Cutting Mats for Quilters: Everything You Need to Know
A quilter’s cutting mat is one of their most essential tools. Whether you’re new to quilting or a seasoned pro, finding the right mat can make all the difference in your projects. As a quilter myself, I’ve tried many different mats over the years and learned some valuable lessons along the way. In this article, I’ll answer all the questions a user might have when searching for “cutting mats for quilters” and help you pick the perfect one.
What is a Quilting Cutting Mat Used For?
- Precision cutting of fabric. A good cutting mat provides a stable, non-slip surface for safely and accurately trimming fabrics with rotary cutters or scissors.
- Drafting quilt patterns and placement of fabric pieces. Lay out designs and nest blocks on the mat before stitching.
- Rotary cutting. The self-healing surface allows cutters to glide smoothly through multiple layers of fabric without damage to the mat.
- Drawing and marking quilting designs. Use fabric markers or pencils on the mat before transferring designs to fabric.
What to Look for in a Quality Cutting Mat
Size: For most quilt projects, you’ll want a mat that’s at least 24″ x 36″. Larger mats allow more room to lay out and cut multiple pieces at once.
Material: Look for a self-healing material like PVC or Vinyl. These types heal cuts over time so the surface remains smooth. densely-woven cotton or felt mats can wear out more quickly from repeated cutting.
Thickness: At least 1/4″ thick for stability and durability. Thinner mats may buckle or warp with heavy use over time.
Grip: The surface should have some texture to prevent fabric from shifting but not too bumpy that it snags fibers. Slip-resistant backing keeps the mat in place on counters or tables.
Longevity: Quality mats can last for years with proper care. Avoid excessive heat, sunlight, or storing pens and tools directly on the surface which may cause premature wear.
Common Cutting Mat Sizes
- 18″ x 24″ – Compact size good for occasional work but lacks room for large layouts.
- 24″ x 36″ – Ideal size for most quilt patterns. Fits under the sewing machine for piecing and still provides ample cutting area.
- 36″ x 48″ – Large professional size can accommodate really big projects but may be overkill for a hobby quilter.
Popular Cutting Mat Brands
Many quilters swear by rotary cutting mats from Olfa, Fiskars and Omnigrid. Here are some top options to consider:
Olfa Soft Grip Cutting Mat
This is the gold standard cutting mat that many experts recommend. The soft-grip surface feels gentle on hands but provides great stability. Self-heals beautifully and lasts for years of daily use. Available in multiple sizes.
Fiskars Extra-Large Cutting Mat
The extra-thick 3/8″ vinyl makes this mat extremely durable. Provides a generous 36″ x 48″ workspace. Self-heals minor cuts quickly. Affordable for the large size.
Omnigrid Quilter’s Cutting System
Unique gridded surface has precise 1″ lines for perfect strip piecing and layouts. Comes with rulers and templates – a great starter system. Surface holds up well to frequent use.
Can I Use an Old Cutting Mat?
Cutting mats do eventually show wear from repeated cuts in the same areas. However, sometimes a well-loved old mat just needs a refresh! To bring new life to a dull surface, try gently scrubbing with mild soap and water or an abrasive eraser like a Pink Pearl Eraser. This can remove deposits and reveal a smooth layer underneath.
How do I Care for and Maintain my Cutting Mat?
To keep any mat in tip-top condition:
– Wipe with a damp cloth after each use to remove grit and fibers
– Periodically clean with a mild soap and water
– Avoid placing pins directly in the mat
– Store flat or rolled, not folded
– Rotate mat if cutting heavily in one spot
– Replace if surface becomes permanently damaged
With proper care, a quality quilter’s cutting mat can provide many seasons of dependable service. Choosing the right size, thickness and brand will serve you well for all your fabric cutting and quilting needs. Let me know if you have any other quilting tool questions!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quilting Cutting Mat
| Material | Size | Grip | Thickness | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | 24″ x 36″ | Non-slip backing | 1/8 inch | Grid lines for straight cuts |
| Rubber | 18″ x 24″ | Textured surface | 1/4 inch | Durable for rotary cutting |
| Self-healing | 12″ x 12″ | Soft edges | 1/16 inch | Cuts heal over time |
| Acrylic | 6″ x 24″ | Low grip | 1/32 inch | Lightweight for travel |
FAQ
-
What size cutting mats do quilters need?
Cutting mats come in several sizes for quilters. The most common are 24″ x 36″ and larger like 36″ x 48″. The size basically depends on how big your quilting projects are. For standard-sized quilt tops, a 24″ x 36″ mat should work great. But if you do a lot of full-size quilts or really big pieces, you may want a bigger cutting surface.
-
Should I get self-healing or non-self-healing?
Most quilters go with the self-healing mats these days. They’re sort of like having a eraser for your cuts. The lines and marks disappear after a little while, so your surface is always fresh and new-looking. At the same time, non-self-healing mats get the job done too if you’re on a budget. You just need to wipe them clean every so often.
-
Do thicker mats cut better than thin ones?
Thicker cutting mats are usually recommended since they hold up to rotary cutters more. The extra firm surface helps prevent cut lines from getting bent or wavy. Some folks swear the stability of extra thick mats improves their accuracy. But thinner mats work okay for lighter quilting tasks too if you don’t want to invest in a really expensive heavyweight mat right away.
-
How long do cutting mats last?
It depends on how much you use it, but many quilters get several years of regular use out of a good cutting mat. The self-healing type will maintain its cutting surface longer than a non-self-healing mat. Carefully storing it flat when not in use also helps it last. But inevitably, heavy rotary cutting over the years will cause some wearing and tearing. So you’ll likely end up replacing yours every few years or so if it gets daily workouts!
-
Are there special quilting cutting mats?
Yes, some companies make cutting mats specifically designed for quilters! They’ll be extra thick for stability and have quilt ruler markings printed right on the surface. The lines help you cut pieces to exact measurements without a separate ruler. For serious quilters, a specialized quilting mat is definitely awesome. However, a plain ol’ self-healing mat does the trick too if you want to save some cash.
-
Do I need a rotating mat?
Rotating cutting mats are handy if you do lots of quilt piecing where you have to frequently spin and flip pieces around. They save your back from hunching over a stationary mat. But for occasional quilting tasks, a basic cutting mat gets the job done well too. So a rotating mat is more of a luxury – it’s not totally crucial unless you experience neck or back discomfort from regular cutting.
-
How do I take care of my cutting mat?
To keep your mat lasting, try to store it flat when not in use. Roll-up mats can potentially crack quicker. Dust it off occasionally, and wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth if any dried glue or adhesive is stuck on. Replace it if the self-healing surface stops erasing marks properly. Protect it from direct sun too – UV exposure may cause the materials to breakdown faster. With basic care, your mat should provide years of faithful rotating and cutting service!