Tip: Try a Rotary Cutter

If you’re making lots of bows, consider switching from cutting your ribbon with scissors to using a rotary cutter instead. It makes quick and easy work of cutting ribbon to the exact length for your hair accessory projects. You will require a cutting mat when using a rotary cutter, but both are easily found in sewing and craft shops (and if you use a coupon or catch a sale, you can get them for a song). Here’s what you should know:

• Rotary cutters are basically a razor blade wheel with a handle. You can easily replace the blades when they dull, and they generally last a good while. There are simple and deluxe (ergonomic) models – I have found that they all seem to do the job well, so buy what suits you. If you want to try one out before buying, you might ask a sewing or quilting enthusiast – rotary cutters are a must for quilters!
• I use a 24″ wide self-healing cutting mat in my studio. I recently had to replace a mat that was not self-healing, as ruts formed along my favorite cutting paths and I could no longer get a clean cut. I have been using a smaller self-healing “travel” mat for well over a year now and have not had that problem.

So give it a try – I think you will like it, and post any related thoughts/tips/advice/questions here!