help for a well used cutting mat.
#21
I have the big Martelli mat as well and LOVE it. I have had mine at least a year or two, and got it at half-price as well. I believe it is self-healing. I also have one of those professional type mats you see in quilt shops.
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 214
Yah, good idea, but where can you find a mat that has the lines on both sides. I would like to find a good use for my big ones that are practically cut all the way through, like a liner for refrigerator shelves or something. I have a good 8 or 9 mats, big and medium small that I cannot cut on anymore, but I could cut them to fit the shelves and take those out and wash them and keep the glass shelving cleaner. Or drawer liners in the kitchen. I can think of a lot of things like that, but when it comes down to it, it starts sounding stupid, so I don't. Edie
I can't just throw one out as witnessed by the one I've been using for more years than I can remember!
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
You are blessed to be able to "buy a new one every couple years". Some of us are on a small fixed income and must save up for such an expensive piece of equipment. I hope this makes it clear? Blessings.
#25
My mat has definitely benefited from the treatment gave it with the quilt glide. Last night I cut out a new top, and it was wonderful when I was cutting the long strips. I think one reason mats wear out so quickly is all the small fibers clogging up the cuts. I kept the cloth I had used in the treatment and used it to clean up the mat when I was done. It had a heavy residue of the quilt glide on it still. Again I drew up a great deal of tiny fibers from what I thought was a clean mat. So now I will use it to regularly scrub out debris do a major refresh a couple of times a year. It may be the mat might out last me.
#28
The spray seems to sink into the mat and hydrate it. It does need to sit for a couple of hours and then get a good rub down. I use a scrap piece of sheeting. It does not seem to leave any residue and I have used it to cut fabric. Remember it was designed to go on the bed of the machine to slick it up for free motion quilting, so leaving a residue would be counter productive.
#29
Yah, good idea, but where can you find a mat that has the lines on both sides. I would like to find a good use for my big ones that are practically cut all the way through, like a liner for refrigerator shelves or something. I have a good 8 or 9 mats, big and medium small that I cannot cut on anymore, but I could cut them to fit the shelves and take those out and wash them and keep the glass shelving cleaner. Or drawer liners in the kitchen. I can think of a lot of things like that, but when it comes down to it, it starts sounding stupid, so I don't. Edie
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,674
I use my old mats for bag bases and cover with fabric leaving an opening to remove on wash day. I have a few mats on the go at different times including one which always goes to classes. They all wear out at different times and are replaced. Usually change every 2 / 5 years.
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