Rotary Cutter

Question At what age can you teach a child to use a rotary cutter and mat?
This is for a church quilting group and I want to include the kiddos, however I need to have guidelines for using the rotary cutter so no one gets hurt. I plan to have parent's permission/supervision for anyone under 18 (to protect the church and myself), but want a good general age to start them out. Preferably I'd like to hear from parents. Thanks!

Best Answer Responsible teenagers only with parent's permission. Unless you are going to have one on one knowledgeable help for each participant, I'd stick with the old fashioned method of using scissors. It takes longer, but is safer.

Question What's the best kind of rotary cutter for fabric?
I am on a sewing binge, making a lot of patchwork. I have some nice sewing scissors, but it would be easier to cut precise lines with a rotary cutter. In the past I've bought two really lousy ones. Can anyone recommend a good one?

Best Answer I quilt, and I prefer the Fiskars D-handled rotary cutter - for me it's easier to cut straight with than the lollipop styles (you can switch it to left-hand operation easily, too). I like the 45mm size for most cutting. I've tried a couple of the 'ergonomic'-type cutters and been very surprised to find they make my wrist hurt. See if you can find a quilt shop or fabric store that will let you try different cutters out before you buy, especially if they're expensive. Here's examples of the D-handled cutter - you don't have to buy at the website, they're sold at WalMart, JoAnn's, etc. http://www.fiskars.com/GB/Crafts/Rotary+Cutting+System/Rotary+Cutters+and+Blades/Product+Listing1.html Hope you find a comfortable cutter, and good luck with your sewing!