, so it’s wise to choose the best option for your needs.

Most Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Rotary Cutter

Blade Diameter

Blade size is measured in millimeters (mm blade). The most common sizes for quilters are 28mm, 45mm, and 60mm. Smaller blades are best for tight curves and detailed cuts. While 45mm blades are a great all-purpose blade. Larger cutters, like the 60mm blade, are best for cutting thick material and batting, but there is less maneuverability and they are best for straight cuts only.

Blade Material

The type of blade you choose depends on the materials you will be cutting and how often you anticipate to be cutting fabric. Stainless steel blades are the most common and the least expensive rotary blades. However, they tend to become dull more quickly than titanium or tungsten steel blades. Titanium-coated blades are stronger and will last longer than stainless steel. Whereas tungsten steel is more expensive, it is one of the hardest materials on earth, meaning your rotary blade will last significantly longer compared to your standard stainless steel blades. Sharp blades require less pressure when cutting and have a longer life, which means less time spent replacing dull blades.

Safety Features

When it comes to rotary blades, safety is of utmost importance. Almost all rotary cutters will have a retractable blade guard with thumb control. Additional features like a dual-action safety lock are a great choice for those wanting extra safety. A trigger handle is the easiest to use and automatically retracts when it’s let go, so no more forgetting sharp rotary blades left out.

Blade Handle

Stick handles are the most common and most basic kind of rotary cutter. These are great for beginners and those that don’t do excessive amounts of fabric cutting. I used the Fiskars 45mm Classic Stick Rotary Cutter for several years with no trouble. However, if you suffer from discomforts like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, then a rotary cutter with an ergonomic handle will be a better choice. Ergonomic handles also provide better control and reduce hand fatigue.

Blade Accessories

For an extra cost, some fantastic accessories can be purchased for your rotary cutter. Some rotary cutters have optional accessories like zipper cases, lights, and specialty blades. Clover is a brand that has many of these types of rotary blade accessories. If this is something you require for your quilting and sewing needs, then be sure to check them out.

Left-Handed or Right-Handed

All of the rotary cutters recommended in this post are suitable for either left- or right-handed users, however for left-handed users that are considering rotary cutters that are not listed here, be sure to check for left-handed options. Typically it is just a matter of unscrewing the blade and blade cover and flipping it to the left side of the handle.

Ease of Use

A good rotary cutter should be easy to use without any clunky or awkward mechanisms. It should be like an extension of your hand.

Best 28mm Rotary Cutters

OLFA Quick-Change Rotary Cutter, 28mm

• 28mm Tungsten Steel Blade
• contoured handle for comfortable cutting
• integrated finger grooves to prevent finger slippage
• Quick-change blade system
• Built-in, easy-to-use blade guard for safety
• The small rotary blade is best for detailed and precise cutting
• Accommodates both left- and right-handed quilters
• With over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.8 stars.

Fiskars Stick Rotary Cutter, 28mm

• 28mm Stainless Steel Blade
• Quick-change blade system
• The sliding button extends the blade cover for safety
• Best for detailed and precise cutting
• Accommodates both left- and right-handed quilters
• With over 1,200 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.7 stars.

Clover Rotary Cutter, 28mm

• 28mm Stainless Steel Blade
• The beveled edge allows it to be used either standing or sitting
• Soft-cushioned handle
• The sliding button retracts and extends the blade cover for safety
• Can be assembled for either left- or right-handed quilters
• With over 600 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.6 stars.

Best 45mm Rotary Cutters

OLFA Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, 45mm

• 45mm Tungsten Steel (Endurance) Blade
• The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue
• The squeeze trigger handle exposes the blade during use and automatically retracts when not in use. In my opinion, this is the best feature.
• The dual-action safety lock allows the blade to be locked while open or closed
• Simple and safe blade changes
• Can be adjusted for both right- and left-handed quilters
• Can be used with Olfa’s pinking, scalloped, and wave rotary blades
• With over 8,800 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.7 stars.

Martelli Ergo 2000 Rotary Cutter, 45 mm – Right Hand

• 45mm Stainless Steel Blade
• Cutter fits into the natural position of your hand for superb maneuverability and reduced stress on hand and wrist
• With over 3,200 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.6 stars.

Fiskars Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter, 45mm

• 45mm Stainless Steel Blade
• The ergonomic loop handle provides both comfort and control
• Can be assembled for use for either right- or left-handed quilters
• The sliding button extends the blade during use and retracts it for safe storage
• Blades are quick and easy to replace
• With over 19,900 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.6 stars.

Fiskars Trigger Rotary Cutter, 45mm

• 45 mm Stainless Steel Blade
• The ergonomic handle provides both comfort and control
• Can be assembled for use for either right- or left-handed quilters
• The trigger handle ensures safe use. After release, the blade is automatically retracted.
• Adjustable blade position
• With over 7,400 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.6 stars.

Best 60mm Rotary Cutters

OLFA Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, 60mm

• 60mm Tungsten Steel Blade
• The curved handle with an anti-slip rubber grip reduces hand fatigue
• The squeeze trigger handle exposes the blade during use and automatically retracts when not in use
• The dual-action safety lock allows the blade to be locked while open or closed
• Simple and safe blade changes
• Can be assembled for either left- or right-handed use
• Cuts up to 12 layers of cotton fabric
• With over 2,100 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.8 stars.

OLFA Straight Handle Rotary Cutter, 60mm

• 60mm Tungsten Steel Blade
• Durable straight handle
• Retractable blade cover for safety
• Integrated grooves prevent finger slippage
• Cuts up to 12 layers of cotton fabric
• Designed for both left- and right-handed quilters
• With over 1,700 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.8 stars.

Fiskars Titanium Rotary Cutter, 60mm

• 60mm Titanium Blade
• The ergonomic loop handle provides both comfort and control
• Can be assembled for use for either right- or left-handed quilters
• The sliding button extends the blade during use and retracts it for safe storage
• Quick and easy blade changes
• With over 7,400 reviews on Amazon, this rotary cutter has a rating of 4.6 stars.

How to Use a Rotary Cutter

For best results, your rotary cutter should be used with a self-healing cutting mat. It should never be used on a hard surface, as the cutting blade can damage the surface or the blade can become dulled or damaged. Rotary cutters are typically used with acrylic rulers. Be sure to keep your fingers clear from the edge of the ruler when cutting with a rotary cutter. This is the most common way that fingers get cut.

Replacement Blades

Replacing rotary blades that be a little bit intimidating the first time you have to put a new blade in your rotary cutter. The safest way to change your blade is to turn the rotary cutter so the blade is facing down. Unscrew the mechanism holding the blade on the handle and let the blade fall to the table or cutting made. When putting the new blade back into the rotary cutter, go slow, and be careful not to touch the sharp edge. Rotary blade cuts are no joke.

Replace your blades often. Some rotary blades will dull slowly and can go unnoticed. It’s not until you realize how much pressure you are using to make a cut that you will remember to change your blade. That’s why it’s always good to have extra blades on hand. A sharp rotary cutter blade will make clean cuts and leave you much less fatigued.

Old blades can be repurposed for other crafts or for cutting a paper sewing pattern.

Additional Blades

Many rotary cutters have the option of purchasing additional blades depending on your sewing projects and craft projects. OLFA sells 45mm blades for pinking, wave, and scallop cuts. Fiskers also sells 45mm blades for either pinking or perforating.