The rotary cutter is one of my favorite tools in the sewing bin. Â It helps me slice through layers of fabric with lightning speed in one clean motion. Â But after too many turns around the mat it starts to dull and leave sections slightly attached. Â This is when it’s time to change the blade.
Since the rotary cutter is super sharp and I am totally clumsy, I was extremely reluctant to switch out the blades.  Actually, I even thought about asking Mr. TSL to do it for me.  You see, I have bad history with an X-Acto knife but that’s a story for another day.  No, today, I vowed that I could do it on my own with no injury to report!
 How to Change a Rotary Blade
Let’s break it down!Â
With the safety shield in the covered position, twist the back nut to the left to loosen and remove.
Gently dissemble all pieces and carefully set them down in a safe and out of harms way place.
Check out the gunk that was tucked all around and under the safety shield. YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!
Replace the safety shield and place the carefully place the new blade over top.
Insert the stem through the blade and screw into the nut. Be careful not to over tighten. Â There is no need for extra tools here, your fingers are just fine!
Check out how smooth that new blade slices through the fabric. Â LOVE IT!!
Be sure to check out these posts for additional tips with cutting tools in the work room.
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Comments & Reviews
Just a question is that nut noton the wrong side of the blade in the last Picture?
Great question! The blades are the same on both sides. This makes the process virtually fool proof.
Glad I have seen this…..I was not looking forward to changing my blade but I don’t feel too bad now!
Just wondering if anyone out there has used any of the sharpening devices sold for sharpening these blades and if so, with what degree of success.
I was considering buying one with the thought that it might be more economical than buying all the new blades.
I sharpen mine with a sharpener & it works quite well. It will put a nice clean, sharp edge to an otherwise dull blade. It definitely saves money by not having to buy new blades every time one gets dull.
Thank you so much for this post. It is time to change the blade on mine too, but I’ve been afraid to do so. I even considered just buying a whole new cutter. NOT ANYMORE!
that works if your husband didn’t change your blade for you and then you can’t turn it.
Husbands tend to overtighten things. Just loosen the nut a little.
What great timing! I’ve just bought new blades for mine and haven’t yet had the chance to try changing them. Now I can change them out with confidence!
Great tutorial Heather, it’s important to understand the correct safe technique in replacing simple equipment such as a rotary blade
Heather how do you dispose of the old ones? I have a blade container to put old ones into, Do you chuck them out into garbage,are they going into recycle bin?