Craft Cutters: The Basics

I've covered the basic craft supplies you need. And I've covered the basic craft adhesives out there. 

Today we're talking about basic craft cutters.

 There are tons of cutting tools so feel free to chime in with your favorite or anything I forgot to cover! 

Also, I know that craft punches are technically cutters but I'm saving that post for another day. 

These are all tools I have and use on a regular basis. Let me know what you use!

Click the name of a tool to learn more.

1. X-ACTO Knife: For some reason, I can't handle an X-Acto knife. I use them when I need to because some projects can't be done with scissors. But I can't even cut a straight line with scissors, much less an X-Acto knife. So I hope you have better skills than I do! Also, be sure to use a mat underneath your project when you are cutting with an X-Acto knife. We'll discuss that last.
2. Guillotine Paper Trimmer: Guys! These things are amazing. You thought they were just for offices, huh? But I promise, if you do a lot of paper crafts, this thing will save your bacon. Swingline is a great brand for this tool - they last forever, are super sturdy and cut clean. Straight cuts, measured perfectly.
3. Let's jump down to the Portable Paper Trimmer: So this tool is the same idea as a guillotine paper trimmer. If you have a bulk project where you need the exact same measurements every time, you need a paper trimmer, not scissors. These are great for taking on trips or saving space. You do have to replace the blade cartridges occasionally. I use a Fiskar's trimmer and it works well.
4. Tim Holtz Scissors: Hellooo, perfection. These are crazy sharp and have this perfect, narrow point. Uh-mazing for paper crafting. More intricate than most scissors so you can make more precise cuts. Smooth cutting!
5. Fabric Scissors: As I stated in my basic crafting tools post, I use Fiskar's Multi-Purpose, nothing fancy but good quality. Do NOT cut paper with your fabric scissors! Only fabric! It will save you from jagged edges and headache.
6. Same goes for your Paper Scissors: only cut paper! If you cut fabric with your paper scissors, they will dull quickly. I think just a regular pair of scissors is fine for basic crafting.
7. Wire Cutters: So handy to have wire cutters around. Not just for crafting, for household projects too. If you ever want to make or repair jewelry, you have to have these. Plus wire cutters can handle thicker materials than scissors.
8. Rotary Cutter: I love my rotary cutter! More evidence that Fiskar's has great tools for reasonable prices. A rotary cutter is for cutting fabric. It is so much easier to handle than a pair of scissors. It gives you very clean, straight cuts. And this particular one has a protective shield to lock the blade in.
9. Self-Healing Mat: With a rotary cutter and X-Acto knife, you need to use a mat under your project. A self-healing mat protects your surface and provides more precise cuts (they come with rulers on them!). Just pick a size that works for you - 12x12 is a great size!