cutting mats
#23
$69.99 for a huge 40"x60" mat! I had not heard of this brand, but it's $30 off here:
http://www.allbrands.com/products/30...ct_description
I have the large white mat from Joann's which is already cracked and has cuts that thread gets cut in -- barely used but I've had it a few years. (not the above Sew Fit brand, mine says doesn't have a brand on it)
http://www.allbrands.com/products/30...ct_description
I have the large white mat from Joann's which is already cracked and has cuts that thread gets cut in -- barely used but I've had it a few years. (not the above Sew Fit brand, mine says doesn't have a brand on it)
I am very lucky to have my DM's very large Sewfit pinable cutting mat and my own smaller one that have both been well used for over 20 years. I also have a selection of many other mats of different sizes and two turntable mats (all bought every time I get a good sale or coupon) that I use for smaller projects. I know that if I ever replace the big ones, it will be Sewfit brand.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 1,552
I used to use the Olfa mats - but since I found the Martelli mats, I use only those. They are so much easier on my blades, and last so much longer than any other mat..
#25
I also use Olfa green mats. I have had mine for over 10 years and it is still going strong. I try not to cut in the same area repeatedly and I think that helps. I don't use the lines for measuring but rather use a ruler so it is easy to move around the mat. I use the mat a lot and figure when one side gets too bad I'll just flip it over. At the rate it's going the mat may outlive me.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I don't like those white/translucent mats. They aren't self-healing so they get grooves that just stay there forever.
For any of the self-healing mats, they all last longer if you rehydrate them periodically.
I have an Alvin brand mat that I am really happy with. I bought it on Amazon - its a nice big mat (42x30) and it heals up just as well as an Olfa and only cost around $50. It's too big to fit in my tub for a soaking so I wipe it down with a hot wet washcloth periodically to help keep it hydrated. It's about 2 years old now and other than a spot where I got some paint on it (oops) it looks almost new. LOVE that mat!
It's gridded on both sides; one side is black, the other side is green. I've used both sides but the green is easiest on my eyes. It also has a nice "centering" set of measurements marked, with a zero line near the middle of the mat and numbers counting outwards in both directions from there. Great for trimming down blocks evenly.
For any of the self-healing mats, they all last longer if you rehydrate them periodically.
I have an Alvin brand mat that I am really happy with. I bought it on Amazon - its a nice big mat (42x30) and it heals up just as well as an Olfa and only cost around $50. It's too big to fit in my tub for a soaking so I wipe it down with a hot wet washcloth periodically to help keep it hydrated. It's about 2 years old now and other than a spot where I got some paint on it (oops) it looks almost new. LOVE that mat!
It's gridded on both sides; one side is black, the other side is green. I've used both sides but the green is easiest on my eyes. It also has a nice "centering" set of measurements marked, with a zero line near the middle of the mat and numbers counting outwards in both directions from there. Great for trimming down blocks evenly.
#28
I have the June Taylor 24 x 24" mat. You have to order them online from JoAnns. I really like them. I use the fronts for initial cuts of fabrics and the back for squaring up blocks. I just replaced the first one I've owned for about the last 10 years. The lines were fading off. This time, I bought 2 because they were a steller price on sale. I had another one. It was bigger. I can't remember the name. It was awful, I couldn't stand the feel of it. And it got grooves really easy. I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I only had that one for about 2 years.
I agree with what everyone else said about your rotory blades. You use a lot less pressure to cut if your blade is sharp.
I agree with what everyone else said about your rotory blades. You use a lot less pressure to cut if your blade is sharp.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 559
Recently, I got mine at Tuesday Morning and paid $15.00 for it, 23 X17 inches, flexible, sef healing, black grids on one side and white on the other made by American Crafter. So far, I love it, particularly the self healinIg and bendable. I do believe it may be focused on paper crafting but it advertises various mediums including rotary cutting for fabric.
Note: When cutting fleece the lint will remain in the grooves preventing the cut to self heal, so next time I will use an old one for my fleece cutting. BTW...all but my small mats are so used the print is nearly gone and the grooves are like pineapple outers.
Note: When cutting fleece the lint will remain in the grooves preventing the cut to self heal, so next time I will use an old one for my fleece cutting. BTW...all but my small mats are so used the print is nearly gone and the grooves are like pineapple outers.
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