Accuquilt Cutting Mats
 

I purchased a AccuQuilt Baby, and was cutting out some 5" tumblers. I cut approximately 3 charm packs of cotton fabric, which is less than 3 yards and my mat has worn out already. Is this normal?

It has cracks all over. I cut either 3 or 4 charms at a time. I alternate the sides of mat as suggested.
What is your experience with the longevity of these mats?

i'm surprised that they don't last longer, too. i've cut about 5 lap quilts with mine before it gave out.

they do look awful before long but unless it's broken it's still good.

just to be on the safe side, try sending a photo to accuquilt customer service to see what they say.

Yes the mats will show cut grooves on them. Rotate the mat a little each time so you aren't cutting the exact same spot.

The mat should still be good for cutting.

If they still cut, they are still useable. You can extend the life a bit by putting a sheet of paper (copy paper, newsprint) between the fabric & the cutting mat. The mat will show cut marks. It's not like a self healing rotary mat, but should not be actually cracked...

They do look pretty sad after a while - but I have gone to the longer mats for those quilts because it's easier to put the mat in a different position. Same for using a smaller one when using just a portion of a die. The rest of die just passes under it.

Does it have scratches or cracks?

I have a studio, and the mats for that are a hard plastic. I've been using it for about 3 years. It's scratched up, but it still works just fine. It looks like heck, but works just fine.

If it literally does not work anymore, call accuquilt to find out why it is worn out.

Yes! Unless I need the grid on the mat, which I can always do without, turn to cut on the diagonal and/or outer edges a lot!

When I got my "Go" when they first came out they gave a mat that was gray and lasted much longer...Then I noticed
they started to sell the white ones that don't last long...it's all abt money. So I try to use the small mat over the cut I'm making if the die has several diff cuts I don't need...Why put additional cuts into the lg mat if not covered by material.
I just treated myself to the new electric...will sell other on ebay. Cant wait to have the ease of not having to crank anymore!

besides moving the mat each time to lessen spot that gets cut into; having 4-6 layers helps--the die and machine are made to cut that many and if you aren't cutting enough layers the die cuts deeper into the mat. (which is why using paper or cardstock between fabric and mat helps.

there is a FB page for Accuquilt users that has lots of tips that you might be interested in, too.

Has anyone recycled their Olfa or other brand of cutting mat to use in place of the Accuquilt ones? Does it work as well?

Accuquilt suggest that you use light cardboard or heavy paper between fabric and the cutting mat. It will no affect then cutting blade.

some blades protrude more than others on some dies. Those are the ones that reek havoc on the mats. Add more fabric to cut at a time, or protect with light cardboard.

I don't pamper my Go because it's long out of warranty and I can replace it. I have used old rotary mats, they are thinner so I can cut more layers of fabric.

I used the die for 1/2" hexagons, cutting fabric and paper for the Insanity Quilt by Rhonda Pearce. And I have since cut some more fabric because I didn't like some of my original choices. Anyway, I made sure to rotate, reverse, etc., the mat constantly. I also learned that it does not have to be positioned straight on top of the die but can be off-centered, slanted, etc. In all, I have probably run my mat through the die about 2,000 times (egads!). It looks horrible but just finally has shown cracking. I am definitely retiring it to a place of honor - covering it with fabric and using it in the bottom of a tote bag.

Onebyone just gave me a good idea. I have an old cutting mat that split and it's just taking up space. Thanks

One summer I cut up 2.5” squares and my die wouldn’t cut up anything. I didn’t use it that much because I know exactly what I cut up. The darn thing cost about $35+ and it was ruined, I couldn’t cut up one piece of fabric. My mats take a great deal of use but some don’t last as long as others. Never heard of this paper between the blade and mat, why don’t they tell us that?

Wannabe,Check to see if you need to pick out lint next to blades. They sell a pick for just this thing.

A small crochet hook works as does picks for nuts and seafood.