🧰 SELF HEALING CUTTING MATS - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Your self healing cutting mat is one of the most important tools you can have as a quilter or crafter. However, many feel unsure what to look for when shopping for a new self healing cutting mat, or maintaining our well loved self healing mats. Here are my tips and tricks for finding and caring for your self healing cutting mat.
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Affiliate Links for Products Mentioned in Video:
Olfa 24" x 36" Self Healing Cutting Mat geni.us/sQBxbwu (amazon)
Olfa 18" x 24" Self Healing Cutting Mat geni.us/uI1PI (amazon)
Fiskers 24" x 36" Folding Self Healing Cutting Mat geni.us/B17CjX (amazon)
Ipad stand geni.us/h6DXzm​ (amazon)
Sitting Pad shop.vigurus.com/justgetitdon... (Virgus Technologies)
Rotary Blades geni.us/BJpBU5S (amazon)
Referenced Videos:
HOW TO CUT STRAIGHT - QUILT SKILLS TUTORIAL
• ✂️ HOW TO CUT STRAIGHT...
HOW TO USE YOUR ROTARY CUTTER - 10 TIPS FOR BETTER RESULTS
• 👍 HOW TO USE YOUR ROTA...
SMALL SPACE SEWING - TOP 10 TIPS TO MAKE IT WORK
• 🧵❤️ SMALL SPACE SEWIN...
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BETTER RESULTS PLAYLIST
• Tips & Tricks for Bett...
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Previously Recommended Tools
Where indicated, the link will direct you to Amazon where I will receive a small commission on your purchase. There is no obligation to purchase from these links. These items may be available locally or you can use or modify something that you already own.
Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
M-Aimee Wool Pressing Mat geni.us/shw7seK (amazon)
Tractor Seat Adjustable Chair geni.us/YM4WV (amazon)
Ipad stand geni.us/h6DXzm​ (amazon)
Sitting Pad shop.vigurus.com/justgetitdon... (Virgus Technologies)
Laser Square geni.us/u2zDx4 (amazon)
Ultimate 3-In-1 Color Tool geni.us/8QezMZq (amazon)
Alarm Timer Cube geni.us/FHElloG (amazon)
LED Lighting Strip geni.us/FxOE (amazon)
Floor Lamp geni.us/CNx3RUB (amazon)
My Favourite Quilt Tools
LDH Scissors lddy.no/njem (LDH scissors)
OMNIGRID 6” x 24” Ruler geni.us/H9Fprrw (amazon)
Olfa 2.5” x 18” Ruler geni.us/Y00AO (amazon)
Add a quarter ruler geni.us/sffqxS (amazon)
Olfa 60MM rotary cutter geni.us/hbmq3 (amazon)
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter geni.us/eBvSBx (amazon)
Clover 28mm rotary cutter geni.us/CLeF (amazon)
Clover Stitch Ripper geni.us/gLL6A (amazon)
Violet Craft Seam Roller geni.us/Bk7YHo (amazon)
T-fal Iron geni.us/ANrABt (amazon)
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[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Today our self healing cutting mats are in the hot seat. So much to know about our tools. Once we know the details, we can use them correctly and maintain them as they should be so they last longer. I hope you enjoy this dive into cutting mats. They are an important part of of quilting

[@annielyst]

Hi Karen, you missed an important point. Many mats have a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced for FREE if you start having cuts that are not healing. I replaced my large mat this way - I believe both Olfa and Fiskars have that guarantee.

[@susanmei9980]

@@annielyst Thank you for that! I’ve never heard this before! Great to know!

[@ravensmokedancer8242]

@@annielyst Heyyyyy I did not know that Olfa and Fiskars had that!

[@tanjonzou9840]

HI KAREN, SO, I AM A REVISED BEF=GINNER SEWER AND I AM TAKING SEWING CLASS. WELL I USED MY NEW IRON WITH A TOWEL TO IRON MY T-SHIRT SLEEVES. NOW I SEE A SIGN THAT SAID DO NOT PUT HEAT ON THE CUTTING MAT, SO NOW IT LOOKS LIKE A COUPLE OF SHORT HUMPS. HOW CAN I MAKE IT FLAT AGAIN?😁

[@septemberbaby0903]

Great tips! Here’s one more: Your old, sliced up cutting mats make great firm bottoms for handbags and other homemade bags. Just cut to size, cover with some fabric and pop it in!

