Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Home made cutting mat
I have a square Olfa cutting mat and I would really like one that is longer, however I don't know that I want to make the investment in another mat, especially since the longer mats are quite expensive.
Has anyone found an alternative to purchasing those types of mats for cutting fabric? I'm looking for something that I can lay on top of my table to cut my quilt squares and even up my quilt tops.
Can't think of anything that wouldn't also ruin your cutter. I got a 6' ruler at Lowes. When I want to square up a quilt, I lay it on a table, use a large square ruler to mark the corners square, then use the 6' ruler to join the markings between the corners, along the edges. With the quilt marked where you want to cut it, you can slide it along your mat, cut that portion, then slide it down more. You don't have to worry too much about marking the quilt because the edge is going to be covered with the binding.
"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Thanks for that hint paperprincess I can sure use that idea is it like a yard stick but 6'?Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
Jeri
Last edited by oldtisme; 10-30-2014 at 01:58 PM. Reason: additional question
Yes, it's aluminum, about 2" wide, 6 feet long & bright yellow. It was $11, which I thought was a bargain.
"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Where did you find that ruler? Sounds like a nice thing to have handy.
I have a large table for making curtains, (terrific for quilting as well), and was gifted a used, large clear 'plastic' mat, the type that is used under office chairs, to protect carpet and helps move around. It gives me a huge cutting area 40x48ins. Does it dull my cutter blades? - perhaps - I haven't done any comparisons as I use proper mats as well, but I wouldn't be without it now. Just wish it was the full width of my table.
If you have a JoAnn store nearby, check their sales often. When the cutting mats are on sale, try to get a 32"x24" mat - this will be a great investment and should last for years. I bought one 5 years ago and it's still in great shape.
Mats at JAF are normally on sale the day after Thanksgiving. I prefer the Omnigrid mats over the Olfa mats which have become very thin over the years. They can ONLY buy them online at JAF. I think they also have free shipping!!
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
Hobby Lobby always has a 40% OFF coupon on line.
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do"....E. Roosevelt
Sharon
Yorkville, IL
Anything else would not be self healing mats. I only use the regular self healing mats.
Another Phyllis
This life is the only one you get - enjoy it before you lose it.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
