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-   -   How do you flatten out a cutting mat? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/how-do-you-flatten-out-cutting-mat-t33606.html)

sewnsewer2 01-08-2010 04:55 PM

The other night I went to the grocery store and when I came back my mat was warped! How the heck that happened I don't know. It is always laying flat, never rolled.

I'm thinking the cold air from the window did it? I tried to lay heavy books on it, ironing it and using my heat gun, but no luck flattening it out.

It is old however, bought it in 1999.

Is there any way to flatten it?

Thanks!

desertdebbe 01-08-2010 05:14 PM

Sadly, there is no way to re-flatten it.
It sounds like it's time to buy a new one.
Walmart has the lowest prices on them that I have found.

tlrnhi 01-08-2010 05:24 PM

What about heating areas with a hair dryer, and while it's still warm, plop some heavy books on it. Keep doing it until entire mat is flat and covered with heavy books.

shequilts 01-08-2010 05:30 PM

I left mine rolled up in a hot car and had the devil of a time straightening it out. Finally, I put it back in the hot car, with the "roll" up. The heat flattened it right back.
karen

mic-pa 01-08-2010 05:52 PM

If the mat is that old it might be dulling your blades as they do dry out so I would suggest getting rid of it and buying a new one.

sewnsewer2 01-08-2010 06:01 PM

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too. Wally world has one that is pink on one side and yellow on the other for $30.

The quilt store wants $50 for the same thing.

lbosma 01-08-2010 06:18 PM

I would try putting it under an area rug anywhere you have a slab floor. That is how I store one of my "cheap" ones.

littlehud 01-08-2010 06:34 PM

I don't think they are ever the same after warping.

kimbie 01-08-2010 06:52 PM

I have a friend who swears this worked for her - on a very hot day she put her car where it got direct sun, then put the mat on the hot roof and left it for a couple of hours. Good luck with that this time of year!

MollieSue 01-08-2010 06:55 PM

I've had an end of mine curl up a bit, if I've left it lying on the floor leaning against the wall. I just set something heavy on it, and it always has gone back to normal.
:)


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