Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Rotary cutter blades a rip off?

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After buying this carpet cutter at my local Harbor Freight, I feel like Lee in that Swiffer commercial who exclaimed, “I’ve been living in a fool’s paradise.” Notice the product description says, “Ideal for Cutting Carpets or Quilts“. Right now, if you visit Jo-Ann Fabrics online, they are selling 1 blade for $17.99.  Yes, it’s the top brand, an Olfa, but is the ‘better quality’ enough to justify the difference in price? I plan to find out. I’ll use these in my next project and let you know. If you have already used a carpet cutter to cut fabric, do share your thoughts with us. {Image uploaded by editor}

Are you looking for a way to make quilting and sewing projects easier? If so, a rotary cutter is the perfect tool for the job. A rotary cutter is a handheld tool used to quickly and easily cut through fabric, making it the perfect tool for quilting and sewing projects.

Rotary cutters are incredibly easy to use and provide a much more precise cut than scissors. Rotary cutters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect one for your project. They have a sharp blade that quickly and easily cuts through fabric, making it faster and easier than using scissors. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold and use, so you can get the job done quickly and easily.

Rotary cutters are also incredibly versatile. They can be used on a variety of materials, including cotton, flannel, fleece, and more. This makes them perfect for a variety of projects, from quilts to apparel. And because they are so easy to use, they are great for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

If you’re looking for a way to make quilting and sewing projects easier, then a rotary cutter is the perfect tool for the job. With its sharp blade and ergonomic handle, it makes it faster and easier to get the job done. And because it can be used on a variety of materials, it is perfect for any quilting and sewing projects. So, if you’re looking for a way to make your projects easier and more efficient, then a rotary cutter is the perfect tool for the job.

 

Comments

  1. I tried them and didn’t like them, they skipped. I never buy blades from Joann’s, too expensive. Have gotten great deals on ebay.

  2. I tried these, but found they were too dull right out of the package, so didn’t work well. Went back to the expensive ones.

  3. Yasmin, I am a novice so forgive the question, please. What is a set square that you get at the hardware store for $20, and what are the cord and chains for? Loved all of the other suggestions, especially about HF, but I was puzzled on this one. Thanks.

  4. I won’t use any oil on my sewing machine except for Tri Flo. all the others including “good sewing machine oils” I.e. expensive, gum up the sewing machine after a period of time. Ask me how I know! It cost me $120 to de-gum my Vintage Husqvarna Viking sewing machine that prior owners had used regular sewing machine oil on over the years. Tri-Flo won’t do that.

  5. Just wanted to say ,ask your dental person that cleans your teeth if she has any dental picks she doesn’t use anymore.I did and came home with about 16 for free.Shared with friends

  6. I have been using carpet cutter blades I buy at Harbor Freight for several years. I have never been disappointed with them. I gave some to my sister and now everyone in her 3 quilt groups are using them too.

  7. I have used these with good results most of the time. I got one package that wouldn’t cut butter though.

  8. Excellent tip! I find myself using dull blades as I hate spending so much money on them! Harbor Freight normally has coupons for a free item with a purchase too! I love that place!

  12. I have been using these carpet blades for a couple years now and have only come up with one blade that was a dud. Very happy with them and the money I save at Harbor. You need to remember too when you are looking at cutters and blades – some cutters have special cut outs or designs in the center that requires that you can only use their blade.

  15. I use them all the time. Every once in a while I get one not so sharp but that’s rare. And you get two in a package, not one!

  16. I have tried these, and I have been completely unsatisfied. I bought 3 packs because they were so cheap, and I was so excited to save a bit on blades. The first blade skipped, and I thought it might just be a dud, but hey that’s why I bought a coupe other packs and they’re cheap so no big deal. Guess what? The other blades all skipped too. You get what you pay for here. I keep buying mine from the local quilt shop…better to support the local shop and pay a little more than to go to the big box store and get duds.

  18. I discovered these early on in my quilting adventure and I like them. Yes every now and again I get a bad blade, but for the price, why not. I then use the dull ones for paper piecing. It got so bad that my local harbor freight stop carrying in the store. Nothing wrong with trying an off brand and lower price item. We all are different and like what we like. I will tell any quilter try something and if it don’t work at least you tried and you can’t turn your nose up at it. Especially with the blades costing so much and still going dull. Here is a post I did on them years ago http://allaboutmeandcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/central-forge-carpet-cutter-blades.html

Have you read?

