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-   -   Need to know what is the best self healing mat? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/need-know-what-best-self-healing-mat-t287703.html)

bungalow59 04-23-2017 06:38 AM

I've had my Olfa cutting mat for over 18 years. It has been great! I use both sides, and rotate it to keep it in good shape. I've been very happy with it. Good luck.

tazzermom 04-23-2017 07:45 AM

Thanks to all!!!!

caspharm 04-23-2017 09:53 AM

I like my Olfa mats and my Martelli mats.

Bobbielinks 04-23-2017 10:08 AM

I prefer the Olfa mats. I purchased a Fiskars mat a few years ago, but it did not hold up - within about 6 months I replaced it with a Olfa.

KalamaQuilts 04-23-2017 12:12 PM

as probably said above, if you have fibers in your matt you are pressing too hard
you are cutting silk
your blade needs to be changed.

I've had my first matt for over 30 years, it is still fine.

rjwilder 04-24-2017 03:18 AM

A lady in my quilting club was having the same problem. She is fairly new to quilting and she was pushing way too hard while cutting. Once we showed her the proper way to cut she was amazed. She said she dreaded cutting because her hands hurt and she was so tired afterwards.

maviskw 04-24-2017 04:34 AM

I read this thread carefully, I thought, because I have fibers in my mat that I can't get out. It is a green 24 X 36" Omnigrid. I was cutting scraps of Warm and Natural batting to rescue small pieces and I can't get the remaining fibers out of the mat. I tried water and a dish washing scrubbie, but a lot of it didn't come out. What else can I do?

janjanq 04-24-2017 04:40 AM

Jan, what difference does it make where you buy your Olfa mats? Are the mats at Hancocks better quality? Why "only" at Hancocks?


Originally Posted by Jan in VA (Post 7809568)
I find sewbizgirl's comments interesting because I've used Olfa mats -- ALWAYS purchased from Hancocks of Paducah, never Joannes, etc. -- for well over 30 years, wash them occasionally as Olfa advises, and have NEVER had a problem with them not 'healing'. I do use both sides of my mats, and change up where I cut on them so as not to cut over and over again in the same groove, but I've used these mats for years and years without causing a 'bad spot'.

On the other hand, in my experience in many years of classroom situations, I've decided the Fiskar mats may be the worst ones on the market for dulling blades! I also use only Olfa blades, by the way, which I buy at Hancocks of Paducah in the 10-pack for a good price.

Jan in VA


citruscountyquilter 04-24-2017 05:28 AM

I bought the Fiskars package of mat/ruler and cutter for use in a summer home. I was very disappointed. The mat did not hold up and warped even though I took care of it and stored it properly. The ruler was not a favorite because it slipped easily and had and extra 1/4" on one side and I was forever turning it the wrong way. The cutter was OK. I ended up replacing it all with Olfa which I had at my other other house. I love the Olfa cutter that closes automatically - you squeeze the handle to open. I got a frosted Olfa ruler. I have never had any problems with Olfa mats and have used one for the last 15 years extensively and it is still going strong.

mindless 04-24-2017 10:04 AM


Originally Posted by maviskw (Post 7810505)
I read this thread carefully, I thought, because I have fibers in my mat that I can't get out. It is a green 24 X 36" Omnigrid. I was cutting scraps of Warm and Natural batting to rescue small pieces and I can't get the remaining fibers out of the mat. I tried water and a dish washing scrubbie, but a lot of it didn't come out. What else can I do?

Believe it or not, sometimes an eraser is the best tool for cleaning leftover fibers from the mat. I have a big, old pink school eraser, and a smaller rubber one that I keep handy just for getting those stuck fibers out. Also, a pick up square works great. And it doesn't leave that pink residue. It is an artist's tool, similar to an eraser used for rubbing off masks and rubber cement glues from watercolor paper, etc.


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