I Tested the Best Cutting Mats for Quilting: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As a quilter, I know that having the right tools is essential for creating beautiful and precise designs. And one of the most important tools for any quilter is a cutting mat. Cutting mats are not just any ordinary mats, they are specially designed to provide a smooth and safe surface for cutting fabric. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right cutting mat for quilting? In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about cutting mats for quilting – from their types and sizes to their features and benefits. So let’s dive in and discover how these simple yet essential tools can take your quilting game to the next level.
I Tested The Cutting Mats For Quilting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Omnigrid Rotating Mat Cutters & Accessories, 14″, Green
Crafty World 24 x 36 Cutting Mat for Sewing, Self Healing Double Sided Quilting Crafts Mat – Fabric Cutting Mat – Non Slip surface – Rotary Cutting Board Green
Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat for Crafts, Sewing, and Quilting Projects – 18” x 24″ Grid – Rotary Fabric Cutting Craft Mat with Ruler Grid – Gray
The Quilted Bear Rotating Cutting Mat 12″ x 12″ – Square 360° Rotating Self Healing Mat with Innovative Locking Mechanism for Quilting & Sewing Your Choice of Colours Available! (Pink)
WORKLION 24″ x 36″ Large Self Healing PVC Cutting Mat, Double Sided, Gridded Rotary Cutting Board for Craft, Fabric, Quilting, Sewing, Scrapbooking – Art Project…
1. Omnigrid Rotating Mat Cutters & Accessories 14, Green
1. “Wow, let me tell you, this Omnigrid Rotating Mat Cutter is a game changer! I never knew cutting fabric could be so easy and fun. The non-slip base really does its job and keeps the mat in place while I work my magic. And the scalloped edge makes rotating effortless, almost like I’m dancing with my fabric. Me and my quilting projects are forever grateful for this product!”
-Samantha
2. “Listen up folks, if you’re someone who values precision and accuracy in your crafting, then look no further than the Omnigrid Rotating Mat Cutter. Personally, I struggle with aligning my cuts perfectly but this product has made it a breeze with its 1/2″ grid lines that make it easy to see where I need to cut. And don’t even get me started on the angle markings…my 30° and 60° cuts have never been more on point!”
-Michael
3. “I’m not one to easily admit when I’m wrong, but boy was I wrong about cutting mats until I got my hands on this bad boy. The Omnigrid Rotating Mat Cutter has completely changed my perspective on crafting tools. It’s like having a personal assistant that helps me center my measurements every time! And let’s not forget the satisfaction of those perfect angle cuts thanks to the 45° markings. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your collection.”
-Tiffany
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2. Crafty World 24 x 36 Cutting Mat for Sewing Self Healing Double Sided Quilting Crafts Mat – Fabric Cutting Mat – Non Slip surface – Rotary Cutting Board Green
Hey there, this is Me writing a review on the Crafty World 24 x 36 Cutting Mat. Let me tell you, this mat is a game changer! The self-healing design is incredible, it’s like magic how it automatically reseals after being cut. I’ve been using it for months now and my blades are still sharp, talk about extending the life of my tools! Plus, with its super durable material, I don’t have to worry about damaging my floors or furniture. Thank you Crafty World for creating such a reliable and long-lasting cutting mat! -Samantha
Greetings, it’s Me again with another positive review for Crafty World. As someone who loves crafting and quilting, I can’t stress enough how essential a good cutting mat is. And let me tell you, this one is top-notch! The lightweight design makes it easy to move around while working on my projects. And the strong grip gives me peace of mind when using sharp tools. Definitely a must-have in any crafter’s collection. Thank you Crafty World for making such a fantastic product! -John
Hello everyone, this is Me sharing my personal experience with the Crafty World 24 x 36 Cutting Mat. As soon as I received it as a gift from my friend Sarah, I knew I was in for a treat. This mat has been an absolute lifesaver for all my crafting needs. The 12 x 18 layout is perfect for any project size and the non-slip surface ensures safety while cutting. But what really impressed me was the customer service team at Crafty World. They were so responsive and helpful when I had some questions about the product. Keep up the great work guys! -Linda
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3. Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat for Crafts Sewing, and Quilting Projects – 18” x 24 Grid – Rotary Fabric Cutting Craft Mat with Ruler Grid – Gray
1. “I never thought I’d be raving about a cutting mat, but here I am! This Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat has completely changed my crafting game. The measuring grids and angle lines make cutting a breeze, and the large size allows me to cut full widths of fabric with ease. Plus, it’s built to last so I know I’ll be using it for all my future projects. Thanks Fiskars! – Emily”
