Rotary-Cutting Mats
Always use a rotary cutter with a cutting mat specifically designed for it. In addition to protecting your work surface, the mat helps keep the fabric from shifting while you cut. Start with a 17x23" mat marked with a 1" grid, hash marks at 1/8" increments, and 45- and 60-degree angles.
Cutting mats usually have one side with a printed grid and one plain side. To avoid confusion when lining up fabric with preprinted lines on a ruler, some quilters prefer to use the plain side of the mat. Others prefer to use the mat’s grid.
Mats are also available with a mat board on one side and an ironing surface on the other side. This combination ironing board/cutting mat is great to have at workshops. Some mats have a lazy-Susan-type turnstile affixed underneath so you can swivel the mat easily. The smallest mat boards (less than 12") work well for trimming blocks while you’re seated at the sewing machine.
Store cutting mats flat or hanging on a wall. To avoid permanent bends, don’t store a mat on an edge or rolled up. Heat will cause a mat to warp and become unstable, so keep all mats out of direct sunlight, don’t iron on them unless they have an ironing surface, and never leave them in a hot car.
Periodically treat a mat to a good cleaning with warm (not hot) soapy water or window cleaner. Dry gently with a towel.
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