KNOWLEDGE BASE
OF
BASICS SERIES
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
11. Cutting Mat
A cutting mat is a protective, durable surface used when cutting fabric with a rotary cutter.
Most cutting mats are self-healing, meaning the surface closes up after being cut, helping to extend the life of the mat. They are usually marked with measurement lines, grids, angles, and measurements to help you cut fabric accurately.
Why Is a Cutting Mat Important?
A good cutting mat helps to:
Protect your table or work surface from rotary cutter blades.
Keep fabric cutting accurate and consistent.
Make it easier to cut straight lines and precise shapes.
Work together with a rotary cutter and quilting ruler.
Reduce damage to your cutting blade and work surface.
Choosing a Cutting Mat
Cutting mats come in many sizes. Choose one that fits comfortably in your sewing area while giving you enough room to work with your fabric.
For quilting and patchwork, a mat with a clear grid and angle markings can be especially helpful.
Tip: Always use a sharp rotary cutter and a suitable quilting ruler with your cutting mat, and avoid using the mat as a general-purpose work surface for things that could damage it.
A cutting mat is one of those basic sewing tools that can make fabric preparation safer, easier, and much more accurate.
Knowledge Base of Basics
Cutting Mat
The protective surface that helps you safely and accurately cut fabric with a rotary cutter.
🧵 A Cutting Mat I Recommend
If you are looking for a larger cutting mat for quilting and sewing projects, the OLFA 24" x 36" Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat (RM-MG) is one option worth considering.
This double-sided green cutting mat features:
24" x 36" large cutting surface
Self-healing surface
Triple-layer construction
Double-sided grid
Designed for use with rotary cutters
Helpful for quilting, patchwork, and larger fabric pieces
The generous 24" x 36" size provides plenty of workspace when cutting larger quilt pieces, making it a useful addition to a sewing or quilting room.
🛒 Check it out on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/45dQQan
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Remember: Always place your cutting mat on a stable, flat surface and use it with a rotary cutter and quilting ruler for safer and more accurate cutting.
- Rotary Cutter: A rolling circular razor blade that cuts through multiple layers of fabric quickly and accurately. [1, 2, 3]
- Clear Acrylic Quilting Ruler: A heavy, transparent ruler with grid markings used to measure fabric and provide a firm, safe edge for the rotary cutter to run along.
- Fabric Scissors / Shears: Sharp, long-bladed fabric scissors used for trimming threads, curved edges, or detail work where a rotary cutter isn't practical.
- Fabric Weights: Heavy metal or covered weights placed on fabric and paper patterns to keep them from shifting on the mat without puncturing the material with pins.
- Replacement Blades & Storage Case: Fresh rotary blades are vital because a dull blade slips on fabric, and a safe disposal case keeps old blades from damaging your workspace or hands.
- Seam Ripper: A small handheld tool with a pointed tip and a tiny blade used to quickly pick out and undo incorrect stitches. [1]
- Clear out fuzz and fibers: Use a rubber eraser or a lint roller regularly across the surface to pull trapped fabric lint out of the tiny cuts, which lets the mat properly self-heal. [1, 2]
- Wash with mild soap: Clean the surface using cool or room-temperature water and a few drops of mild dish soap with a soft cloth or soft brush, then rinse clean. Never use hot water. [1, 2, 3]
- Re-hydrate the mat: Give your mat a cool water and white vinegar bath (about 1/4 cup of white vinegar per gallon of cool water) once or twice a year for 15 to 20 minutes. This restores internal moisture, keeping the PVC soft and preventing cracking. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Store flat always: Lay the mat completely flat under a table or on a wide shelf. Never roll it up or stand it on edge, as this warps the shape and forces cuts to stay permanently open. [1, 2]
- Avoid heat sources: Keep the mat away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or hot cars, and never iron on your mat or set hot coffee mugs down on it, which causes irreversible warping. [1, 2]
- Rotate your workspace: Break the habit of cutting in the exact same spot; spin or flip the mat regularly (using both sides) to distribute the wear evenly. [1, 2, 3]
- Use sharp blades only: Change your rotary cutter blades frequently; dull blades force you to press harder and saw into the mat, creating deep, unhealable grooves. [1, 2]
Sewing, Quilting etc. By ShirleyAnn Pearman
Sewing Blog
Inspiring Sewing , Quilting and Crafting
https://sewingquiltingbyshirleyann.blogspot.com/
https://www.amazon.com/shop/pearmansew
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