[@hersheyqueenlisa]

What do I use to cut the old warped mat into smaller mats? Thanks!

[@septemberbaby0903]

@@hersheyqueenlisa My husband has a table saw, I think you could use a sharp utility knife, score it and then bend it til it breaks

[@janeterikson9950]

How did you cut down the mat?

[@sus8e462]

Do NOT use a power tool to cut--the heat generated will relax nasty toxins from the vinyl. But tin snips work well (just cut my 5 layer 3mm mat that is 40" across (to take down from 80 to 72).

[@FlutePlayer777]

@@janeterikson9950 With a very very strong pair of scissors!

[@donnawilson7091]

Hint: when travelling with your mat in freezing weather, keep it in the heated part of your car. A very cold mat can break when you pick it up. I learned this lesson the hard way.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Great tip!

[@annaglanz1159]

Oh my gosh! Flip it over for batting scraps! I’d have never thought! Thank you Karen!!

[@missyb.623]

I felt the same!

[@lisalisa20907]

I had no idea we can do that! Great video!

[@trinam2503]

I also flip mine over to use 505 basting spray. The top stays clean, and the bottom then has a bit of friction which keeps it from sliding when I am cutting 😊

[@itsmyparty4637]

to flatten a self healing cutting mat - mine got seriously warped ( like wavey ) during a summer house move. All I did was lay it flat on the clean, level patio in the full sun for half a day, in full sun, and it went completely back into shape. I had read some years ago, that a husband had put his wife's mat in the sun with a sheet of glass on top with the same result, but I had no glass. My mat is perfect now. :)

[@theDuchessQ]

Almost 20 years ago I was given a cutting mat that folded in three. Over the years, those folds have weakened until they finally gave way. I finally caved and admitted I needed a new one. My wonderful mother in law, who taught me to sew, bought me a tabletop sized one for Christmas. So I've been using the pieces of my old one as mini, turnable, moveable cutting mats. I can't believe how handy the little 12 inch pieces are!!!

[@connieverbeck1110]

I cut up my old one into smaller pieces that I use to transport block pieces from cutting surface to sewing machine.

[@theDuchessQ]

@@connieverbeck1110 this is what I'm doing now too!! It's so brilliant, I wish I'd started sooner. It makes things so much easier

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Great tip! Those small ones are perfect for spinning

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Another great tip

[@noplacelikehome9116]

I bought a large mat from a flea market and used it for a couple of years. I struggled with my piecing but never equated it with the mat. When I got my new mat, something triggered my brain and I took out a ruler and measured the measurements on my new and old mat. The old mat had measurements that were off, like REALLY off. No wonder my piecing was so awful! Now I check the accuracy of my mat and rely more on my ruler for accurate results.

[@MeanaBeana391]

You are incredible! I found a HUGE mat at Goodwill for $2.00!!! Got it almost completely clean (embedded batting)...will use the bathtub hack to finish the process! 😊 😊

[@MeanaBeana391]

it worked!!!!!

[@deborahlawing2728]

Good deal for sure.

[@elaineadair]

BIG congrats on 300,000 subscribers - me included!!!!!

[@sharonpeck88]

I've never thought of using the back side of the cutting mat. Great idea and perhaps will lengthen life of it.

[@cjane51]

I’ve been putting off cleaning mine but now I know the time has come. Thanks so much for your great advice Karen. Congratulations on your 300,000 subscribers. I know you have worked hard for this and I’m glad that it’s come to fruition.

[@michellemiles477]

The dollar tree sells a makeup brush dry cleaner in a round tin that I use to clean the fibers off my mat. I saw that it looked similar to your piece of foam when i saw your other video about common household tools to use in your sewing room (sorry, I forgot the actual name of the video, it has a picture of you with the red tool box). It looks very close to your piece of foam and works great!

[@christinea52]

It never occurred to me to soak and wash my cutting mat! I’m going to do that. I appreciate you sharing all this valuable information.

[@roxywood5278]

Karen, Thank you for "being you" !! this is great info for all

[@blkcat93]

Honestly! Everytime I watch I learn something! Cutting fuzzy crap.on the back!! Geeeenius! Xo

[@connieverbeck1110]

Karen, you are the best!! Thx once again for your helpful, practical info. Have a great day.

