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Self healing cutting mats. How big to get, where to get?
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 956	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/13/12 12:31 PM Hi, I'm considering investing in a rotary cutter and a self healing cutting mat. What is a good size mat for garment sewing? What is the biggest mat you have come across? Can you recommend a website in the UK or Europe to get this in? Thanks for any help! ------ Reading from Europe
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4986	Login to reply to this post In reply to tg33 << Like this post Date: 12/13/12 12:40 PM I started with a small mat and slipped it in place to cut, then slipped it again and again until I was finished. Regardless of the size you choose, be sure to store it flat and they will warp/distort easily. The can also be hung with a pant/skirt hanger that has clips. For cutting out garments the smaller cutter works very well getting around neck and arm openings. Use an acrylic ruler for rotary cutting to help stabilize the fabric and pattern as you are cutting. Be careful with the cutter. It is basically a rolling razor blade. Some use a Klutz glove to protect the hand stabilizing the ruler/fabric just in case the cutter slips. I do not know about UK websites. There will probably be other members of PR who can help with this.
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 956	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/13/12 12:43 PM Thanks for the advice Patti! I had read about cutters in the beginners forum, but advice about dealing with a sharp blade is always a good idea, it's easy to forget! ------ Reading from Europe
Scrappy Gram Advanced NY USA Member since 12/27/03 Posts: 147	Login to reply to this post In reply to tg33 << Like this post Date: 12/13/12 3:12 PM I buy mine here. I have a 36" x 48" double sided one on my cutting table. http://www.cutting-mats.net/self-healing-cutting-mats.html Deb
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/13/12 9:53 PM I started with a smaller mat and found it tended to shift my fabric and pattern around too much. My advice would be to think of the most common size piece that you cut out and get one atleast that big to start. I use two 30x36" mats butted together on my cutting table. That's usually big enough for most of what I cut out. Due to space and storage issues I can't use the one designed to fit my cutting table, hence the two smaller mats. Debbie
kathleen1304   Intermediate WA USA Member since 5/19/05 Posts: 267	Login to reply to this post In reply to simplystitches << Like this post Date: 12/13/12 10:17 PM I have a huge gateleg cutting table. It's about 72 x 40. I bought a mat to fit and paid what you would expect. Now it is IN THE WAY whenever the table is folded down. The only way to store it is rolled up and it won't even roll into a small roll. Grr! I recently saw little plastic gadgets that snick together small cutting mats into a larger size. Next time I'll try something like that. Just sayin'. ------ Impossible you say? Nothing is impossible when you work for the circus! Let's make Better Mistakes Tomorrow
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post In reply to kathleen1304 << Like this post Date: 12/13/12 10:39 PM Sounds like the same table I have from Joann's. That's exactly why I didn't buy the mat. I have to take my table down when I'm not using it. Debbie
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 651	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/13/12 11:33 PM I have a bunch of different sizes of cutters and mats. Sometimes a larger one is needed, sometimes smaller. I like having a choice. I definately think you will enjoy a rotary cutter...I use mine all the time.
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 956	Login to reply to this post In reply to kathleen1304 << Like this post Date: 12/14/12 5:36 AM Quote: kathleen1304 I have a huge gateleg cutting table. It's about 72 x 40. I bought a mat to fit and paid what you would expect. Now it is IN THE WAY whenever the table is folded down. The only way to store it is rolled up and it won't even roll into a small roll. Grr! I recently saw little plastic gadgets that snick together small cutting mats into a larger size. Next time I'll try something like that. Just sayin'. OK, that sounds good, where did you see these gadgets?? There's a lot to think about here, I will have to put on my thinking hat... ------ Reading from Europe
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 956	Login to reply to this post In reply to Scrappy Gram << Like this post Date: 12/14/12 5:40 AM Quote: Scrappy Gram I buy mine here. I have a 36" x 48" double sided one on my cutting table. http://www.cutting-mats.net/self-healing-cutting-mats.html Deb Thanks for the info. I checked their website, and they don't ship internationally, except for Canada, and only to 50 US states. ------ Reading from Europe

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