The 8 Best Electric Rotary Fabric Cutters
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Everyone from casual crafters to professional seamstresses can appreciate a first-rate electric rotary fabric cutter, as these save wear and tear on the hands and make the material preparation process much faster. Just remember to use them with all the caution that should be afforded to sharp power tools; their blades move quickly and must, therefore, be treated with care. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Hercules 3-Speed
2. Reliable 1500FR
3. Vevor Cutter
Editor's Notes
December 04, 2020:
Before delving into the best electric rotary cutters for fabric, we'd like to remind users that while these tools are incredibly handy, they can be incredibly dangerous when used carelessly. You can mitigate your risk of injury by following all the directions that come with the model you choose, working slowly and cautiously, and wearing a cut-proof glove while you work. Note, though, that these gloves aren't infallible, so you'll still need to pay attention to what you're doing.
With that said, we've kept the Hercules 3-Speed and the Reliable 1500FR in the top spots. Thanks to an automatic sharpening function, a well-designed body, and an easy operation, these can help you make short work of just about any project, no matter the fabric. They might take you a little longer to get the hang of than a standard rotary cutter, but the time you'll save is worth it, not to mention that they're easier on your hands and arms to use.
This isn't true of all options, however; we kept the Pink Power Cordless Shears even though some users with arthritis could find this one tough to operate. This is mainly due to the location and use of the power switch, which can take some hand strength to slide into the "on" position. But if you're feeling intimidated by a powerful electric rotary model, choosing these shears might be a good first step — and you won't even need a mat.
Finally, we kept a couple of relatively small, lightweight choices, including the Allstar Mini and the Consew Tuffy. These can't power through big stacks of fabric, but they do give you some maneuverability for work that needs a nimble touch.
November 24, 2018:
Investigated offerings from popular manufacturer Hercules, selecting the 3-Speed and Round Knife for those who seek reliability combined with ease of use. Added the Allstar Mini thanks to its portability as well as the Pink Power Cordless Shears, which aren't technically rotary cutters but are practical for large cutting projects nonetheless.
Special Honors
AccuQuilt Go! Big Electric Fabric Cutter The AccuQuilt Go! Big Electric Fabric Cutter isn't technically a rotary cutter, but if you're a quilter looking for precision, it could be just the tool you need. It uses a die to accurately create shapes, and unlike with a standard rotary cutter, there's little risk of accidentally slicing through a finger. Investing in the machine and all the available accessories could quickly become expensive, though. accuquilt.com
4. Allstar Mini
5. Eagle EL-2
6. Pink Power Cordless Shears
7. Consew Tuffy
8. Mophorn 4-Inch
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.