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-   -   Lifespan of a cutting mat? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/lifespan-cutting-mat-t61781.html)

Annz 08-29-2010 06:20 PM

I use it for as long as I can. When it starts to distort my cutting then it is time for a new one. I actually have about 5 cutting mats. All diffrent and all used at diffrent times so I think I've only had to replace one.

Dee 08-29-2010 06:51 PM

I use a plastic scrubber every so often to clean it off. I have three and change off. Read about the scrubber on another site long ago.

brushandthimble 08-29-2010 08:44 PM

JoAnn's it was on sale for 40% off


Originally Posted by katiebear1

Originally Posted by brushandthimble
they do dry out, get brittle to the point they will almost snap in half. Lots of cut lines showing and your cutter will skip and you have those little threads that didn't get cut. I have started writting the date on all my new ones. They do wear out, and will dull your rotart blade. Mine are used ALOT so that may explain my take that they do wear out. I wait for 40% off sales or coupons.
Just purchased a Fiskers and LOVE it so far, blade seems to glide over it. Will have to see how it holds up, AND it is reversable with lines:)

Oooh, where did you get it ?


cr12cats 08-29-2010 09:01 PM

to take the warping out of your mat... lay it flat in the driveway or cement patio on a hot day let the sun do the work if the warping isn't bad that should work. or what I have done with my badly warped one is put it in the jaguzzi, taken it out after couple of hours and put piece of plywood on it on the floor and weighed it down with some old phone books i had and a small table up side down on it . That was 11 years ago and it is still going strong. I thought I would at least try cause I couldn't use it the way it was anyway. I was just happy it worked.

irenecarter 08-29-2010 09:59 PM

I've got one of those big green mats and have had it for over 20 years. It has a couple of of cracks on the ends buyt otherwise in good shape. I think the cracks were cause by me standing it on end in storage . Live and learn.

agoldenbutterfly 08-29-2010 10:01 PM

Thanks Judy! I hope it works. It will be a long time before it is 90 here in Johannesburg, South Africa. We're just going into Spring. But I will keep it in mind. Ginger

fabricfairy 08-30-2010 12:58 AM

I have been using my mat for the past 16 years I rotate
my mat by one corner and then I clean it on The Monday after mothers dy and christmas time that way I know I have done it . To me it is like your sewing machine look after it and it will serve you well .

BRenea 08-30-2010 03:08 AM

I use my mats for a good long time! It definitely helps to rotate and flip them! I just bought a new mat, the one I was using got relegated to cutting curved pieces (curved cuts don't heal as well) and batting. My old-old mat got cut up for purse bottoms and "mini-mats" for chenille cutting.

agoldenbutterfly 08-30-2010 03:34 AM

Thanks! I'm going to try that! Ginger

damaquilts 08-30-2010 04:03 AM


Originally Posted by irenecarter
I've got one of those big green mats and have had it for over 20 years. It has a couple of of cracks on the ends buyt otherwise in good shape. I think the cracks were cause by me standing it on end in storage . Live and learn.

Mine were bowing from standing them on end. I now hang them on pant hangers. One is hanging on my pegboard and one on a nail in a door .


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