favorite cutting mat
09-10-2016, 01:41 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I like my Olfa self-healing mats. I have several in varying sizes. I generally don't use the lines on the mat to measure cut (unless the cut is wider than my ruler), so when the lined side gets worn, I just flip it over and use the plain side. Lasts for years.
09-10-2016, 02:55 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mission, TX
Posts: 390
I had a Fiskers mat for many years but it was getting worn so I bought a new Olpha because I could get it at Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon. I love that Olpha and could not believe at how much longer my blades last now!
09-10-2016, 03:06 AM
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
My mat is a Fiskars and I've had it for about 10 years. I wipe it off after I'm done and most times I've got something at some point in time sitting on top of it. I flipped it over a couple months ago after it had a small warp in it. It's flatter than a board. it's the only one other than my rotary 12". When I try to take "really good care" of something it will fall apart. the less I mess the better it is.
09-10-2016, 03:06 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,511
A self healing mat the blade cuts into the mat. Thus self healing. A hard surface mat the blade rolls on top of the mat. Some cutters use a lot of pressure to cut, I press just enough to start the blade, no more. If the blade doesn't glide over the fabric and mat then it's time to replace one or both. Repeating a cut is too aggravating to me. I will change the cutter or mat or both.
09-10-2016, 08:11 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
Two tips I've learned -
- Buy or cut an old mat down to about 12 x 8". So much use for so many cuttings of smaller pieces and certainly cheaper to replace than my big one! I don't use the mat grid for cutting and use the back often.
- whatever size you use, when cutting again, I don't use the grid) turn your fabric at an angle so you are not always cutting straight vertically or horizontally. Thus far fewer ruts!
Believe me these tips have really worked for me! Haven't bought a new mat in years!
- Buy or cut an old mat down to about 12 x 8". So much use for so many cuttings of smaller pieces and certainly cheaper to replace than my big one! I don't use the mat grid for cutting and use the back often.
- whatever size you use, when cutting again, I don't use the grid) turn your fabric at an angle so you are not always cutting straight vertically or horizontally. Thus far fewer ruts!
Believe me these tips have really worked for me! Haven't bought a new mat in years!
09-10-2016, 08:18 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Posts: 2,229
I love my Quilters Select mats. I have two on my cutting station; one on the light gray side, and one on the dark gray side. I am left-handed so the fact that they are numbered left to right and right to left is very helpful to me, as well as the self healing surface.
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