Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: pucktricks
Date: 01-04-2006, 06:15 PM (1 of 21)
|
So, I've had my rotary mat for a few years now, and it's become somewhat pitted and scarred. It's got all sorts of grooves in it from cutting and now it catches the cloth. My question: Is there any way to fix this, or do I have to get a new mat? I was thinking maybe using a light sand paper and sanding it down a little. Any suggestions? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-04-2006, 09:05 PM (2 of 21)
|
you can get the fabric out with tape or one of those lint rollers. But if the groves are really bad...you need a new mat. ( mats don't work well when theres grooves the size of the grand canyon or really big slivers).
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: Bama
Date: 01-04-2006, 09:12 PM (3 of 21)
| You can flip it over and use the back side. There's no lines, but that's what I do whenever I cut fleece on one of my mats because it leaves such a mess. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
|
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-05-2006, 10:56 PM (4 of 21)
|
there are healing cutting mats that you can also buy, that are not as bad, some cutting mats are hard plastic, and I don't know of a way to fix it. but the key to mats is laying them flat when not in use.. because I am pressed from space, mine is under the couch when not in use and I rub it down with my hand to get out all of the thread or small lint. DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
|
From: pucktricks
Date: 01-06-2006, 10:48 AM (5 of 21)
|
I've got the June Tailor's Cut n Press 2, so I can't use the back. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get a new self healing mat. I was using a different fabric than usual, a very thin slick ravely one, that kept getting caught in the little rough spots. When I used my normal cotton on it the next day, I wasn't having near the problems. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
|
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-06-2006, 12:52 PM (6 of 21)
|
Ticia, the same thing happens when I cut the cotton quilt batting with my roller blade cutter. The fibers get caught in the mat when it "heals". I use a band saw cleaner - like a huge eraser - which I will clean out the fibers right after I cut. Also, I have heard that cutting with a dull blade will "ruin" a cutting mat faster than always cutting with a sharp blade - it doesn't always heal back. I know I am guilty of continuing to use my blade until it annoys me by not cutting well. Also I have an older mat that I keep for cutting the messy stuff. Keep my good mats for cutting my quilt squares.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
|
From: pucktricks
Date: 01-06-2006, 09:19 PM (7 of 21)
|
So, how do you know when your blad is dull? Aside from it doesn't cut well. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
|
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-07-2006, 10:08 AM (8 of 21)
|
That's how I do it....when it starts not cutting in spots, then it is getting dull. But I keep using it and have to recut in the same spot. The longer you go the more spots it misses and the more times I have to re-cut the same strip. I think the re-cutting over and over in the same cut is what helps ruin the mat. Also, some mats are better quality than others and will last longer. My first mat (18x24) was very thin and I could tell it was starting to wear in spots and I really hadn't had it very long...now use it for messy cutting, like cutting batting. Then I bought a larger mat a Fiskers 24x36 and I have been using it a lot. But I tend to cut in the same location on the board...in the middle. I am now trying to move around more when cutting, e.g. cutting closer to the ends instead of always in the middle. This will probably help my mat last longer as I am spreading out the wear.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-07-2006, 12:31 PM (9 of 21)
|
I think the best mat is the olfa mats (green) but they are high, so if you have a joann's close by, watch the sale papers because they will run a sale on then you can then buy them for 40-50% off. Or grab a coupon and 40-50% off on one item. I feel that the online prices are higher then what you can buy in the store. I have used a Fiskers mat also but I find the olfa mats much better for cutting.. When cutting battting I buy the 2.00 scissors at Walmart and do not use my rotary cutter.. I am starting to find where some scissors sharpering places are starting to sharping rotary blades now.. ( havnet' tired it out) They also have Rotary blades sharpeners ( and I haven't tried that out either) I did find a place online a few years back that will take in 6 of your old blades for new ones.. Now I have a lot of old blades and cannot for the life of me find the web site again LOL So I guess I am going to try someone who will sharpen the rotary blades. DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-07-2006, 02:56 PM (10 of 21)
|
Pucktricks the June Tailor mats are not self healing. In fact, I had the Cutn Press 2 and ended up throwing it out it got so full of ruts. Joann's also carries a brand called Duraheal (blue and gold) that seems to be pretty good. I have one here on my sewing table in front of my computer monitor that I use for trimming quilt blocks. I eat on it, write on it, I've spilled everything on it; I just wipe it off with a wet cloth and it is holding up well. Every now and then and I get out my mat sander and go over it and so far it seems to be healing when I put a nick in it. Also, if you have tendency to press hard on your rotary cutter, that will dull the blade really fast and make cuts in your mat. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 01-07-2006, 03:20 PM (11 of 21)