[@KMLong-hi9iw]

Thanks Karen! This was very informative, as usual. Happy Valentine's Day. Spring is around the corner.

[@marysalmond5273]

Very helpful! All questions I had years ago that most quilters couldn't answer. Thanks so much on how to clean and maintain!

[@ceceliakonui6333]

I have binge watched your videos…amazing! I have always been too afraid to try quilting but now after watching your channel I feel more confident and ready to do it. Thank you so much for sharing your gift.

[@elainen2636]

Happy Valentines Day. Just love all your informative videos. Thanks.

[@susanbaker8023]

Congratulations Karen 💐. That's wonderful news. While I'm at it, Thanks for all the time and help you have shared with all of us. ❤️

[@eileensecrest2185]

Karen, this was so helpful! I have been wondering how to assess my cutting board, and I judge it fit for a little more miles with just a little care. Thank you!

[@karena7950]

Thanks Karen! Happy Valentine's Day!!

[@mssixty3426]

Congratulations on reaching 300.000 subscribers. A well-earned milestone!

[@carynwakelin2494]

Yep - warped my mat by using a wool ironing mat on it! Might have to try the stacks of books tip! Thank you for this video - it was very helpful.

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

Once again a brilliant video Karen, thank you ♥️

[@lexiaustin6869]

Fantastic video. You answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@kaygabica1625]

Congratulations on 300,000. I've learns so much from your videos.

[@eileencraner2905]

This is the most informative video I have seen! I’ve been digging through a lot of videos and how to’s etc. since I am beginner who started just over a year ago. Masks, table cloths, placemats, skirts, etc. I wish I had found this one on my original search. I plan on starting a quilt soon. Just trying to decide the proper products for what I need. Thank you for making your videos, (I have watched a few of them so far,) so informative, The right amount of information delivered at the right speed, clear and concise, you do not drone on and on, you’re an excellent presenter! I like the included video clips that show work in progress. I actually watch your videos right till the end : ) Looking forward to learning more!

[@marlenegibbs430]

Two dollar blade I wish. $25.00 for an Olfa 28mm blade in NZ. As always very informative. It makes my day when I see a new video from you waiting to be watched. Thankyou.

[@meacadwell]

For one blade? That's crazy! I could get around 20 blades for that price (on sale).

[@darlenenelson215]

Love hearing your advice. Congratulations on your viewers. You are fantastic 🤗

[@mjamirault]

Good video. I just bought a new cutting mat (my original one was over 20 years old), and I can't believe how cutting is so much easier. I always thought it was my blade but now I think it was the cutting mat. Nothing lasts forever!

[@pamelacasey1699]

Thank you for all the great tips for our cutting mats! I love your quilt in the background!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I think you are asking about foundation paper piecing.I have a video in the works

[@MonkehBuns]

I was gifted a good cutting mat 20-odd years ago when I started getting into sewing. I didn't continue but I've always kept the mat, stored behind a dresser or somewhere flat, away from heat. Occasionally it would be used for a small project. Now that I've taken up quilting I'm so glad I hung onto it, and just happened to store it correctly so it's good as new. I've always just wiped it down with a damp rag but I'll make sure to clean the fibers out of it now.

[@carolm.4214]

Happy Valentine's Day, Karen! Congratulations on 300K plus. I find your videos inspiring and helpful. I am going to start my first lap quilt soon using shirts, tops, etc which my Mom wore just before she died in August.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

sounds lovely

[@Sonyas13]

Perfect timing! My small A4 mat finally kicked the bucket and I've been wondering what the difference between all the mats were! Thanks as always for your videos

[@yvonnemoretti7646]

Thank you for explaining this. I put a reminder in my monthly calendar to turn or flip my cutting mat. I never did wipe it down yet, but did after your video.

[@juliemorrison4348]

Great tips Karen. I have been cleaning with a foam square but time for a soak in the bath. Turning over for batting now or keeping an older smaller mat just for batting. I have quite deep ridges on my usual cutting lines so I have turned my mat around and added new numbers to make it easier.♥️🇦🇺

[@julsbendandi9374]

Once again terrific video! Congratulations on the 300,000 mark! ❤️❤️

[@michaelwebb4500]

You are my new favorite teacher on you tube.

