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When I don't need the measurement lines I use the back of my cutting board. One always has to cut off selvage, but there seem to be lots of times I don't need the lines. I used the same board for about 6 years before replacing it.... about 60 quilts.
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I've been busy cooking and cleaning for Thanksgiving so hadn't been back to see if I had any responses to this post. Thanks so much for all the great ideas. I tried leaving it out in the sun and it didn't take out the warp but hadn't tried the hot towels, maybe I'll do that first. I love the idea of making a rotary cutting mat, the cookie sheet idea, making templates, using under the sewing machine, etc... So many smart, resourceful and just downright friendly people here, thanks and have a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
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For those who have a mat that is warped, my suggestion is to lay it out on a cement surface in the sun for a few hours. I did that and it smoothed out nicely. I use it all the time. Perky2
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I just bought a new rotating mat, after using it, gee I deserve this. I bought mine from Walmart, it was $24.00 and the one in JoAnn's was like $32.00. Anyway, I'm happy I bought this.
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I have 2 mats at this point & I simply stack them & cut on the top one. It gives it strength when I have to use it on a shorter work surface than the mat, as my space is ridiculously tiny. I make it work though & I still enjoy it! :-)
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Such great ideas you all are sharing! I think it would make a great, longer lasting replacement for anything you would normally use cardboard for. What pops first into my head is that it could replace the circular fabric covered cardboard bases that I sew my pincushion bottoms onto.
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I love the idea of making them into bag bottoms. What a very cleaver idea.
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Originally Posted by Shelbie
(Post 4708186)
I use mine under my sewing machine. My machine runs more quietly as the mat absorbs the sound and doesn't move around. If I have to trim a little, the mat is right there!
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I for one will be on the lookout for a wooden lazy susan for my old mat. What a great idea!
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Originally Posted by quiltinghere
(Post 4707970)
Either cut the good parts off and do lots of cutting on them in an effort to save your new big mat.
If it's not too terribly warped (and maybe if it is) you can always try to use contact cement to glue it to a smooth board. You apply the cement to both the board and the mat, then put them together. It may take a couple of people to get it smooth. You'll also need weight to hold it down while it cures. |
the one that is warped can be fixed. if you want it.
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I cut one in a circle and glued it to the top of a rubbermaid lazy susan works great to square up quilt pieces up to 8 inches
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I put one under my portable sewing machine when I put it on my dining room table.Keeps from scratching the table.
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I have a large mat that warped. I took it out on my patio and let it lay flat in the sun for about 3 hours. I brought it in and slipped it under my living room area rug (I have tile floors). I left it u der the rug for several hours. it was about
90% flatter. At least I can use it now. |
Don't set you pc on it either! Ask me how I know. LOL
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Have you tried soaking it in water until it saturated and then laying it flat with weight on it. I read that on here.
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If you think you might ever be interested in the "confetti quilt" keep those old cutting mats. You can use the back and you certainly don't want to use a good mat. For this technique you cut and cut and cut and I don't think a warp would hurt anything either. I love the lazy susan idea and cutting them into small cutting mats. Thanks everyone.
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Originally Posted by Drue
(Post 4706922)
M I have also cut one into smaller pieces, using the sections that I didn't "use up" to have little cutting areas next to my machines and to carry with me when I need a small cutting mat.
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I too have cut warped mats into smaller pieces to use in small area, I keep a small mat section in my sewing kit that I take to class, I have several scattered around my sewing area and at least one by my ironing station to trim seams on, you all have great ideas, this is the best place to find out the 411 on everything to do with quilting
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Originally Posted by chuckbere15
(Post 4715218)
Have you tried soaking it in water until it saturated and then laying it flat with weight on it. I read that on here.
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You all have the best ideas.....
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When my mat gets too ancient I cut it in half which means I use another section to cut on. Finally when it gets to be A4 size, I get two pieces of thin hardboard layer some wadding (batting) on one side of each and then cover with some fancy fabric - this joins them together like a book. Glue the fabric down on the other side from the wadding. Then on one "page" stick a sheet of fine sandpaper (which should cover the folded over fabric edges) and on the other "page" stick your A4 cutting mat. The "book" should have a narrow "spine" so that you can fold the two "pages" together when its not being used. Great for applique work or piecing on your lap in front of the TV, and also for workshops.
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I know of a person who laid her warped mat on the hood of her car when she drove into her garage, placed some weight (books, I think) on the mat, and let it cool with the car. Like new mat.
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Originally Posted by Merivale
(Post 4708024)
They would cut up into wonderful templates. The bottom of handbags has already been mentioned and indeed another good idea. DH would like it for lining tool boxes, cutting on in workshop.
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This board is wonderful. So many clever people here! Just amazing, you all are!
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