The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Cutting Mat for Your Quilting Needs
If you’ve been quilting for any length of time, you know that having the right tools makes all the difference. And one of the most important tools in a quilter’s arsenal is a high-quality cutting mat. As any quilter can tell you, a good cutting mat is essential for accurate and precise cuts when piecing together your quilt tops, squares, blocks and more.
Why Is a Cutting Mat So Important for Quilting?
From my experience as a quilter, a cutting mat serves several key purposes:
- It protects your table surface from nicks and cuts from rotary blades and scissors.
- It provides a stable, non-slip surface for cutting fabric with precision.
- Many cutting mats feature accurate measurement guides printed on the surface to aid in cutting uniform pieces.
- The thicker, durable material of quality cutting mats helps blades last longer with less wear and tear.
In essence, an excellent cutting mat allows you to craft beautiful, accurate quilt pieces with ease. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best one for your needs? Let’s break down the top factors to consider.
Material
Cutting mat material greatly influences durability, longevity and performance. The most common options are:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – Affordable and effective, though it can shrink or crack over time from repeated blade uses.
- Rubber – More durable than PVC with natural cushioning, but heavier and warmth-retaining.
- Self-healing material – Automatically “heals” small nicks to maintain a smooth surface longer.
Higher-end mats use FDA-approved materials safe for indirect food contact, too. Avoid phthalates if possible.
Thickness
A thicker mat of at least 1/8 inch or more provides ample cushioning for rotary cutters. This protects blades and prolongs their sharpness. Thinner mats wear down faster. For detailed applique work, a 1/4 inch mat gives good control.
Size
Most quilting cutting Mats measure 24” x 36”, providing a generous work surface. Consider your available workspace too. Smaller mats fit limited spaces but a larger 30” x 40” gives more layout flexibility.
Grid Lines and Measurement Marks
Grid lines are handy visual references for precise cuts and linen placement. 1⁄4” grids are basic but 1⁄8″ grids aid precision piecing. Thick, durable grid lines resist blade cuts better than thin lines. Measurements in inches and centimeters cater to different quilters’ preferences.
Extra Features
Some topshelf mats add beneficial extras like 360-degree self-healing capabilities, non-slip backing for stability, and storage bags to keep them blade-free when not in use. Ruler pockets integrate seamlessly with cutting rulers, too.
Budget
Cutting mats range widely in price – from around $10 up to $50-75 for high-end professional models. As with any tool, you get what you pay for to some degree. Cheaper mats work well for beginning quilters but serious stitchers likely prefer a investment in a top-quality mat.
My Top Cutting Mat Picks:
After years of personal experience, here are some top-recommended mats to consider for various quilting needs:
Olfa Soft Grip XL Cutting Mat (24” x 36”) – $25:
This is a fantastic mid-range mat offering thick 1/4” rubber with bold 1/8” grid lines. The textured latex-free surface provides incredible grip and life-span, lasting me over 3 years so far with daily use. Highly recommended.
Omnigrid Cutting System PRO+ Cutting Mat (30″ x 40″) – $60:
As a step up, this extra-large mat treats serious quilters right. At 1/4” thickness with 1/8” and 1/16” crisp grid lines printed on both sides, it outlasts lesser mats. Ruler pockets are ingenious. It’s worth the investment if you have space for its generous size.
Fiskars Studio Rotary Cutter Mat (24″ x 36″) – $20:
An affordable option that still delivers quality. The textured non-slip backing provides dependable stability. Thick 1/8” material cuts smoothly with fine 1/4″ grid lines for reference. Great value for beginning or occasional quilters.
Other Considerations and Tips:
No matter which mat you choose, here are some additional recommendations after battling frayed edges and dull blades over the years:
- Always store blades in protective containers or bags when not in use to keep them sharp longer.
- Occasionally wipe off your mat, especially after accidents, to remove debris that can damage blades.
- Periodically apply a conditioner to vinyl mats to keep the surface soft and pliant.
- Reconsider rotary cutters if you notice lines wearing unevenly – a dull blade leads to uneven cuts!
With the right cutting mat by your side, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, smoothly cut quilt pieces for all your projects. Let me know if you have any other quilting tool questions!
Top Cutting Mats for Quilting
| Mat | Size | Material | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| OmnigridTM Quilter’s Cutting System | 24×36 inches | Durable plastic | Self-healing gridded surface for accurate cuts |
| Olfa 60mm Self-Healing Cutting Mat | 24×36 inches | Vinyl | Dual cutting surfaces, rotating to always expose a fresh self-healing surface |
| Fiskars Cutting Mat with Metal Straight Edge Ruler | 24×36 inches | Polypropylene | Metal ruler attachment for perfect straight cuts |
| Quilter’s Rule Mega Grid Reversible Cutting Mat | 24×36 inches | Vinyl | Reversible quilting and cutting grids on both sides |
FAQ
- What size cutting mat is best for quilting?
Most quilters recommend getting the largest cutting mat you have room for. For big quilt projects, a mat around 24×36 inches seems to work well. However, if space is limited, a 18×24 mat can still do the job as long as you’re careful not to drag the fabric off the edges. - Should I get self-healing or regular mat?
A self-healing cutting mat is sort of like the awesome choice since you rarely need to replace it. The cuts “heal” themselves so your lines stay nice and clear. Regular mats get dull over time and quilting can kinda wreck ’em after a while. Unless you’re on a tight budget, fork out the extra dollars for the self-healing goodness. - What thickness of mat is suitable?
Most quilters agree the moderately thick 1/4 inch mats perform admirably. They’re stable without being too stiff. The super thin mats feel kinda flimsy and might wrinkle or fold awkwardly under pressure. At the same time, extra thick 1/2 inch mats can weigh a ton and become cumbersome to transport or store. So somewhere in the middle thickness works well. - Should I get a gridded or solid mat?
This one comes down to personal taste. Grids can help make accurate cuts and pieces. Solid mats allow more freedom. Ultimately, both styles get the job done as long as you have clear rulers. Maybe start with a solid mat and see if you feel like you need grid lines later on.
Brands like Olfa and Fiskars have earned their stellar reputations by providing superb accuracy and durability over the years. According to some quilting pros, these top-rated mats most surely stand the test of time. However, cheaper off-brands can perform admirably too if you get lucky. So perhaps try a lower-cost option first before shelling out for the big names.
Most cutting mats seem to last 2-5 years with regular usage depending on the quality. The surface slowly becomes less slice and less slice. When lines are no longer clear or fabric drags, it’s time to retire the old mat. But some top brands have amazed quilters by going strong for almost a decade! With proper care like occasional cleaning and storage, mats can stick around for a good long while.
What if I’m on a tight budget?
If cash is kinda sparse, you can still quilt with cheaper grid-less mats from the craft store. Just go slow and use your favorite rulers as guides. Guild members also sometimes pass on well-used mats that still have some steadiness left in them. Thrift shops and yard sales may surprise you too. With care, patience, and skill, a tight budget need not stop you from this awesome craft. Flexibility and resourcefulness help quilters make beautiful things with whatever tools come their way.