With a rotary cutter, you can achieve smooth lines when cutting fabrics for sewing and a range of craft materials. If you’re sick of jagged edges when cutting with scissors, a rotary cutter may be the tool for you.
We looked at the best rotary cutters and chose the Fiskars Crafts 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter as the overall top pick, due to its large, sharp blade that can cut through multiple layers at once and titanium coating for durability and long-lasting sharpness.
If you’re unsure about rotary cutters or need something to tackle fine detail rather than straight edges and curves, take a look at the top scissors for crafts.
Our Top 5 Rotary Cutters
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit | 4.7 |
| Runner Up | Landmann Wildlife Fire Pit | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | Landmann Bromley Fire Pit | 4.1 |
| Best Outdoor Gas Fire Pit | Outland Living Series Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit | 4.7 |
| Best Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit | Catalina Creations Heavy Duty Cast Iron Fire Pit | 4.6 |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Rotary Cutter
- People who want to cut materials quickly – It’s generally faster to cut with a rotary cutter than with scissors, so it can save you time.1
- Anyone who finds it hard to cut straight with scissors – You can more easily get a straight edge with rotary cutters than with scissors.
- Those who need to cut multiple layers of materials at once – Rotary cutters with 45mm and 60mm diameters can easily cut through multiple layers of fabric and other craft materials.2 Some models can cut through as many as 12 layers.
Who Should Not Buy a Rotary Cutter
- Crafters who need to cut intricate details – While they’re great for cutting straight lines and sweeping curves, if you’re looking to cut with fine detail, scissors are the better choice.
- People who are satisfied with scissors – If you’re perfectly happy with the cutting performance of your scissors, there’s no real need to buy a rotary cutter.
Research Tips
It’s important to know what to look for in a quality rotary cutter. Buying the first one you come across might not work out and you could be left with a subpar cutter that soon needs replacing. These tips will help you find the best option for you.
- Consider the diameter of the blade – Most cutters have blades of one of these four sizes: 60mm, 45mm, 28mm, or 18mm. Larger sizes cut through multiple layers of materials more quickly and easily, while smaller sizes tackle tighter curves better. The most commonly used size is 45mm.3
- Check if it’s compatible with specialty blades – Some models are compatible with specialty blades that give you decorative edges to whatever you’re cutting.
- Look for a blade guard – This will help keep your fingers safe while you use your cutter.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $10 and $50
Expect to pay between $10 and $50 for a rotary cutter. You’ll pay more for larger cutters, ones that come with extra blades, options with ergonomic designs, and those that have extra-sharp blades or coatings to keep them sharper for longer.
The Best Rotary Cutters: Full Reviews
Fiskars Crafts 60mm Titanium Rotary Cutter has a sharper-than-average titanium-coated blade that holds its edge for longer than a conventional blade. It easily cuts through multiple layers of fabric and other craft materials, which is ideal when you want to work as quickly as possible.
The loop handle helps with close control and the grip is ergonomically designed so you can cut comfortably for longer. It’s also possible to assemble the blade on either side of the cutter for left-handed or right-handed use.
Pros
- Large blade cuts quickly and through multiple layers
- Titanium coated blade is more durable and helps it stay sharper for longer
- Blades are easily interchangeable
Cons
- Some reports of dull blades
- Exposed part of the blade may be too small to cut multiple layers
The Mundial Rotary Cutter Stick is available in 28mm and 45mm versions. The smaller-bladed one is for cutting deep curves, while the larger-bladed version is quicker at cutting soft curves and straight lines and can cut through several layers at once. It’s suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.
The safety guard makes it difficult to cut yourself on the blade during regular use and the safety lock keeps the blade locked in place while it’s being stored.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Safety lock and cutting guard
- It’s quick and easy to change the blade
Cons
- Doesn’t have an ergonomic handle
- Not as good at cutting through multiple layers as pricier models
With an ergonomic comfort handle, the Fiskars Crafts 45mm Rotary Cutter is an excellent choice for people who cut a lot of fabric or craft material and want to stay comfortable through long sessions. While it isn’t designed exclusively for left-handed people, it’s a great choice for southpaws as the blade can easily be set up on either side of the body, giving a clear view of the cutting edge.
It comes with a versatile 45mm blade that’s just the right size for the majority of cutting tasks. It’s also made from high-grade stainless steel so it’s sharp and stays that way for a while.
Pros
- Loop handle improves control while cutting
- Great for left-handed users when the blade is set up on the other side
- Cutting guard and safety lock
Cons
- Arrives set up for right-handers
- Cutting is hit-or-miss with certain types of fabric, such as lace
WORX ZipSnip Cordless Electric Scissors are rotary cutters by another name. They make light work of tough or thick materials and can cut multiple layers, so if you find manual cutters don’t have enough oomph, you might have better luck with these. They’re cordless so it doesn’t matter how close you are to an outlet; simply charge them between uses and they’ll always be ready to go.
In terms of safety, both the trigger and the lockout switch must be pressed simultaneously for these scissors to work, so it’s extremely difficult to set them running accidentally and injure yourself.
Pros
- Safe to use
- Great for fabrics and craft materials that are generally tough to cut
- Cordless with a built-in rechargeable battery
Cons
- An electric cutter is overkill for basic cutting tasks
- Chunky handle isn’t comfortable to hold for long periods
If you regularly sew or craft for hours on end, the ergonomic grip of the WA Portman Rotary Cutter and Blade Set will help keep your hands from cramping. The blades are made from high-grade SKS-7 steel for sharpness and durability. They have a 45mm diameter, which is popular with many crafters.
Large and sharp enough to cut through a couple of layers of material at once, this is a great choice for busy crafters and sewers. The dual-action safety lock helps to avoid nicks and cuts from the blade.
Pros
- Comes with spare blades to replace the original one when it gets dull
- Can be set up for left-handed or right-handed users
- Easy to use
Cons
- Could be more durable overall
- Struggles with more than two layers of fabric
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rotary cutter used for?
Can I use a rotary cutter without a mat?
How many layers of fabric can a rotary cutter cut through?
How can I cut straight with a rotary cutter?
- The Quilt Show. What is a rotary cutter? Thequiltshow.com. Accessed March 10, 2022.
- Cotton + Joy. How to (properly) use a rotary cutter. Cottonandjoy.com. Published October 23, 2018. Accessed March 10, 2022.
- Fiskars. Choosing a rotary cutter. Fiskars.com. Accessed March 10, 2022.
