One of the fundamental keys of advanced artistry lies in the tools used. When it comes to precision creating, one such tool is the craft knife. From perfect paper edges to intricate scrapes, cuts, and shaping, the craft knife is an ideal addition to any crafter’s toolkit.
Probably the most widely known application for a craft knife is for cutting paper. While scissors are handy for larger paper cuts, they really can’t compete with the craft knife when small, intricate designs are desired. Many crafters find great success using a craft knife for things like creating small letters or shapes when scrapbooking, adding detail work to decoupage, and cutting paper strips for quilling. A craft knife like this is versatile and works on a variety of paper products like cardstock, construction paper, washi paper, crepe paper, and even paper bags.
But paper isn’t the only crafty project that a craft knife can be used for. Here are some other common, as well as surprising ways, to use this cutting utensil.
Rubber Stamping
If you haven’t tried out a craft knife for rubber stamping, it really is a tool that should be considered. When creating your own stamps, the craft knife allows you to make very detailed lines and cuts, as well as to trim edges and ends neatly. Because it can be held much like a writing pen, the craft knife makes following a complex rubber stamping pattern or template quite comfortable. Finally, it can be used with just about any kind of soft carving material, including erasers, mastercarve, speedy cut, or speedy carve.
Leather Applique
Adding decorative accents to leatherwork is another perfect place to employ the skilled cutting power of the craft knife. While some leather applique designs are large and better cut with scissors, many can be quite elaborate and small, demanding a more sophisticated cut. Because a craft knife can be used on both synthetic as well as natural leather materials, and for in-lay, on-lay, or cutout styles of applique, you can rest assured that it will be ready for a precision cut no matter what the project.
Cake Decorating
Creating amazing and edible designs for cakes or pastries is another fun way that the craft knife can be utilized. Cutting large or small shapes out of sheet fondant is a natural fit because the craft knife makes all of its cuts on a flat surface. Excess fondant can also be trimmed neatly and precisely with a craft knife, giving your frosted masterpiece a flawlessly finished edge that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Nail Art
Detail is a must when it comes to creating amazing nail designs, so it shouldn’t be surprising that a craft knife could come in handy for this type of artistry. Creating color block effects on acrylic nails is one of the most popular ways to utilize the craft knife, as well as shaping or cutting wet beads. The tool can also be quite useful when cutting out very small and thin nail art films for nail extensions.
Sewing
Many seamstresses can attest to the usefulness of having a craft knife in their kit because it can be handy for a variety of sewing-related tasks. It works well for trimming pattern edges or cutting out hard-to-reach corners or angles on fabric. Since the craft knife is able to tackle normal as well as heavier weight materials like canvas or leather, it becomes a great companion for any sewing enthusiast. You can learn more about sewing by visiting Digitizing Made Easy
Woodworking
A craft knife is commonly found in a woodworker’s bench, primarily due to its ability to carve tiny designs into soft wood. It can also be utilized as a wood marking tool and sometimes used to cut very thin wood strips. It is especially popular in very detailed woodworking applications, such as the making of miniature furniture for doll houses, wooden bead carving, and in wood-based model making.
Metal Art
While a craft knife won’t be very effective for cutting through thick metal materials, it does work rather well for projects using thin sheet metal like the common 36 gauge. If you are using a pattern, start by tracing it with the craft knife first, and then come back and make several more passes over the same cut line as needed. You may also want to bend or flex the metal to be cut slightly to assist the cutting process.
So Much More
Believe it or not, this is just a small sampling of some of the ways that a craft knife can be used. If you choose to add one of these affordable, flexible gadgets to your crafting toolkit, don’t be surprised when you find yourself scoping out new craft ideas so you can use them again.
