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?

Book Review- Scrappiness Is Happiness – Inside The Book

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

  • dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
     • scrappy quilt layouts
     • projects designed for leftover fabrics
     • Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

  • scrap quilts
     • sampler quilts
     • block-of-the-month style projects
     • mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

  • bright cheerful fabrics
     • vintage-inspired colour palettes
     • classic patchwork shapes
     • fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

  • quilters who love scrap quilting
     • anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
     • makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
     • quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.