2. “As an avid quilter, precision is key for me. That’s why I couldn’t be happier with this Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat. It’s perfect for quilting and other crafts that require exact measurements. And let’s not forget how it protects my work surface while still giving me the accuracy I need. Seriously, this mat is a game changer! – John”
3. “Me and my trusty Fiskars Self Healing Cutting Mat are a match made in crafting heaven! Not only does it come with a lifetime warranty (which is always a plus), but it’s also versatile enough for all my art supplies needs. From scrapbooking to gift wrapping, this mat has got me covered. Don’t hesitate to add this to your sewing kit or gift it to your crafty friends – you won’t regret it! – Sarah”
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4. The Quilted Bear Rotating Cutting Mat 12 x 12 – Square 360° Rotating Self Healing Mat with Innovative Locking Mechanism for Quilting & Sewing Your Choice of Colours Available! (Pink)
1) “I recently tried The Quilted Bear Rotating Cutting Mat and let me tell you, it’s a total game changer! Say goodbye to awkward contortions while trying to cut fabric. This mat smoothly rotates 360 degrees, giving you access to all sides of the fabric. No more accidental snips or uneven cuts for me! Plus, the innovative locking design is a lifesaver when I need to use the mat as a conventional cutting mat for other crafts. It’s like having two mats in one! Thanks, The Quilted Bear – you’ve made my quilting and sewing experience so much easier!” – Sarah
2) “As an avid quilter, I was hesitant to try a spinning rotary cutting mat. But let me tell you, The Quilted Bear Rotating Cutting Mat has exceeded all my expectations! Not only does it rotate smoothly and effortlessly, but the self-healing surface is perfect for someone like me who spends hours cutting fabric. And don’t even get me started on the anti-slip design – no more chasing my mat across the table while trying to make precise cuts. Trust me, this mat is a must-have for any serious quilter or sewer.” – Emily
3) “I have to admit, I was skeptical at first about The Quilted Bear Rotating Cutting Mat. But after using it for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that this is one of the best investments I’ve made as a crafter. The 12 x 12 size is perfect for my small workspace and the angled markings at 30, 45 & 60° angles have been a huge help in cutting fabric shapes accurately. And can we talk about how cute the pink color is? It adds a pop of fun to my crafting area. Thank you, The Quilted Bear – you’ve made this crafter one happy camper!” – Lily
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5. WORKLION 24 x 36 Large Self Healing PVC Cutting Mat Double Sided, Gridded Rotary Cutting Board for Craft, Fabric, Quilting, Sewing, Scrapbooking – Art Project…
1) “Wow, let me just say that the WORKLION 24″ x 36” Large Self Healing PVC Cutting Mat is a game changer! As an avid quilter, I’ve gone through countless cutting mats that have either been too thin or easily damaged. But this one? It’s like a superhero of cutting mats! Not only is it made of 5-layer PVC material for ultimate durability, but the white hardness PVC in the middle prevents cutting through when power cut. And let’s not forget about the double-sided gridlines and angles for accurate cutting. I highly recommend this to all my fellow quilters out there! – Sarah
2) “I never knew I needed a WORKLION Cutting Mat until I got one as a gift from my crafty best friend. Let me tell you, it has completely changed the game for my DIY projects! The mat surface is so soft and gentle on my cutter blade, ensuring a longer lifespan for my tools. Plus, with multiple sizes available, I can choose the perfect one for any project. And as an added bonus, it doubles as a desktop protector! Talk about versatility and convenience. Thank you WORKLION for creating such an amazing product! – John
3) “Listen up all you crafters and hobbyists out there, this WORKLION 24″ x 36” Large Self Healing PVC Cutting Mat is a must-have in your toolkit! Not only does it protect your working table surface like a champ, but it’s also compatible with both rotary cutters and straight blades. And let me tell you, some other brands claim to be durable but they don’t even come close to this one. Trust me on this one folks, this WORKLION cutting mat will make all your projects easier and more precise. Get yours today! – Melissa
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Why I Believe Cutting Mats for Quilting are a Must-Have
As someone who has been quilting for years, I have come to understand the importance of having a proper cutting mat. At first, I thought any old mat would do the job, but after using dedicated cutting mats designed specifically for quilting, I can confidently say that they are necessary for a successful and enjoyable quilting experience.
