Terrific Tool Tuesday: Ribbon cutters!

Tuesdays at "A Touch of Class Cakes" have been renamed "Terrific Tool Tuesdays".  So what does that menan?  It's simple:  each Tuesday we will feature a different cake decorating tool that cake decorators just have to have and we can't live without.

Today's tool is a ribbon cutter.  This easy-to-use tool allows you to quickly cut stripes, ribbons, and even bows for your cakes.  There are several different varieties available but we are going to highlight only two:


1)  Wilton Ribbon Cutter and Embosser Set:  According to the Wilton site, "This easy-to-use tool is the perfect way to add beautiful textured fondant ribbons, stripes and bows to your cake. Just choose the cutting and embossing wheel designs you want, slide the washer, core, wheels and spacers on the roller handle, and roll on top of your fondant. We suggest brushing the assembled roller with shortening for easy release. The perfectly cut ribbon strips are ready to place right on your cake! Produces ribbon widths from 1/4 in. to 3 3/4 in. when combining spacers."




The tool runs about $16.49 and comes with 26 different pieces.  We use ours regularly since we generally only make a ribbon border for most of our cakes or perhaps a simple bow.  Some glitches that you should be aware of are that if you tighten the screw too much, the tool won't roll; likewise, if you don't tighten it enough, the pieces can easily come apart.  It can be tricky to get used to (Meghan still giggles when I drop pieces all over the place as Christina adjust the widths!) but well worth it in the end for making even strips for bows and ribbons.

However, if you are looking to add multiple stripes to your cake or are making a cake of many layers, then this next took is more what you will need:


2)  Ateco 7 Wheel Cutter Pastry Cutter:  Much pricier than the Wilton tool (on CooksDream.com, it runs $82.59 plus shipping) this tool is a time saver when you need even cuts and uniform portions in large quantities.  It can be used for ribbons and bows for cakes as well as  for "cutting brownies, cookies, cake and pastry or pasta dough."  Duff Goldman and other master cake decorators use this tool frequently.  You can also opt for the 6 or 12 wheel versions, depending on your needs.  We haven't purchased this yet as we seem to be making out just fine with our Wilton tool, but it is definitely on our wish list.





Check out some of our favorite cake decorating supply websites under our "Our Favorite Sites" and be sure to go out and get yourself one of these tools.  You won't regret it, especially if you've ever struggled to cut ribbons before!

Happy baking!
Christina & Meghan