I just thought of it when using some of the mats for various things around the house and thought they'd be ideal for templates..anyone tried it..they are the kind you get at teh dollar stores

I usually buy a few yards of the clear table covering. Its heavy enough to be used again and again.
MK

I have used the cutting mats for templates. I have also used them to make stencils. They will cut easily with a rotary blade, so I only use them for fussy cuts. They are great for patterns I think I might use again. They are thin enough to store in a sheet protector with the pattern for future use.

I think its a great idea. I use all kinds of stuff too, like coffee can lids. Anything to save a bit of money!

I have used them, works great. A lot cheaper than the stuff they sell for templates!

I cut my own for applique all of the time. pab

What is it that you use for templates? I found that the template plastic sheets are ok but so expensive! plus, I'd really like something I can use with my rotary cutter, scissors straight line and I don't always mesh well :)

She is talking about the thin semi-transparent mats that sometimes come 2 in a package for a dollar, and are supposed to be used to make sandwiches or chop veggies on--found in the kitchen supply section of dollar stores. I got them for camping , but never thought of using them for templates. This is a great idea.

I wash and save the plastic that comes in packages of bacon for this---works great.

Great idea, Shunem!

A vinyle placemat from the $ store works well, esady to cut out. But, you need to put your ruler on top of it when using the rotary cutter. I learned that real fast!!

DH buys acrylic sheets from Lowes, traces around paper or cardboard template & cuts the acrylic with his scroll saw. Then he files the edges smooth. Sheets of acrylic are very inexpensive.

That's a great idea! My FIL has lots of woodworking stuff, maybe I can talk him into cutting some out for me :)

Thanks for that info. I have a scroll saw. I have had it for years. Now I can make my own

We buy the acrylic sheets also--you can get different thicknesses depended on your own preference. I am not comfortable with the thin sheets you can buy for making templates. I use the cutting glove, but am terrified of the thought of cutting myself. I need something thick against the cutter. Putting masking tape along the cutting line helps with spurs when using the saw. Our Home Depot also sells the hand cutters to cut the acrylic.

Great ideas. Thanks for the tips.

Thought I would add my two cents. LOL. I have had to take xrays of one kind or another over the last 4 years so I have accumulated a stack of those black xrays and they are really great for making templates. I always end up with "copies" after all my visits, and kept them for records, now I am cutting them up. And this morning I brough home three more envelopes and one of them has 32 sheets. Wahooooooooo. I'll hang on to those babies too as soon as appts are over, they have the real copies at the hospital. So if you ever get the chance to pick up your xrays, it works. :):)

I bought some mats for cutting food on for 1.00 for 2 at Top;s market and they work great.

Yes, I have been using them for several years now. They work great and a lot cheaper than the template plastic. Leaves me more money for fabric. (or gas in the truck)!!!

I buy plastic placemats to cut up and use as templates. The dollar store had a bunch of them left over from Christmas a few years ago and I bought them all. I finally ran out but they are getting hard to find now. I found them at Walmart for $1 each but I have to be careful because some are kind of flimsy.