Quilting tip #20

[homesteadmamma]

When changing your rotary blade, mark down the date on your calendar so that you know when your getting close to having to change the blade again. That way, you can make sure you have one on hand when you need it. And there is no guessing game as to how long you've had the blade.

Store your old blades in a small container marked "old". You can use those blades for cutting other things, such as wallpaper or cardboard. Always make sure that if you do use them for cutting other things that you replace the "old" blade with a "new" blade before cutting any material.

[homesteadmamma]

Carolyn, I probably change my blades quicker than what I have too. I find I can use a blade for about 2-3 months, depending on how much cutting I've done. With this last quilt I made, there was lots of cutting, so my blade was changed after using it for only 6 weeks.

Normally, I don't go over 3 months before I change the blade.

A really good way to know when to change the blade if you don't follow a set date, is as soon as you start getting little "knicks" in your material, you know you have to change the blade. By "knicks" I mean when you go to take the 2 pieces of cut material apart, there is a little "knick" that you have to recut.

btw - the reason for changing my blades so often. Because its so VERY IMPORTANT that I get a good cut with my material. If I'm going to spend all that time making a quilt, having a sharp blade is as important to me has having top quality material. There is nothing worse than having a dull blade and having your material stretch when you cut it.

[Sinclairwife]

Thanks for the tips.