[@lyndapatrick8303]

Wonderful cleaning advice & flattening idea! Great tutorials as always! Congratulations 🎉 on subscribers!

[@barbaraimwold4352]

Thank you for the review and I always gain something new, the cut the batting on the back of the mat was brilliant but of course I didn’t think to do that☺️.

[@smathykins]

You’re always so helpful! Thanks!

[@joyceleonard8274]

Wow! Congratulations!! That’s exciting!

[@stealthwarrior5768]

Thanks for the cleaning tips. Happy Valentines day

[@sandydecamp3974]

congratulations. so happy for you. love all the shows/videos.

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Congratulations Karen, and thankyou !

[@meacadwell]

Tried the industrial foam hack and it works wonderfully! Gotta love free. Thank you

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

Thank you Karen 💕 congratulations on getting 300K subscribers!

[@beckyscheller9358]

Thank you for the information. My husband also like these mats. I had one break and he uses one of the pieces I his workshop

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

Thank you so much for the great video on mats. It was so informative.

[@kimzsewing3917]

Congratulations on getting to 300K subscribers (that is huge ). Yet another fantastic video thank you 😊

[@dcwatashi]

I love my Martelli mat. Saved up and kept checking back for their sales! I also bought their strip ruler. Best ruler ever. No slip. And I rarely use a ruler to measure anymore, the Martelli mat has continuous markings so it is easy to line up your fabric. They even have a special spot on their mats for 12”, 10” etc squares

[@carriesaindon5382]

I also have the Martelli mat cutter and rulers. The are my favorites.

[@dcwatashi]

@@carriesaindon5382 people don’t get it until they actually buy one. Then they understand what we are talking about.

[@begonial6151]

I keep used bounce sheets and use them to wipe the cutting mat regularly. They are dry and have just enough abrasion to wipe off any lint. Thanks for your videos. I especially like your dollar store ideas.

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I have mats for crafting and sewing. Thanks for the tips.

[@lisalisa20907]

Thank you! This is so helpful!

[@angelerobichaud2586]

Thank you. I will try some of your hacks for sure

[@marykaske243]

I appreciate your in depth detail .

[@sandyp2485]

I obtained my first cutting mat around 20 years ago. It came from where I worked because the art/graphics department was cleaning out their old supplies and I was given permission to take any of the discarded items. I came away with the full Pantone color guide (the kind that fans out), assorted cutting tools, and this huge, heavy-duty cutting mat that covers my cutting table. It did warp a bit in one corner because it was July and it took a while to get home but over time and with many heavy objects kept on that corner, it's nearly flat. I do have one of the larger green mats but for sewing nearly anything I prefer the big old white one. I do like the green mat when doing precision cutting because it's easy to turn for the best cutting approach and it has more markings suitable to sewing projects: the big white one is only a grid although its ruler is the same as the green mat. I will try the tub-soak cleaning method on it since I've only done spots over time. It is still white but there are a few fuzzy areas. My green one doesn't seem to get the fuzzies though.

[@pamelabarrett7645]

Congratulations on your accomplishment. I enjoy your videos.

[@mommisabommis]

Congratulations Karen!!!

[@dottiemathews6853]

I really liked this video. i have a large mat and everything you said about it is so true! i want to look for a good ironing pad

[@lizagervais8621]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@a90l92]

Thank you SO much for this video! You answered every question I had and more I didn't know to ask. One thing that I notice when shopping for one is a lack of info on weather mats are both in inches and metric. I (usually) use metric for sewing but imperial for many other tasks. I will take your advice on buying a smaller/less expensive mat to determine what it is that I will need for my forever mat. Congrats on your successes!

[@elainekentner4495]

Congratulations!!!!! Your the best!!!!!

[@janiewilliams5803]

So much! helpful info. Thank you!!

