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From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-23-2007, 08:59 PM (1 of 15)
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Any input on best/worst brands? I understand you're supposed to store them flat (right?). Is it ok to just leave it out on the sewing table all the time? Supplies are likely to rest on top of it though--the pin cushion, scissors, pattern envelopes, that sort of thing. Is that ok? And how about rotary cutters? Are they all the same? What's the reason for the variations in size? Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: VenusElaine
Date: 03-23-2007, 09:32 PM (2 of 15)
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I have used a variety of mats, and the biggest consideration is that they are "self-healing" which means they do not retain marks from previous cuts. Sizes of cutters have to do with control. The smaller the rotary cutter, the more precise is the cutting line. Since I do alterations, I use the largest. Most of my cuts are straight, or only slightly curved, for cutting off hems or trimming seam allowances. Smaller cutters are better for more detailed work, especially corners or sharp angles. I leave my mat (Olfa) on my worktable at all times. If you need to store it elsewhere, it should be loosely rolled, and allowed to lay flat before using. I have never had a problem with supplies on them. They do react adversely to steam (warp) and as much as I use mine, some of the lines have worn off. Time for a new one. Hope this helps. VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-23-2007, 09:43 PM (3 of 15)
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I have Olfa mats also (2 different sizes) I have Olfa and Fiskars cutters though...I like the Olfa better...better LOCK, so I don't cut the heck outa myself...( I can't tell you how many quilts have my blood on them, washed out, but CSI coudl find it I'm sure.) 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: dcloud
Date: 03-24-2007, 12:03 AM (4 of 15)
| I just checked out the Olfa cutters and mats at Amazon (JoAnn's charges too much). I was looking at a 45mm cutter and a 18" X 24" rotary mat. Are these good sizes to get? |
User: dcloud
Member since: 03-21-2007 Total posts: 72 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-24-2007, 07:54 AM (5 of 15)
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I have a June Tailor 23" X 35" mat that stands up behind a book shelf when not in use. It is OK but the surface is getting kind of rough. I also have a 16" X 22" Olfa that sits on my sewing table all the time. It is a much better piece of equipment. Also more expensive. I usually use a 45mm cutter except on doll clothes or very tiny things. I've used a couple brands and there is little difference if you keep a sharp blade in it. I have stuff on my Olfa all the time -- including the D@^$& cat. When I cut a pattern out I iron the fabric on the table -- (it has one of those covers on it all the time) then I slide the mats around under the fabric and pattern pieces. I'd love to have a mat that covers the whole table and sooner or later will break down and spend the money on one. To tell you the truth I don't think an 18"X24" cutting mat would be good for much. Maybe the quilters use them. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: lendube
Date: 03-24-2007, 11:35 AM (6 of 15)
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Buy as big a mat as you have room for or can afford. JoAnn's has theirs 1/2 off fairly often. That's the time! I prefer Olfa in both cutters and mats. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: dcloud
Date: 03-24-2007, 02:09 PM (7 of 15)
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I have stuff on my Olfa all the time -- including the D@^$& cat. LOL .... gotta love those kitties. I appreciate the suggestions. I'll hold off on the mat then until I find a desk for my machine. That way I can take measurements and buy a mat big enough for it. So can you recommend a size - like what size is big enough? Thanks. |
User: dcloud
Member since: 03-21-2007 Total posts: 72 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:48 PM (8 of 15)
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dcloud - I sewed for 50 years without one so I wouldn't rush into it. Initially I purchased a long narrow one, which I regularly ran off the end and now my antique table finish is unfinished. My first usable one was a cheap non healing 24x36. I still use it but it does dull cutting blades. Then I got a self healing one 18x24 which I use almost daily on my sewing table. I later discovered I could buy self healing mats at stores that sell drafting equipment and bought another 18x24 and taped the 2 together. I now have another 24x36 self healing. If I place them all together I can use them on my dining room table to cut out large pieces of fabric for garments - I only do this about 3x per year. I store the big mats flat under my bed. So that is my perspective which you can consider when purchasing, if you decide to......this tape will self distruct in ...... 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: leah777
Date: 03-24-2007, 05:02 PM (9 of 15)
I just recently bought my second mat, 24X36. The first one was just too small, tho still in really good shape. They are self-healing Fiskars, as is my rotary cutter. I purchased all of them at Wal-Mart -- about $25 for the large mat. (Is Wal-Mart taboo on here??? . . I don't remember seeing a mention of it anywhere in the threads  )I love my mats. I am just getting into piecing quilts, which is why I bought the big mat, but I've used the little one so much over the years since I first got in in the early-mid 90s. This time I also bought a large, clear 6X24 ruler especially for quilters, I think. It was just under $9, rather expensive, I thought, but it was a huge help cutting the quilt blocks for the baby quilt I finished recently. |
User: leah777
Member since: 02-20-2007 Total posts: 10 |
From: dcloud
Date: 03-24-2007, 05:07 PM (10 of 15)
| Thanks everyone. Now for the cutter - what size is good for a beginner? Like I said I saw the 45mm one. I figure these will come in handy even if I won't be using them a lot, because I do have to cut the fabric I'm working on. Especially doing projects which there will undoubtedly be some in the books I ordered. |
User: dcloud
Member since: 03-21-2007 Total posts: 72 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 03-25-2007, 01:59 PM (11 of 15)
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Andrea, being a quilter, I have three sizes of cutters: 28mm, 45mm and 60mm. I use the 45mm the most. I use it to cut thru about 4 thickness of cottons. The 60mm is good to cut thru more layers than that. And the 28mm is good to cut small pieces, like around small curves and to cut out corners, etc.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-25-2007, 02:40 PM (12 of 15)
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I use the 45mm the most for garment sewing. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-25-2007, 07:55 PM (13 of 15)
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Whoa! Thanks for all the input everyone! I'm going to have to sit down and pour through it. I can see I have a lot to learn. This is no small project, getting into quilting!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: SmokiesCrafter
Date: 03-25-2007, 08:48 PM (14 of 15)
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Andrea, I like the Olfa 24x36 for most of my cutting and it stays on the cutting table all the time. I also have a 17x23 and a 12x18 that I keep on either side of my sewing machine to cut and trim with, they are also Olfa. I prefer them because they are self healing ( mine are at least 10 yrs old) use the old addage you get what you pay for. I have had cheaper ones and they all bit the dust. My cutting table came with a large mat that covers the entire top, NOT Self healing and not as good. It ruins the cutter blades. I also have 28mm, 45mm, 60mm and a straight blade cutter in the Olfa. In sewing, crafts and quilting I use all 4 depending on what I need. Check on ebay and do some searches. I just bought a new 60 mm for $8.00 still in the package plus postage. It retails for $37.99. Also go to Joann's online and look - watch for the sales and a coupon code to get extra off. I just got a $70 Rotating 17" olfa cutting mat for $35, it was on sale 30% off and had a coupon code for another 20% off. Because I buy a lot, also got free shipping. Be sure to sign up for their email if you haven't already. Hope this helps, Happy Sewing, Jacke |
User: SmokiesCrafter
Member since: 02-16-2007 Total posts: 18 
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From: dcloud
Date: 03-25-2007, 08:56 PM (15 of 15)
| Jacke, thanks for the eBay suggestion. I didn't even think about them. When (or if) the time comes to get something like this you can't beat eBay. |
User: dcloud
Member since: 03-21-2007 Total posts: 72 |
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