What size rotary cutter?

[cam]

I am going to pick up a smaller rotary cutter (have some 45s now). I am trying do decide which is the better choice between the 18mm and 28mm. Long-term plan is to work up to making skirts, shirts, etc. as well as a fitted sofa cover (to look like it is redone instead of covered with a throw-on). Which size do you prefer (or would you suggest based on my goals) and why? Also feel free to suggest other supplies you recommend as I am trying to slowly grow my collection (picking up a hand-me-down heavier-duty sewing machine soon, plan to buy some more feet though unsure which other than a walking foot is on the list, recently got a bigger cutting mat, have the basics for scissors and pins and such). TIA!

[cmeon]

My smallest is 28mm (and I love it- it always comes out for tight curves like necklines, pockets and details). 18mm is going to be limited to very thin fabrics- probably great for mini quilts? I think a 28mm will probably serve your current plans just fine.

Let's see- seam rippers? You probably want a few (they hide at inopportune times). It's also nice to have one with a decent handle. Clover wonder clips are something I'd run into a burning house for- loooove them, they work for 90% of my pinning needs. I sew with knits a lot, and they're ideal for hanging onto stretchy fabrics, but, I love them on wovens, too! I can often get away without basting things that I should be basting, they hang on so well.

I'm a sucker for specialty feet, but, the only ones that get a lot of play here are buttonhole, zipper, walking, ruffler (fun if you're sewing for little girls) and more recently, a 1/4" piecing foot. A twin needle might be nice if you plan to do any knits- they make a nice faux coverstitch for hems/necklines.

[cam]

cmeon, sounds like the 28mm is the way to go if the 18mm is only going to be able to handle really thin fabric (I wasn't sure when researching how thin was implied from the description, so yours helps), especially since it sounds like the 28 will be able to handle the curves fine.

Just looked up those clips, and they WILL be purchased this weekend. I am already in love, as pins plus tulle equals madness, so those should help with my ongoing toy baggies project.

Thanks for all the great information!

[MadApple]

I agree with everything cmeon said. My smallest is also the 28mm, and it's perfect for curves and tight areas. I 1000% agree with everyone needing Wonder Clips in their lives. If you plan to quilt or sew with bulky fabrics, you'll definitely want a walking foot. The 1/4" piecing foot is awesome for putting together quilts too.

When I sew with zippers, I like to Wonder Tape to hold everything together/baste instead of pins. It helps everything stay nice and flat. I've gotten lots of compliments on my zippers, and I haven't really sewn that many before.

[sudokufan]

Pattern weights are nice to have (although I use canned goods usually, being cheap). Also, a really good iron and an ironing mat - I have a mat that unfolds to something like 3' by 6'. It's great for putting on the dining room table and ironing large pieces of fabric.