Flexible Cutting Mats in the Sewing Room

[@brendaprest2636]

I sew a lot of doll clothes and I trace my pattern pieces on the cutting mats, cut them out and use the plastic pattern pieces to cut out my fabric. I can punch a hole in each pattern piece and keep them all together with a piece of yarn looped through them and I can hang them from a hook.

[@evaseibert3994]

Use these slightly rolled to fill pillows or plush toys with stuffing - especially that shredded foam. Makes a tedious task less frustrating and controls the mess. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@vikingprincess813]

Can also be used for bottom of bags

[@barbaralevel7225]

Thanks---I have them and never thought of that

[@amyshimonkevitz4803]

That is a great idea!

[@NotGPsDrive]

I have these and have also used them for templates :) When I Bible (art) journal I use them under the page to protect the other pages. I also keep a few for when my grandbabies do crafting at my house to protect my table. I subscribe to a few sewing channels and yours is by far my favorite, thank you!

[@SewVeryEasy]

Thank you very much :)

[@susanegan2978]

Great ideas and I use one as an easy slider on my machine when I am quilting my quilt together.

[@karengobeil1]

Hi Laura. Great suggestions for the cutting mats. Ever since I found these a few years ago, I have first used them in the kitchen, and then when they were suitably beat up to replace, I took them to the sewing room for 2 specific uses. Firstly, I cut the size of my prewashed and folded fabrics 6” x 9”. These pieces are SO HANDY to slide fabrics into and out of my stash without removing the whole stack. Secondly, I cut bottoms for some of the bags I make. They can be inserted into a “sleeve” of the lining fabric and placed in the bag bottom to be removed when washing. OR, if you are so inclined, using needles which are well used, you can BASTE the recycled cutting mat inside the seam allowances, so once the bag is finished, the mat will always be inside. It does not offer a great deal of support, so I don’t use this for heavy items. By the way, our dollar store also is continually out of this item, so there are many more great ideas floating around out there for recycling them after use. Karen Gobeil, Thunder Bay, Ontario

[@lindadaniels6055]

What a great idea! I scrolled down and read the comments and got many more ideas. Thank you Laura and thanks to the all comments made

[@nannetteharris757]

Hi Laura I use these for auditioning how I want to quilt my project. The dry erase markers work well and the marker cleans well off the mat, ready to go. Thank you for your channel, I subscribe to watch for each new video.

[@SewVeryEasy]

thank you

[@wendyhutchins945]

Hi Laura! Your channel has blessed me in so many ways. Thank you! :)

[@mermarseo]

Thanks for the tips! My local Dollar Tree had them. I used them for strengthening the sides and bottom of a bedside caddy I learned to make on the Sewspire channel. I've been a fan and subscriber to SewVeryEasy for a few years now!

[@nyetloki]

Link to the caddy?

[@mermarseo]

@@nyetloki kzbin.info/www/bejne/gl7Ih6KIiLaLedU

[@mollysmith6055]

As always...such creative and useful tips, Laura. Thank you! The way I've used those mats before is to create index dividers for patterns and also for my cardmaking impression folders.

[@veevee111]

Laura, you have perfect timing! I'm a quilting newbie and subscribe to a few quilting magazines. They come with a pull-out section with template outlines but I never knew what to do with them so I've just thrown them away. This tutorial answered my question about what material I can use to make those templates since I couldn't find a video that touched upon the subject, nor do the magazines consider that a newbie might not know what those template patterns are for. 👍

[@luannebrien9971]

Hi Laura, Love your You Tube Channel. You have become one of my "go to" sewing mentors. Thanks for visiting Chatham and you were so kind to speak to me and share the technique you used on one of your quilts. I have made the zippered tote most recently and have used many other videos. I wish you the best on your upcoming book and look forward to many more video "chats".

[@SewVeryEasy]

thank you and I had a great time in Chatham :)

[@joyware2682]

This is a fabulously helpful and innovative idea. I am definitely going to purchase a pack or three today, and comment again when I have tried a project or two. Joy from Down-Under. Thank you. :)

[@simpsondonna]

I used them for my bag patterns.

[@laurafifer4453]

I love these. I buy many packages too, for tracing appliques.

[@keressabeverage2622]

This is just the tip I’ve been looking for! I am going to be doing a feather wall hanging for my sister and making feather template is going to be easy thanks to you!

[@diannesievers7527]

You are sew fabulous! 😉I use these for my bag making patterns.

[@loraineleuschke4186]

I get those mats for my kitchen. Thanks for the template ideas.

[@sheryllynnjones6292]

Thank you for this idea. And ladies keep those awesome ideas coming! I can use all your expertise as I have been out of the game of sewing for a while.

[@aangela7328]

Great idea Laura! Unfortunately I've seen this this cutting mats only in colour, but I will keep my eyes open for some transparent ones.

[@dale3404]

I found some on Amazon. Dollar stores would be cheaper, though. I just bought some because, after having shoulder surgery, I can’t lift my wooden cutting board.

[@karoliyer4860]

Wow what a cleaver idea......thanks so much !!!

[@dale3404]

Love this! I’m not a quilter, though i use many quilting notions in my sewing adventures. I don’t want to invest in something for a one-time use. This would work great.

[@amandapassmore3832]

I use these for all of my pattern templates - a couple of years ago I ordered an entire case because I use them so much and was having trouble finding them in the store.

