Cutting Mat Woes

Phae, before you consider getting a new mat, you should contact Atlanta Thread and tell them what is happening to the mat you purchased from them. What you describe is not typical, and you might be right that it was made incorrectly.

Karen Maslowski > I bought one of those really large cutting (3' x 6 or 7' I think) mats a

Also, if it isn't the self-healing type, yes it will get rough quicker. Sanding it will get rid of the lines, but how often do you use them rather than the ruler grid - which is more accurate! Well, I speak as one who uses the quilting rulers for cutting skirts, trains, veils... ;)

My larger not self-healing mat is getting a bit rough, and some fabrics catch in it more than others (silk dupion and the lint from velvet being particular buggers for this). I find that a light rub over with a damp microfibre cleaning cloth deals with most of this (try bending the mat gently so the cuts open up as you wipe), as well as with the kitty paw prints. For the really rough areas, a light sand with some fine paper has done wonders, but I'm not too bothered by the grid, and kinda wish I'd bought the blank mat instead.

I'd really love a HUUUGE self-healing mat, but as you say, ouch! price hurts!

Atlanta Thread knows about it. I called them about the grid right away (that was two years ago). They offered to replace it but I honestly didn't think the grid problem would bother me that much. I am *far* more concerned by the threads sticking in the grooves cut by the rotary cutters. I don't think anything will help that problem. Sanding may smooth out the surface but all that fabric thread is still going to stick in the grooves when I cut. I was hoping to find another type of mat that doesn't have that problem. Thanks for responding. :)

Phae

Thanks, I'll give that a try. Maybe a really fine emery cloth would do the trick with the fibers. I've been doing a lot of velvet and velveteen lately... you are right... that is really a big mess. I've actually come to like the grid. It helps me to make sure the fabric selvedges are straight with flimsier fabrics. It's also nice for perpendiculars; I don't have to grab for a triangle all the time.

Phae

I've only had that problem with fleece so far and find that my fingernail can scrape the threads out just fine. Bending the mat gently so the slice opens up seems to help somewhat with removing the fibers. It is annoying, though.

Mike

It's a good project for nanotechnology--- self-healing "wounds".

I had yellow polartec fuzzies stuck all over my self-healing cutting mat. Rubbing them with an art gum eraser got them off pretty easily.

Kathleen

Ah ha... now that's a good idea. :)