barnbum

I recently cut fabrics for an Irish Chain--and with only one of the fabrics--after cutting a strip and moving it off the mat--several threads got caught on the mat and it unraveled enough in a small spot that I didn't use it! It was a Red Rooster quality fabric. It's not that the threads aren't cut--it's that they stick to/in the mat? I had to be very caereful whenever cutting that fabric. Do you think it's the mat? So frustrating.

Pickles

I had that to happen once and what I did was re sharpen my Blade as
I was pressing down to hard on the mat with my blade cause it had dulled.
Maybe it is your Blade..

ghostrider

Your blade is probably pushing the threads down into the mat as you cut because it is dull. Try replacing the blade and if that doesn't solve the problem, try one of those mat resurfacing thingies (they're like dermabrasion for cutting mats :oops: ). Either one is cheaper than buying a new mat. :D

barnbum

Well--replacing the blade is a simple solution. :D I'd love to resurface my mat... what's the stuff called? Is it easy to get?

ghostrider

Here's a review of the TriSharp Mat Smoother http://www.quiltersreview.com/articl...t/010820_a.asp
It's 19.99 at Clotilde http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=1708
and 16.02 at Connecting Threads http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...r__D80686.html
There are also other brands available

quiltluvr

For lack of a better explanation, it's a round handheld disk, I got mine at Hancock's, and it's got like a very fine sandpaper type texture. You rub it all over your mat to smooth down any burrs that come from repeated cutting.

Which was another thought about your mat, it isn't worn in the spot you cut in. It doesn't have to be blatantly visible to have developed a groove of sorts.

If all these suggestions don't seem to solve the issue, can you just flip the mat over to use the other side?

ghostrider

Yeah, think currycomb, Karla. :wink:

barnbum

Oh! NOW I can picture it. :lol:

I can clearly see grooves on my mat--both sides. I flipped it to the gross yellow side from the gross pink side--and the grooves are everywhere...

I'll go read the review... THANKS!!!

quiltluvr

Replacing a cutting mat is like losing an old friend, so many memories.

When the grooves are there, it won't make a difference how sharp your blade is because the threads get jammed into those spaces. Then the grooves will dull your blades because there's not a solid surface for it to roll along.

Or, you'll have to position your fabric on an "uncut" portion of your mat......or, you'll be forced to shop for a new one, which you may also fall prey to the temptation of so many fabrics screaming for you to buy. Warning: it may cost you more than you thought. :P

grammy Dwynn

Remember!! You paid for TWO side of the mat!! :wink: :mrgreen: :wink:

Mine got some 'grooves' from a dull blade. Just flopped it over and was like a new purchase. lol