There is definitely a learning curve to cutting fabric for quilting and having the right tools will help you a lot. Today I’m examining self-healing cutting mats.
Everything you Need to Know About Self-Healing Cutting Mats
What is a Self-Healing Cutting Mat?
A self-healing cutting mat is made from layers of materials that have been pressed together. Self-healing occurs when the edges cut with a blade close, thus closing the cut.
Many cheaper mats advertise their mats as being self-healing, but in reality, they are not. It is worth spending more money for a quality mat that is truly self-healing.
If a mat is not self-healing, you will eventually cut through it damaging the surface underneath.
My Favourite Self-Healing Mat
I always recommend Olfa self-healing mats. They are not the most expensive mats on the market and they last for a long time. I have several Olfa mats that both me and my husband have been using for years. You can’t go wrong with an Olfa self-healing mat.
Care For your Mat
Two things you need to avoid with self-healing mats is leaving them in the sun and leaving them rolled up. The sun will damage the mat, possibly warping it due to the heat.
Rolled up mats sometimes never lay flat again. If you don’t have the room to keep your mat out at all times, they can be slipped behind a piece of furniture like a book shelf or dresser instead.
Cleaning your Mat
One of my pet peeves about self-healing mats is cleaning them, particularly after using your mat to square a finished quilt prior to binding. Batting can get stuck in the groves cut by your rotary cutter. Start with a new eraser and rub it over the stuck batting. This should pop it out. Try to use the eraser sparingly to achieve this result.
If you are unsuccessful with the eraser, you might want to wash your mat. I will preface this by saying that I have never done this in my 22 years of quilting, however, lots of people get great results this way. I suggest you Google instructions for this method, since I cannot recommend something I have never done. Self-healing mats are expensive, and I wouldn’t want you to ruin yours.
If you take care of your mat, it will last you for many years to come.
Don’t Cut in the Same Area
In addition, make sure you rotate where you cut from time to time. Although these mats are self-healing, cutting in the same place over and over will result in your cutting through the mat. Many mats are double sided which is very helpful.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed Everything you Need to Know About Self-Healing Cutting Mats. Make sure your mat is self-healing and please take care of it.
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