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Rotary Cutter and Needle Safety Tips
National Sewing Circle EditorsDescription
No matter what you are cutting or sewing, it is always important to use proper safety measures. Tara Rex shares several rotary cutter and needle safety tips that will help ensure safe sewing.
Rotary Cutting Blades
It may seem counterintuitive, but sharper rotary blades can actually be safer than dull blades. Having a sharp blade allows you to easily cut through multiple layers of fabric. A dull blade requires you to apply more pressure when cutting, which can increase the risk of slipping and potentially injuring your other hand. A good standard of practice is to change out your rotary blades before each new large project. If you only use a rotary cutter now and then, simply watch for when the blade starts missing threads while cutting fabric. This is an indication that it needs to be changed. When changing blades, always be sure to hold the blade in the middle rather than the edges, even if it is a dull blade. Tara demonstrates proper rotary cutter safety, including how to hold the blades as well as tips for storing and disposing of blades safely.
Pins and Needles
Sharp needles are just as important as sharp rotary blades and should also be changed frequently. A good rule of thumb for changing needles is after every eight hours of sewing or before starting a new project. Tara shares several needle safety tips including a great way to store and dispose of old or broken needles as well as pins.
Sewing Space
Rotary blade and needle safety, as well as general sewing safety, begins when setting up a sewing space. Learn how to organize your sewing supplies so that your space is not only functional, but also keeps sharp or potentially hazardous supplies away from small children who might stumble upon them.
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In most communities, throwing away needles, pins, and other sharp items in the trash is not permitted, even when protected as described. You need to take sharps to a sharps disposal bin. You can find these at many medical facilities or at dumps/transfer stations. They can be disposed of at no cost.
When my used blade and needle containers are full I take them along to my Doctor appointment and empty them into his used syringe container. That way I know they will be safely removed. I can then use my containers again. My Doctor is very happy to help.