When I first began quilting I discovered how expensive it can be to buy the supplies and tools that will help you get started. Even simply buying the basic equipment, things can be pricey (use those coupons!). Not long after I bought my supplies and began quilting my first project, I happened upon a tip online for sharpening rotary blades, enabling them to remain sharp for a longer period of time.
Using this tip, I don't have the need to change my rotary blades very often. And I don't have to invest in a pricey rotary sharpener. I estimate I change mine every 2-3 months after constant use. This method gives me maybe another 2 months or more before I absolutely need to change the rotary blades. The great thing is, this method isn't expensive in the least, AND uses items you most likely have in your home already! It's awesome!
You will need:
* rotary cutter with blade attached (preferably used already, right?) ;)
* cutting mat (if you have an old one, it's perfect for this project!)
* aluminum foil - about 12-18 inches long
1. First you will want to pull out a piece of aluminum foil. Make it about 12-18 inches long. The measurements aren't exactly important. What you are going for is the thickness of the foil when we fold it in a moment. So therefore, the more you have the better. But you don't want it so thick you can't cut through it, so thus the above measurements. Don't stress it...this is going to be easy, I promise!
2. Fold the aluminum foil in half, width-wise, then again length-wise. Fold over again and again until you have a little folded rectangle as in the image below. This is the beginning of the magic...
3. With your rotary cutter, carefully cut length-wise across the foil creating long strips. Don't worry about straight lines or cutting all the way through. What you are looking for is the rotation of the blade as it cuts. You want the blades to be as evenly sharpened as possible, so the more the blade turns around as you cut, the more evenly sharpened it will be.
Cut multiple lines across, evenly moving your blade back and forth, back and forth across the foil. I like to roll the blade backwards after cutting across, then move forward again so I can make sure it's really sharp. Continue cutting until the entire surface of the foil rectangle has been cut into shards/strips. (Don't worry about cutting all the way through the foil layers).
Now you should have a nicely sharpened rotary blade! Sometimes I like to test the sharpened cutter on some fabric too, so I may see if it's been sharpened enough, and evenly. If it still needs some sharpening, you can always get another piece of aluminum foil and go through the process again. It only takes a couple minutes to do.
If you find that after using this method your blade still doesn't seem sharp enough and won't cut through your fabric, then it's most definitely time to insert a new blade, as according to your manufacturer's instructions (this process is also very easy to do, just be careful not to cut yourself).
I hope you find this easy tip for sharpening your rotary blades really helps you and saves you big bucks! :D