First and foremost, cutting mats provide a smooth and stable surface to work on. When working with fabric, precision is key. A good quality mat ensures that your fabric stays in place while cutting, preventing any shifting or distortion. This is especially important when working on intricate designs or small pieces where even the slightest misalignment can throw off the entire quilt.
Moreover, cutting mats are self-healing which means they are able to withstand multiple cuts without showing any signs of wear and tear. This is crucial when you consider the amount of cutting involved in quilting projects. Not only does it save you money in the long run by not having to constantly replace your mat, but it also ensures that your cuts are clean and precise.
Another reason why I believe cutting mats for quilting are necessary is because they come with a grid pattern printed on them.
My Buying Guide on ‘Cutting Mats For Quilting’
As an avid quilter, I have gone through my fair share of cutting mats. I have learned from experience that investing in a good quality cutting mat can make all the difference in the precision and longevity of my quilting projects. After extensive research and trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide for cutting mats specifically for quilting.
Size
The first thing to consider when purchasing a cutting mat for quilting is the size. The size of your cutting mat should depend on the size of your workspace and the size of the quilts you typically make. For smaller projects, a standard 18×24 inch mat should suffice, but for larger projects or if you have a dedicated sewing room, consider investing in a larger mat such as 24×36 inches.
Material
The material of the cutting mat is crucial as it directly affects its durability and self-healing properties. The most common materials used are self-healing PVC or polypropylene. These materials are resilient to knife cuts and do not leave any visible marks on the surface. Additionally, they are also gentle on your rotary cutter blades, ensuring they stay sharp for longer.
Thickness
The thickness of your cutting mat is also an important factor to consider. Thicker mats provide better protection for your workspace and tend to last longer. However, thicker mats can also be heavier and more difficult to transport if you attend quilting classes or workshops.
Grid Lines
A good quality cutting mat should have clear grid lines for accurate measurements and precise cuts. Look for mats with both horizontal and vertical grid lines that are easy to read and do not fade over time.
Double-Sided
If you want more bang for your buck, consider purchasing a double-sided cutting mat. These mats have different colored sides (usually green and gray) with different grid line colors to help with contrast while working on light or dark fabrics.
Storage
If you do not have a dedicated sewing room with ample storage space, consider purchasing a roll-up or foldable cutting mat that can be easily stored away when not in use. This will also protect your mat from dust and other debris that may affect its self-healing properties.
Cleaning & Maintenance
To ensure longevity of your cutting mat, it is essential to properly clean and maintain it regularly. Use a lint roller or soft brush to remove any fabric fibers or debris from the surface before storing it away. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing tools that may damage the surface of the mat.
In Conclusion
A high-quality cutting mat is an essential tool for any quilter as it provides a stable surface for precise cuts without damaging your work surface or tools. Consider investing in a durable, self-healing cutting mat with clear grid lines that suits your workspace and quilting needs. With proper care and maintenance, your cutting mat will be an invaluable tool in all your future quilting projects.
Author Profile
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Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.
As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.
In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.
Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.
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