This is the first of a three-step, three-part review of Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine, Bias Tape Maker and the new bias tape winding machine called the Winder. Individually, each of these products is a useful, standalone tool, but when used together the three tools make creating quilt binding and bias tape a breeze.
Admittedly, I am a procrastination quilter, queen of the UFO (unfinished object). With my creativity exhausted on the creation of blocks and quilt tops, I tend to have little motivation for the tedious task of creating the binding. Today I had the opportunity to test and review three products designed to add speed and accuracy to the cutting, folding, and pressing of binding and bias tape.
Test Project: Create 12’ of Single Fold Quilt Binding
Step 1.
Under normal circumstances, fabric used for creating quilt binding should be cut on the bias. Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine is designed to cut fabric both on the straight of grain and on the bias. For this test, I chose to cut on the straight of grain so that my binding could be created out of a single fat quarter rather than using longer strips of fabric. My thought was that in sewing 22” strips end to end, I would be giving the Bias Tape Maker in step three of the process a true test of how well it would deal with seams.
Setup of the Rotary Cutting Machine was fairly simple. Lightly packaged in a box that can be used as a carry case with handle, the machine comes out of the box practically ready to use. The single sheet color directions are clear and easy to follow. I also went to the Simplicity Classroom located on the Simplicity Creative Group website and viewed an extremely helpful video prior to unpacking the machine. This put me a step ahead when I needed to change the blade from the installed pinking blade to the provided straight blade. This proved to be a simple task and as I carefully handled the replacement blade I was surprised to find it was not sharp like my hand rotary cutter. This is due to the fact that the Rotary Cutting Machine cuts by pressure between the drum and the blade rather than by the sharpness of the blade. The idea is that the blades will last much longer than traditional blades. Once the straight blade was successfully installed, I simply attached the foot pedal cord and plugged in the power cord. I then attached the extension table which fits snugly around the end of the machine creating a nice size work surface.
Recalling the video I had watched earlier, I knew that I might need to make an adjustment to the tension between the blade and drum so I decided to do some test cuts on scrap fabric first. I ended up running the scrap fabric through several times making small tension adjustments until I achieved a clean cut. Adjustments to the tension are achieved by making quarter turns to the left on the tension screw with a common screwdriver. Please note that if you purchased this machine because your hands are weak making manual rotary cutting is difficult, you may need help adjusting the tension. But once it is set you should be fine.
Now I was ready to cut strips of fabric! The Rotary Cutting Machine contains an adjustable guide suitable for cutting strips between 3/8” to 2 ¾”. For quilt binding, you need to start with 2 ½” strips of fabric. I set my guide and put my fabric in place. The Rotary Cutting Machine is powered by a foot pedal, just like a sewing machine. Light pressure on the pedal pulls the fabric between the blade and the drum creating a clean cut. I’ll admit my first two strips were not pretty and I was feeling less than satisfied with the wavy strips I had created. I decided to adjust the tension again and that, along with a few more practice strips, solved the problem. My final strips came out with straight cuts and perfect widths.
At first, the Rotary Cutting Machine appears to cut strips of fabric at the same speed as a quilter armed with a good ruler and a traditional rotary cutter. However, the time saver comes between cuts. Without the need to move and carefully place the ruler between each cut, I would estimate the Rotary Cutting Machine cuts cutting time in half.
The Rotary Cutting Machine is lightweight and portable, small enough to store easily on a shelf or in a cupboard. An added plus, the Rotary Cutting Machine not only cuts fabric but can be used for paper crafting as well. There are a variety of different blades available to create fancy scrapbook borders and edges.
Extremely satisfied with my machine rotary cutting experience, I am ready to move on to step two and my review of the Winder.
For more information, please visit the Simplicity Creative Group website.
This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review. Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes. This item was used only for the purposes of this review.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.
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I just finished cutting a binding for a baby quilt. I have arthritis in my hands, and when I do a project like that my hands hurt for days. I have to wait until they quit hurting to be able to sew it on! I am looking forward to the next two reviews. I have had my eye on this and the bias tape maker for quite a while.
.-= Fabgrandma´s last blog ..Wellgate for Women Braces =-.
You are going to love it! The next two reviews should post this week!
It’s look like a good solution for me.
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