Definition
A cutting mat is a self-healing board, usually printed with a measuring grid, that protects the table and blade when you cut fabric with a rotary cutter.
A cutting mat is made of layered PVC or a similar material that closes up after the blade passes, which is what self-healing means. Without one, a rotary cutter would dull at once and score your table.
Choosing one:
- Size: for garments, buy the largest that fits your table. An A1 mat, about 60 × 90 cm (24 × 36 in), handles most pieces with only a few moves; A2, about 45 × 60 cm (18 × 24 in), suits small projects and quilting.
- Grid: printed in centimeters, inches, or one on each side. Choose the unit your patterns use. Diagonal 45-degree lines help when cutting bias strips.
- Thickness: 3 mm or more lasts longer.
Mats warp in heat. Store them flat, out of direct sunlight, away from radiators and hot cars, and never put a hot iron or mug on one. Clean them with a damp cloth.
Cutting on different areas of the mat spreads the wear. The grid is also a reliable reference for squaring fabric, checking the grainline and measuring rectangles such as waistbands and ties, which some patterns give as cutting dimensions rather than printed pieces. With a mat and pattern weights, cutting out is often faster than with scissors and pins.