[@bonnielindsey8663]

Laura, I enjoy your videos. I’m a beginner with moderate sewing skills. I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@kathleenchamp3764]

More fun and nifty ideas for the cutting mat. Thank you, I sure enjoy you & your channel Laura❣

[@izabeau1953]

Laura, you have given me such a good idea, it’s that cutting mats. I want to make Devine’s and use them over and over just in different directions, and that would be ideal...... WOW TKS FOR THAT TIP. 🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️

[@jqpatty]

Great for making quilting stencils.

[@ginamartinez5441]

You can use them to fussy cut fabric.

[@chavakern3124]

Great video as always Laura. If you glued together a few layers of a template to get thickness could you then use your rotary cutter to cut out pieces? Thanks.

[@kandaykerr3653]

What great tips! I'm going to the dollar store and pickup a few!

[@sheilaallen2146]

This is a good idea Thankyou

[@TreebeardsHome]

Great idea. Thank you for the tip.

[@wonderfulworld2678]

Love you dear for such wonderful information and tutorial you share. Love from India. Take care.

[@barbaralevel7225]

I paint on these. Wash clean. Thanks for these ideas.

[@znycelondon5313]

Great idea. FYI......Order them from dollar tree website.......minimum order is 4 units.......can pick them up in store....saves shipping fee.😊

[@cindys1133]

I used them for credit card panels. Measure according to pattern, cut the strips labeling them A and B for the different size folds. Line the edge of the template with the edge of the fabric, fold the fabric over them and crease...just don't iron them for they will melt. Slide the template out, iron fabric, repeat!

[@sewmuchfashion831]

Great info!

[@cindymoreno6333]

great Idea. I like this one a lot. Now I just have to organize the templates.

[@emilgabl9069]

I know this is a stupid question but do you think a razor blade would cut through the mat?

[@pam5389]

Thank you so much!!

[@dijones2441]

Awesome tip 💐

[@vickyh7881]

Thanks! Great tip!

[@SharoninKentucky]

Can these be used as a mat to cut fabric on?

[@Ronibearable]

Use to cut out a "frame" for marking Fussy cut pieces. Use them for cutting dividers for your pattern boxes.

[@jennielynnschlageter6586]

wow..I have to look for these...

[@pamelacasey1699]

Brilliant!

[@poormanssewing4200]

I say d plastic out of the bacon I'm wash them and I use them that's a good idea to

[@susanlangley5703]

I do that also. Works great. I soak the plastic in soapy water with a little bleach for a few minutes and they are good to go when dried.

[@poormanssewing4200]

@@susanlangley5703 that is awesome I'm glad I'm not the only one that does something like that I appreciate it hugs and kisses

[@helenbell1715]

i use bacon plastic too.. why waste it whe you can use it..one less piece in the garbage

[@1969snowflake]

Great idea! I made the mistake of only purchasing one pack of these, and now they’re always out of stock, as Laura said. Thanks for that idea 😊

[@3catmom844]

great ideas!

[@praterclp]

Awesome tip. Thanks.

[@heathm7951]

I just went out and bough two packs and I used them for a 10 x 10 templates and other thngs

[@marianrooth9514]

Love it.

[@hsy1997]

Thanks. Good idea!

[@susiejones2245]

I have checked 2 different Dollar General stores and Walmart’s for the flexible mats. They don’t carry them. Can you tell me what dollar store you get them in?

[@francatania5142]

Dollar Tree

[@carol8273]

Do you have a video on how you sandwich a quilt?

[@denisepineda1788]

Great idea

[@StormChasingNinja]

I used those mats to copy my bear pattern since its starting to fall apart. Now I have a more permanent bear pattern.

[@karenross3457]

Handy tip! I don't get the "thumbs down"? What's with you people ?

[@dale3404]

Sometimes its an accident..

[@dale3404]

It’s.

[@12850dw]

This is totally off subject...just watched your sewing room tour video from last year and wondered where to get the pattern to make those adorable strawberry shaped fabric weights. Thanks.

[@SewVeryEasy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIqQYYRodrSfsMU

[@quiltcavequilter6952]

I used them to make my templates for my memory 🐻 bears.

[@Trayne1837]

There are several dollar type stores Dollar Tree or Dollar General are the ones in my area

[@margiecastonguay517]

Used for false bottom s in bag doubled up ..they can be sewn

[@moniquemartel1]

Merci pour tout c'est truc!!!!

[@denisemcintosh7568]

I use these also for templates.

[@sugarmuffin57]

I just found out in one of my bag making groups that you can print on these. You have to have a printer that has a single sheet feed. I have a Brother laser printer and it worked on mine. I am so excited to print patterns pieces on these. I didn't find the small size so I cut it the be the width of printer paper.

[@SewVeryEasy]

good to know, thank you

[@beatricebeauchamp7629]

Mostly for templates for fussy cutting

[@brendastirling6079]

Sew Very Easy

[@brendastirling6079]

Hi Laura I am sewing the retreat bag I am almost finished I have been very ill and it’s nice to be back sewing I enjoy watching your videos

[@clovisperkins7138]

I use for patterns.

[@carlenehall2979]

🤗

[@susiewheeler8197]

Wash the inserts in bacon and they can be used

[@brigittelogue6678]

I save the clear plastic out of bacon. Now I will have to get some of those.

[@светланагулыга-с5э]

Класс!

[@luzolivo9989]

I used them to trace my bear pattern

[@lindarobinson3262]

Mmm

[@masonstriha3905]

.

[@deebeen8227]

I cut about a 3 inch strip down the long side of the flexible mat and carry it in my purse. It is a very handy long shoe horn for those times at the doctor's office when having to put your shoes back on. It's a back saver. Also good for when you travel and have to remove shoes. I have trouble with a hip which prevents me from getting my right shoe on. With these around I have no problem!