Hey there fellow quilting enthusiasts! It’s Gina here, and I’ve got some juicy intel on the Olfa 18mm Rotary Cutter (RTY-4). At a quick glance, you might think it’s just another small cutter in the Olfa family. But let’s dive deeper, shall we?
Let’s talk about its appearance first. The vibrant yellow handle and circular blade might trick you into thinking it’s similar to other rotary cutters. But nope, it’s quite unique! The dainty blade paired with that sleek tapered handle makes it stand out from its bigger counterparts. Holding the RTY-4 feels like you’re holding a fancy pen, giving you that extra precision when you’re cutting intricate patterns.
Now, the small 18mm blade (which is almost 3/4″) is a game-changer! I tried it on a 2 1/2″ Nested Circle Template and – wowza! I could never achieve that with a 45mm blade. I also ventured into cutting applique pieces and the control I got from the RTY-4 was remarkable. It’s honestly the best method I’ve discovered for cutting out applique pieces.
And for those templates with inward points? Piece of cake with the RTY-4! I managed to cut nearly all the way into those tricky corners. Plus, with the precision of this little marvel, I never fretted about cutting too deep into my fabric. And trust me, when you’re crafting on your hobby table, having that kind of control is a blessing.
I also took a swing at the Apple Core template for a charm quilt. Thanks to the RTY-4, I effortlessly cut the curvy shapes. Without this cutter, I would’ve been stuck tracing and snipping with scissors.
However, no tool is perfect. One minor hiccup with the RTY-4 is the distance between the blade’s cutting edge and its center button. It’s just a smidge over 1/4″. Since many commercial templates are 1/4″ thick, it’s essential to be cautious when using the RTY-4 along their edges.
As for cutting multiple layers, the RTY-4 shines with homemade templates. Commercial ones? Not so much. But, for intricate details like applique pieces or charm cuts for quilts, it’s my top pick!
Oh! And here’s a little side note: The RTY-4 also has an 18mm perforating blade. Think of the fun you can have creating tickets with perforated edges for your next guild raffle!
Lastly, if you’re hunting for a self-healing cutting mat to complement your rotary cutter, there are some fantastic options out there tailored for quilters.
| Details | Notes |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Olfa 18mm Rotary Cutter (RTY-4) |
| Blade Size | 18mm (almost 3/4″) |
| Special Feature | Tapered Handle for Precision |
| Best Used For | Detail Work & Applique Pieces |
| Additional Blade | 18mm Perforating Blade |
