cutting mats
#32
I think that i will go with a olfa for one of the other self healing mats. I don't want to have to go and get another one in a couple of months because it is all tore up. a waste of money that would be.
#33
Olfa self-healing is the only mat I would ever buy. I also seldom use the mat's measuring lines but cut everything using two rulers--one for cutting with blade and another to slide up/down fabric securing my specific measurement before cutting. I changed to this way of cutting when I asked my fellow seasoned-quilters why my quilts were always 1/4+ off at one end. Their comment was that the lines on any mat after long usage will begin to spread. Sure enough--now my quilts are just about perfect bottom, top and middle.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: central California
Posts: 636
I just got a new mat. I had been using my same one for 20 years. I had a white one (Dritz, I think), it was sort of bumpy on the unlined side, and smooth on the lined side. I always used the bummpy side, it seemed more self healing. I have read that the white ones are hard on your blades, I never noticed that but I didn't have anything to compare it to. I got my new one at Alvin's, someone on this board recommended them. I love it. It is thicker than the typical "quilting" mats, and a really nice surface. I also splurged and got a bigger size, 24"x36". It got here really fast, and was cheaper than any I've looked at in the shops, even with shipping. I also, recently bought bed risers to raise my cutting table up, WOW, what a difference!!
#39
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
Don't bother getting a cutting mat at a "sewing" store - go to the art supply stores - buy a self healing mat made for architects or designers - they come in various sizes - mine is 48 x 36 with ruler markings - works great for all sizes of material, I can measure off and square off all of my fabrics. I leave it on a table that I only use for cutting or checking sizes of my squares
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