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    Home » Quilts

    3 Must-Know Quilting Saftey Tips

    Updated: Apr 2, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 21 Comments

    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.

    hand with cut glove on white cutting mat with quilt ruler and rotary cutter

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • 1. Get a Cut Glove
    • 2. Use Non-Slip Rulers
    • 3. Apply Non-Slip Dots to Quilt Rulers
    • A Few More Tips

    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).

    hand with cut glove on white cutting mat with quilt ruler and rotary cutter

    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.

    A free no math polaroid quilt block tutorial. Learn how to make polaroid quilt blocks in any size - with no math required!

    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).

    hand holding pop socket packaging above quilt cutting mat and fabric

    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.

    hand on quilt ruler on cutting mat with blue fabric

    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.

    1. 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.
    2. Be extra careful when you’re changing your rotary blades.  Wear the glove during this process if you need to.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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!

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Victoria says

      September 26, 2021 at 6:42 am

      Very helpful, thank you. I’ve just ordered a cut glove.

      Reply
      • H. Watts says

        September 26, 2021 at 8:15 pm

        I cut my finger two days ago. Its OK. Going to get the glove. Really good, logical tips. Thamkx.

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          September 27, 2021 at 11:05 am

          Ouch! Hope it heals quickly.

          Reply
    2. carol says

      September 26, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      Never, ever sew over pins. We only have one or two eyes.

      Reply
    3. Shawn says

      September 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      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

      Reply
    4. Angela McCubbins says

      September 26, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      Consider wearing shoes while cutting. If you drop the rotary cutter on a bare foot, it will be ugly.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 27, 2021 at 11:06 am

        Oh good tip! I always wear slippers because my feet are always cold.

        Reply
    5. Sharron says

      September 26, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      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.

      Reply
    6. Mary Holtz says

      September 26, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      Melissa, do you starch your fabric before cutting?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 27, 2021 at 11:06 am

        Only when I’m cutting really small pieces, or a shape like a Dresden.

        Reply
    7. Valerie Pyland says

      September 26, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      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!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 27, 2021 at 11:06 am

        Oh thanks for the tip!

        Reply
    8. Kim Poper says

      September 26, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      Totally agree – lost the side of my finger doing the same. Didn’t know about the cut gloves, thank you!

      Reply
    9. Martha Pusateri says

      September 26, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 27, 2021 at 11:05 am

        I’ve been waiting for them to pop up in quilt shops too!

        Reply
    10. Jenny S. says

      September 27, 2021 at 10:48 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 27, 2021 at 11:04 am

        That’s why I switched to a retractable blade. It closes itself.

        Reply
    11. Paula Beck says

      September 28, 2021 at 11:00 am

      Thanks for all the tips! The Klutz gloves aren’t available on Amazon. Can you suggest another brand or where to purchase the Klutz?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        October 06, 2021 at 4:45 pm

        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.

        Reply
    12. Sheri says

      October 02, 2021 at 10:17 am

      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.

      Reply
    13. Donna says

      October 02, 2021 at 10:23 pm

      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!

      Reply

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