Safety Tips while using Fabric Cutting Machines

Fabric cutting machines are extensively used in the textile industry in the process of manufacturing and sewing clothes. There is a variety of cutting machines, and most of them are made safe for the users. However, workers working in the textile industry need to take care while using these machines to avoid injuries.

Even people who use small cutting machines at home should use them with caution and take care of the safety tips. Here are the top 10 safety tips that every individual should use while using fabric cutting machines.

Maintain a safe distance

The most common risk while using a cutting machine is the moving blade where you would be feeding the fabric for cutting. The best thing you can do is to keep your hands and fingers at a safe distance from the blade. Whether you are using a small or large machine, the best way to keep yourself safe is to maintain a safe distance from the blade.

Even if the fabric you are cutting needs extra guidance, you should not bring your hands or finger close to the moving blade. Likewise, if you are using a sewing machine, you must keep your fingers away from the needle to avoid injury.

Keep your hair away

Many people have long hair, especially females, and long hair can be a nightmare while using such machines. Long hair can get caught in the machine if people are not careful while using the machine, especially when you lean on the machine. It simply means that long hair can interfere with machines if you are not careful. Therefore, people with long hair should tile them into a pony or wear a protective cap while working on cutting machines.

Keep your machine well maintained.

Cutting machines require maintenance like any other machine. Well-maintained machines are less likely to malfunction or lead to an injury. Whether you are working on a fabric cutting machine at home or at work, make sure it undergoes periodic maintenance, and there is no fault in it. The blades, needles, and other parts of the machine should be in good working condition. As per the manufacturer's recommendation, these parts have a life and should be replaced within that period.

Use the machine for the right fabric.

Always use the machine for cutting the type of fabric for which it is made. For example, if a cutting machine is made for cutting fabrics like silk and satin, you should not use it for cutting denim or hard fabrics as doing so will damage its blade and other parts. Using a machine for cutting the materials for which it is not made can put a load on the blade, and it can cause an injury. The injury is caused if the blade deviates from its running line and position due to excessive load.

Always cut the fabric away from your body.

Always cut away from your body and avoid rolling the blade back and forth on the fabric when sewing safely. Cleanly and directly slice. Use your cutting ruler to make one-sided cuts rather than cross-over cuts. Cut on the right side if you are a right-handed person. Cutters who are left-handed should hold the ruler with their right hand and cut along the left edge. Keep your fingers away from the ruler's edge.

User mats and ruler for cutting

For the cutting operation, use the proper rotary cutting mat and ruler. Your table will be protected, and the rotary cutting mat will assist keep your fabric in place. When cutting on the right cutting board, you can use "fabric grips" to hold down a piece of fabric if it is particularly slippery.

Wear safety gloves

Safety gloves are not just for people who work in industrial environments. Grab a pair of safety gloves and wear them while working on fabric cutting machines. You can almost guarantee you won't cut your fingers on the rotary cutter's sharp blade.

Gloves are a big investment, and you'll need something to protect your fingers when you quilt, such as when using small rulers or making more precise cuts.

Standard weights

You don't need special weights to hold the fabric, and you can use any heavy object. However, if you use your hand to capture a pattern, you risk serious injuries. Instead, use a standard weight and only use your hand as a guide or balance when using the rotary cutter. In addition, using weights also increases your accuracy while cutting the fabrics.

It's best to think of standard weights as clothespins or cutting pins. While the needles make it easy to accurately feed the fabric through the sewing machine, the pattern weights make it easy to precisely cut and trim the fabric to the correct size and shape.

Replace the blade

It is important to replace the blade at the right time. Usually, manufacturers recommend replacing the blade after a period of use. Replace the blade and make sure you properly discard the old one. The old blade can sometimes be discarded using the plastic sheath that the new blade comes with. If not, seal off the old blade by wrapping it with duct tape or another sturdy tape. To dispose of the blade safely, place it in a bag or packet. Keep in mind that a blade is still sharp and harmful if any body part comes in touch with it.

Maintain Focus on Your Work

While pressing or stitching, it can be easy to look away from your task. Just for a moment, to look at the clock, respond to that text, or make sure the kids are all OK. Put the iron down or release your foot from the pedal if you need to look away. Unfortunately, distracted stitching has the same negative consequences as distracted driving! It's not just possible to burn yourself on the iron or catch your hand in the machine; it's also very simple to mess up your creation.

Summing Up

These are some safety tips that every user must consider while using fabric cutting machines. In addition, it is important to follow the routine maintenance of machines to keep them in safe working condition. Whether it is a domestic or commercial cutting machine, following the tips in this post can ensure the safety of users while using fabric cutters in any environment.