[@lynnperschke3966]

Love your tips and tricks

[@brendagriffin6437]

Great tips, Karen. I melted my first 24 x 36 mat with a lamp many years ago. So sad as it was a time when I couldn't afford to go out and buy a brand new large mat right away. I was using the mat under some close work I was doing on another craft. I had a lamp that was lower to the surface. It was a regular bulb from yesteryear. Too hot. Very disappointing, but I kept this mat. I now use it for my crafts that use paint, glue, etc and keep my "new" mat for fabric only. A very expensive lesson. I use a lint roller after I do fleece or batting. It gets up most of the fluff and it hasn't left a sticky residue. I have also purchased "cheaper" mats. The surface started flaking off right away every time my rotary cutter was used. My tip is to always buy Brand names.

[@FlutePlayer777]

I switched to LED lamps/bulbs for this very reason.

[@JudyCurtis818]

I had that large 24 x 36 mat years ago. We were moving and I put the mat in the back seat standing up against the back. It was summer, and unfortunately I left the items in the car during the heat. Warped my mat and it did not straighten out. Expensive lesson learned.

[@carollaurion6810]

Congratulations on the 300,000 subscribers!

[@skinnywinny]

Super useful video here. Thank you!

[@angelikaimnaehglueck]

Thank you for a lot of good information.

[@irenehageman715]

Thank you so much Karen ❤️

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Congrats on 300,000 subscribers 👏🎉🎊

[@beverlyakins2374]

Congratulations and great information thanks for sharing. Happy Valentines Day

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@carolyncarter-nash6757]

Congratulations!!!!!!🙏🏻💜

[@denisev.1217]

Great info as usual!

[@stephaniejohnson2937]

Great info!!

[@scrapadoodle04]

great info. thank you, Lisa

[@grammykcutter6374]

Such good advice .Thank you

[@joannehickok4653]

thanks for this info.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Cutting minky fabric on the backside of my cutting mat? Yes! Great tips, thank you.

[@cathylombard964]

Congratulations on hitting 300,000 subscribers.

[@kimg6074]

Perfect timing!! Trying to decide if I want to invest in a rotating cutting mat, this information is super helpful✂️

[@jeandryja6992]

I got a round rotating cutting mat as a Christmas present two years ago I love it. Very handy when I am working with a lot of 2 1/2 and 5 inch squares.

[@carriedoty4527]

I have 💕 both a Olfa (which is square) and Martelli (which is round and I absolutely ❤️) and I use both as I do a lot of EPP.

[@EP-xu1yt]

I keep my old mats so when I’m squaring a quilt I abut two large mats on my dining room table for a 72” length. Doing this makes squaring a quilt or table runner easy.

[@coreygilles847]

So cool! I had no idea you could soak it in the tub

[@carolyncarter-nash6757]

I have put mine in between my mattress and box spring. 🙏🏻💜

[@phyllis26red]

Thank you for sharing!

[@cheryljohnson206]

Great info, thanks!

[@suzpain]

I so look forward to your videos. YOU taught me to quilt and you teach me something new with every upload. Thank you for being such a valuable and informative teacher. Time to go clean my cutting mat.

[@pattiecoxey]

Just bought a mini iron. Haven't used it yet but I've never payed attention to the cleaning. 🤷 I will this time. I have two larger older irons I rarely use. I usually use a mister. I only hope they don't have water in them that have been sitting for yrs. I will test them after cleaning and see. Luckily our water is spring well water. I may need a new larger one. Learned long ago to iron my clothes after getting them out of the dryer with a mist bottle by hand. It works really well🤗 I bought a Juki about 10 yrs ago. I did read instructions many times and still do. I only quilt and straight stitch. The rest is all by hand. I love this machine. I haven't used it too much in the last few yrs with a bad back but have had that mostly taken care of. Rearranged my sewing area to accommodate the back. Thanks for the tips!🙋🌼

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👍

[@paulineanninahaden5485]

Great tips thanks.

[@sandih4741]

Thanks for more good information!

[@madelinearon1691]

300,000 subscribers? No surprise. You’re great!

[@sandymontey87]

Thanks Karen!

[@jazzyjoyce421]

Hi, I just wanted 2 let u know, I saw one of your videos and u you were talking about the UPPERCASE magazine Well, I ordered one and love it. Going to get an entire subscription. Thanks!!

[@lindamorrison2758]

Thank you

[@yvonnevee1006]

This was great!!!! Ty 💕🧵

[@mojosbigsticks]

Thank you.

[@madelineking6158]

Amazing Awesome, Karen