Cutting Mat Question??
09-12-2013, 04:57 AM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
Cutting Mat Question??
My cutting mat is 24" x 36", and with the new studio completed, I have room to have a larger cutting surface, BUT---- I seem to only use the first 18" or so of my mat right now. I wonder what you all use a larger cutting surface for? I fold my fabric in half to cut strips, I use a Shape Cut Plus for cutting strips - I have an accuquilt Go, that I intend to start using now that I have room for it. Am I missing the point entirely, would having a larger surface make my cutting easier? I have a smaller cutting mat at my Koala side table for trimming blocks etc.
09-12-2013, 05:03 AM
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,502
I like the 24 X 36 myself for cutting because my longest ruler is 6 X 24. I can't see needing a bigger mat if I don't have a longer ruler. I think the point of having the largest surface possible for cutting is so you can cut wherever you want. It would help to preserve the mat If you could move where you cut your fabric.
09-12-2013, 05:16 AM
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Somewhere in the Heart of grain field
Posts: 1,826
I'm with Tartan, I have a very big mat. Actually built the cutting table just for the big mat. I know it is 36x72 I believe...I do use all of it, especially if I have bought a few yards of one fabric and need only a bit of it I can measure out what I need quite easily.
09-12-2013, 05:19 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: West Coast
Posts: 9,267
I have the same size mat and it seems plenty enough for me big for me. I just rotate it so it wears evenly. Maybe if i cut more LOF pieces I would go bigger. If I was cutting on an island table, I would also cover as much as I could with a cutting mat to be able to cut anywhere.
09-12-2013, 05:23 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Texas, USA
Posts: 5,896
I have the 24x36, as well as the 2 next smaller sizes, and use them all. Would love to have the bigger one, as I'm constantly having to shift my yardage over, on the 24x36 one. I don't recall ever seeing the bigger one, though. Wonder if it'd fit into my little Civic . . . .
09-12-2013, 05:49 AM
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
My largest mat is 24 x 36 and it is large enough for every project I've done. However, if I had a room dedicated to sewing and a table big enough, I would buy a mat that fit that table. froggyintexas
09-12-2013, 05:55 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Laughlin NV
Posts: 650
I have several sizes but seem to use 3 the most. Those three fit surfaces in the house where I can cut most comfortably. One fits on my kitchen table (most of it) and gets used with bed risers underneath and when I am working with big yardage. Then I have my go-to one that covers the top of my 5 cu foot freezer that sits on bricks in my sewing room. (small apt and space issues). Then I have a couple of rotating ones that I frequently use on top of my ironing board -- love, love, love those for trimming up blocks to size. Figured out that cutting height took the pain out of my aging back and wonky, previously broken right wrist. The correct height for me = cutting accuracy.
09-12-2013, 06:03 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Nevada
Posts: 581
I also have the 24 x 36 Olfa. I use the whole surface when cutting strips. I will also turn it when I think to to get even wear. Depending on the color fabric I'm cutting, I will flip it over to the back to see everything easier. I definitely am getting my money's worth for the mat.
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