Pumpkin Quilt Blocks for Fall Scrap Quilts

Autumn quilting always seems to start the same way in my sewing room. I pull out a few orange scraps, add some warm neutrals, and suddenly I’m sewing pumpkins.

Pumpkin blocks are one of those quilt designs that work beautifully for fall scrap quilts. They’re simple, cheerful, and easy to repeat across a quilt top. Even better, most pumpkin blocks are made from basic patchwork shapes, which means they’re perfect for using up leftover fabrics.

If you’ve been searching for pumpkin quilt block patterns, fall quilt blocks, or scrap-friendly pumpkin quilting ideas, these tutorials are a wonderful place to start. Many of them can easily be turned into table runners, wall quilts, mug rugs, or full autumn quilts just by repeating the block.

Free Pumpkin Quilt Block Tutorials

Mini Patchwork Pumpkin Block

The free patchwork pumpkin block from Lo & Behold Stitchery includes two sizes — a small 5.5-inch block and a larger 19-inch version. The smaller block is perfect for quick projects like coasters or mug rugs, while the larger one works beautifully as a pillow or mini quilt centerpiece. The construction uses simple patchwork pieces, making it ideal for beginners looking for an easy fall quilt block.

 

Simple Pumpkin Quilt Block

If you prefer classic patchwork blocks, the simple pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Burlap & Blossom Patterns is a great beginner project. The block can be sewn in multiple sizes including 6?, 12?, 18? and even a large 24? version, making it flexible for quilts, pillows, or seasonal wall hangings.

 

Scrappy Pumpkin Quilt Block

For quilters who love digging through their scrap bin, the scrappy pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Sarah Goer Quilts shows how to piece together orange fabric leftovers into charming pumpkin shapes. The scrappy style makes each block slightly different, which gives a fall quilt wonderful texture and personality.

 

Easy Pumpkin Quilt Block

The easy pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Create Whimsy uses only four fabrics and comes together surprisingly quickly. The step-by-step instructions make this a fantastic block for beginners, and the design works well when repeated to create a seasonal table runner or wall quilt.

 

Patchwork Pumpkin Block

The patchwork pumpkin quilt block featured on PatternPile is another scrap-friendly project that works beautifully with leftover autumn fabrics. The finished block measures roughly 13½ inches, which makes it a great centerpiece block for fall pillows or mini quilts.

 

Classic Pumpkin Quilt Block with Half-Square Triangles

The pumpkin quilt block tutorial from Connie Kresin uses half-square triangles to create the curved pumpkin shape. It’s a clever design that comes together quickly, and the tutorial also shows how the block can be repeated to create a small fall table runner.

 

Scrappy Pumpkin Quilt Block Pattern

The scrappy pumpkin block pattern featured on The Little Mushroom Cap is perfect for quilters who want a cozy autumn look. The block uses simple squares and corner triangles, which makes it beginner friendly while still producing a lovely pumpkin shape. The design works well in table runners, mug rugs, or full fall quilts.

 

Tools That Make Pumpkin Blocks Faster

Some pumpkin blocks include shapes like half-square triangles or small patchwork units. Quilters who make a lot of these blocks often speed up the cutting process with specialty tools.

For example, many quilters like using AccuQuilt half-square triangle dies, which can quickly cut the units used in many pumpkin block patterns.

If you prefer acrylic templates instead of dies, you can also find pumpkin quilt block templates and pumpkin quilt patterns on Etsy, which often include printable instructions and cutting guides.

Why Pumpkin Quilt Blocks Work So Well for Scrap Quilts

Pumpkin blocks are almost made for scrap quilting. The body of the pumpkin can be pieced from multiple orange prints, the stems can be brown or green scraps, and the background fabrics can vary from block to block.

When several pumpkin blocks are sewn together, the slightly different fabric combinations create a quilt that feels warm, seasonal, and wonderfully handmade.

And honestly, pulling out a pumpkin quilt each autumn is one of those little traditions that makes the season feel extra cozy.