Quilting is one of my favorite hobbies, but like many hobbies, there are a few things that you should be aware of if you’re a new or experienced quilter. Trust me when I tell you that I learned all of these things the hard way! Today I’m sharing some of my quilting safety tips.
Let me tell you a story. Many years ago, I used my rotary cutter and quilt ruler to cut some binding strips for a table runner I was working on. The ruler and the rotary tool slipped, and I cut off the top of my finger.
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I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that 1, I had never even considered the possibility of injuring myself with a rotary blade, and 2, I’m lucky they could stitch my fingertip back on. After multiple stitches and a visit to a hand specialist, I am grateful to this day that it was not worse.
I hope that’s not TMI, but ever since then, I’ve been pretty vocal about safety when it comes to working with sharp objects, and when you quilt, you work with a lot of sharp objects.
Here are a few things that I’ve started doing since then (and I tell all my quilty friends to do the same).
Since quilting involves using a sharp rotary blade (like a pizza cutter, but for fabric), you need to be careful as you cut your material for your projects.
1. Get a Cut Glove
Buy a cut glove and wear it EVERY time you use your rotary tool. A cut glove is a glove that is made from cut-resistant material. If your rotary blade accidentally slips, it will help protect your finger (since the blade does not cut the glove’s fabric).
I was cutting one tiny strip of fabric when my accident happened. It was just a “quick cut.” You never know, so better safe than sorry. This cut glove goes on the hand that holds the ruler in place and will protect your hand if the tool slips.
TIP: I now only use retractable rotary blades; I feel like they give me extra protection.
2. Use Non-Slip Rulers
It drives me crazy when my rulers slip while I’m cutting my fabric. The ruler slipping contributed to my injury. In addition to wearing a cut glove, use non-slip rulers. The Creative Grids brand of rulers is one of my favorites.
Creative Grids rulers feature a coating on the back that “grips” the fabric so they are less likely to slip. They come in all shapes and sizes. I currently have the 2 ½″ x 18 ½″ and the 4 ½″ x 24 ½″.
3. Apply Non-Slip Dots to Quilt Rulers
No need to toss out your existing quilt rulers, even if they slip a little. You can purchase non-slip dots to put on the bottom of the ruler. Most are clear and won’t obstruct your view. I add the dots to my quilt rulers, even my small square rulers (and bloc-loc rulers).
TIP: If you don’t want to add a non-slip dot, add a Pop Socket! I recently spotted a quilter with a pop socket on her quilt ruler. It’s such a brilliant idea! They are removable and give you a spot to “hold” when you’re holding your quilt ruler.
A Few More Tips
Rotary blades are not the only thing you should be aware of when quilting; here are a few other things to keep in mind as well.
- Change your blade frequently; a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one as you are more likely to press too hard, increasing the likelihood of injury.
- Be extra careful when you’re changing your rotary blades. Wear the glove during this process if you need to.
- Dispose of dull blades properly. It’s dangerous to throw them in the trash. I keep the case that the blades came in originally to hold the dull blades. I just marked USED on the top with a marker to confuse the blades with my unused newer blades.
- When you’re using your sewing machine do not ever use your finger to guide the fabric all the way up to the needle. Use a seam ripper or stiletto tool to push the fabric instead.
- When working with hot irons, hold your fabric with a seam ripper or stiletto as well. This will allow you to get your iron closer to the section of your quilt block that you’d like to press, but protect your fingers as well.
Tell me, what did I miss? Do you have any tips to share? If so, leave them in the comments section so everyone can benefit!
Very helpful, thank you. I’ve just ordered a cut glove.
I cut my finger two days ago. Its OK. Going to get the glove. Really good, logical tips. Thamkx.
Ouch! Hope it heals quickly.
Never, ever sew over pins. We only have one or two eyes.
I too cut the end of my finger (many stiches and pain) with a rotary cutter and have now purchased a non cut glove. Your advise is spot on. We all need a reminder now and then. thanks
Consider wearing shoes while cutting. If you drop the rotary cutter on a bare foot, it will be ugly.
Oh good tip! I always wear slippers because my feet are always cold.
I also find using a 3 or 5 pound hand weight useful to hold the end of my ruler farthest away from me. This gives me control of the whole ruler as I cut.
Melissa, do you starch your fabric before cutting?
Only when I’m cutting really small pieces, or a shape like a Dresden.
You know the plastic containers that the big pack of extra gum comes in?! Those are great to collect used blades. I also throw used sewing machine needles and bent pins in there too. I keep one on my cutting table and it works great!!!
Oh thanks for the tip!
Totally agree – lost the side of my finger doing the same. Didn’t know about the cut gloves, thank you!
Thanks for the great safety tips, Melissa. I’m picking up a few pop sockets tomorrow! I often wondered why they seem to be sold near the check out at fabric/craft stores! Thanks again from one Louisvillian to another!
I’ve been waiting for them to pop up in quilt shops too!
Close the blade every time you are done using it! It’s remarkable how many quilters in video tutorials set it down with the blade exposed after cutting. It’s very distracting to say the least. One even justified her actions by saying she “always knows where it is in space.” I cringe.
That’s why I switched to a retractable blade. It closes itself.
Thanks for all the tips! The Klutz gloves aren’t available on Amazon. Can you suggest another brand or where to purchase the Klutz?
I got mine at JoAnn, but you can use any cut glove. The ones on Amazon are for cooking and also work great for sewing.
I found a pencil size wooden dowel with a point on one end to hold the fabric down when pressing in tight spots. A kabob skewer works, too. I keep it near the iron so I don’t have to remember to grab my stiletto.
For ironing tight spots, I use silicon finger guards on my fingers to protect against the hot iron. Will definitely get a cut glove. I sliced off some skin from my finger and didn’t feel it. Noticed blood on my fabric!