Back of cutting mat
 

The last year I've read several posts that state the user is also using the back of their cutting mat.

I have a June Taylor mat, probably 7-8 years old and have NEVER used the back.
When it was new, the side with the print (the front) was a little bit rougher in texture, while the back was shiny and smooth. It's still shiny and smooth because like I said, I nevere even considered using it.

The front shows some use, but is still usable.

So, can I use the back too? (I never use the lines printed on the front except for keeping my fabric 'straight,' I use my ruler for measuring)

I just flipped mine over recently. I have an OLFA mat (the green ones) and they are the same front and back, except for the printed lines. It's like having a new mat!

I have no experience with June Taylor... if the back of the mat has a shiny finish it may not work. It may be too slippery.

I just flipped my Olfa mat over last month after many years using the front. It's working just fine for me and seems like the front without the lines.

Sounds like it would work fine.

like fabric ..... you paid for both side... LOL use both!

June Taylor mat is a hard surface mat. Olfa and Fiskars are soft self healing mats. The difference is the rotary blade rolls on top of the hard surface mat or cuts into the self healing mat.

I have been using the back of my cutting mat for years, it was something that I saw on Fons and Porter many years ago they were trying to teach you not to depend on the lines of the mat but instead to use the lines of the ruler. I haven't bought a new mat in probably 10 years. That being said I do have 2.

I used both sides of my Omni mat and finally had to buy a new one a year ago. I like the mat because it is much thicker than the Olfa mat and wears much better for a longer length of time. I am not sure if you can use a slick surface for cutting. Try a small item and be careful when cutting.

I just flipped my Olfa mat a couple weeks ago. So nice!

Honestly, with a 7 year old June Taylor mat, I'd toss the thing and treat myself to a new Olfa mat....and use both sides!! You'll love it!

Jan in VA

After reading the replies, that's what I'm going to do!
(thank you everyone for the info)

Such a good idea. Why didn't I think of that? I need to do that and then the back of my unmarked mat will be usable to me.

Thanks for posting this!

Great idea! Love the idea of adding some lines for straight edge too.

Super Idea, Does the permanent (as permanent as possible) rub off the mat and onto the fabric. I am a person that totally depends on those 1/8" lines for straight! I trust me, and I had better after 76 years, but my hands don't listen to me all the time, and the eyes are getting a little sassy, too! But I have, I'll bet a nickel to a rotten donut, at least 8 mats, all different sizes that are like brand new on the flip side. And mats are expensive. Thanks for the info,. That is something I am going to do. Edie

Love this thread....because just a month ago the light bulb in my "cheapy" brain went off and I started using the back side of my mats! Now you all are confirming my doing that...like the idea of a couple lines drawn on it too...

All these years and never thought about using the back of the mat.

My last mat that wore out, I just flipped it to the shiny side, then sanded it gently, and then drew straight lines with permanent ink so I could still line up my fabric. Worked great.

You paid for both sides of your cutting mat, so why not use the back. I never use the lines on the mat anyhow.
Sharon in Texas

I paid for both sides of my cutting mats, and use them both ways. If I am doing some smaller glue basting (blocks) I always use the back and the dried glue just peels right off

When I drew the lines on the back of the mat with the permanent ink marker, I waited until the next day to be absolutely, positively certain that it was dry.

The colour has never transferred to the fabric and the lines are still as bright as when I drew them. :)

I'll add that I drew four lines top to bottom about four inches from each side to use squaring up washed and pressed yardage. Four lines so it wouldn't matter which way I had the fabric on the mat, not because you need four lines to square up. Then I drew several more lines in the middle to use to line up fabric edges when cutting. Hope this helps. :)