Thought you'd all find this hilarious! I took a quilting class in the mid-80's; have used my very large mat tons of times, and only after reading this entire thread did I find out that I have been cutting it on the wrong side this whole time!!!!!!  No wonder my blades are always dull. That was the way I was showed to use it in class, so I got quite used to the numbers being backwards as I just used the lines that I could see through it, or my ruler. I have learned so much from this board in the last few days. Like the fact that your thread needs to be the same type as your material. Never mind the fact that I'm using stuff from the 50-70's that was my mothers' and grandmothers'. NO wonder it breaks so often. I just assumed it was my machine, but after buying new thread to match a fleece blanket I was going to sew, I was amazed at how well it worked. You are a great group of ladies & men! Keep all the info, little & big, coming! I truly appreciate it.....as well as Mary for hosting this site!  Peggy Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-07-2006, 11:46 PM (12 of 21)
|
My MIL has the rotary blade sharpener and finds that it doesn't sharpen them as good as when they are new. I decided to purchase a 2nd rotary cutter, and I use the used blades in it, and use it for cutting paper, patterns, anything that I don't want to use my good blade for. It's a totally different color, a dark blue, so I can tell them apart. I use it for my crafts as well, then when the blade gets really bad, I just put it back in the little plastic container, seal it and toss it.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 01-08-2006, 11:40 PM (13 of 21)
|
Oh, I know my June Tailor one is not self healing, I got it back before I knew specifics of what to look for mainly because it had an ironing surface on the other side. I think I'll get a self healing next time Joann's has them on sale. So, what's ya'lls suggestions? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-09-2006, 01:10 AM (14 of 21)
|
Olfa is my favorite!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-09-2006, 07:38 AM (15 of 21)
What ever is on sale and is a good deal... I have a 24x36 fiskars that I have been using for 2 years now. This fall I bought 2 18x24's on sale at an art supply shop....don't know the name but they are self healing. Now have my table completely covered. I would suggest you get something that is at least 24" on one side so that you can cut a complete width of fabric. I love my 24x36" size as it allows me to cut lots of strips without having to reposition the fabric. And now that I have added the extra mats, I can cut where ever I want. Good luck!
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: CarolP
Date: 03-06-2006, 12:56 AM (16 of 21)
| I bought my cutting mat at an online site called CheapJoes.com. After doing some research, I read that most cutting mats are only 1.5 mm thick and the "better" ones are 3 mm thick. CheapJoes has mats made by Alvin that are 3 mm thick and self healing. Mine is a 24" X 36", with gridded lines down to 1/4 inch, and it has the different angle markings on it. I paid $22.89 plus shipping. You can find other sizes by going to the website and in the search box type in "Alvin self healing mats". For a particular size the item numbers are usually the letters GM followed by the numbers in the size. For example, mine being 24 x 36, I typed in "GM2436" and it took me right to my mat. I haven't seen these mats less expensive anywhere else on the net. I love mine. I hope this helps some of you that were wondering about self healing mats. Happy sewing! By the way, the Alvin website sells the 24 x 36 for $55.00, so I got major savings at CheapJoes.com. |
User: CarolP
Member since: 02-27-2006 Total posts: 8 
|
From: vasallese
Date: 03-06-2006, 11:39 PM (17 of 21)
Thanks for the tip on CheapJoes.com. I just ordered the 30x42 mat & paid about $57 for it. I use my mats a lot, because I cut out lots of quilts. I use the rotary cutter & mat for my regular sewing, too. I'lllet you know what I think of the Alvin mat. Vicki 
|
User: vasallese
Member since: 03-01-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Debby215
Date: 07-31-2006, 02:45 PM (18 of 21)
|
Hey all, I discovered a way to unwarp my Fiskars cutting mat, that I didnt care for properly. I set it outside in the blazing sun, on my patio table, and within a half hour it was so smooth and hot, I brought it inside and put it on my kitchen floor, covered it from end to end with heavy books, and lo and behold, the mat that my MIL gave me a few years back, is just about good as new. I plan to have a piece of plywood cut, so that it fits and glue it, to put in my new sewing room under construction. It is 24x36, so I hated to throw it away, thank goodness I didnt!! Just thought I would pass this tip on.
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
|
From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-31-2006, 09:32 PM (19 of 21)
|
Debby, Good to know in case the same happens to me in the future. Thanks for the info.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: swartzrn
Date: 08-01-2006, 02:17 PM (20 of 21)
|
Thank you Debby for that tip about the cutting mat. I only bought my mat less than a year ago to use when cutting fabric for the baby slings I was making and since I've started using it to cut quilting items, it's gotton pretty roughed up. I am gonna try your advice b/c I have been thinking of buying a new one..thanks! (might I add that it was Debby that has gotton me so addicted to quilts!!--thank you!! ) Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
|
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-01-2006, 02:39 PM (21 of 21)
| Thanks !!! One of my many has a small warp so now I can fix that. I'm going to do it today. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-17784.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft