What Are The Lines On A Cutting Mat Used For

Cutting mats come in many shapes and sizes and prices.

What are the lines on a cutting mat used for.

While you ll need to practice working with your cutting mat for the best results in cutting fabric once you know how to use a cutting mat you can cut as many as four to six layers of fabric at a time. Cutting mats are a lot like belly buttons in that way. Whether you choose to use scissors or rotary cutters to cut your fabric often comes down to a personal preference. The most commonly used mat is rectangular double sided for general cutting on one side and the other for more precision cutting a rectangular mat often includes lines to help you cut angles easier along with markings that help line up fabric edges so you can accurately cut the correct size of strips patches and blocks.

How to buy a cutting mat. You can t use a rotary cutter however without a cutting mat to guide your cutting lines and protect your work surface. What are rotary cutters mats rulers used for. Cutting mats come in all sizes so measure the space you work in the most and get one that fits well.

Keep this cover and replace it after each use to keep the mat cleaner and stickier for longer. You can definitely find cutting mats for as low as 10 and if this is where your budget is at know that these mats will protect your table or desktop but if it s made with hard plastic it will come with a price. The lines on a cutting mat are generally thick which reduces accuracy and they are also subject to wear and distortion over time. Every 5th grid has an extra thick line.

The grid features inch markings and angles for the most precise cutting. However it is widely believed that rotary cutters are better for cutting long straight lines typically needed for quilting strips pillows and curtains as well as long hems and seams. This cutting mat isn t bound to any particular use but according to our findings it s extremely popular among craftsmen who often deal with fabric. This 18 by 24 inch mat is nonslip for easy and convenient cutting providing half inch grid lines with one eighth.

But if you use a rotary cutter you ll also need good quality cutting mat made for that purpose to keep your surfaces intact your fingers safe and your cut lines perfect. The gray color of the cutting mat isn t exactly bright but no less comfortable during use. Test cut on new projects. If the blade is set too low it will chomp up your cutting mat.

Keep the mat covers. Art supply s extra durable self healing mat is double sided for long use. For the most accurate measurements use a ruler as your guide. You need a mat that will be large enough to accommodate the type of cuts you re going to be making.

Also make sure the mats have lines for cutting diagonals.