BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Quilting How do you know....

....when it's time to get a new cutting mat? The fact that I'm asking tells me it is probably time, but when is a cutting board too used to use?

GrannyH

Hi Granny H. I've always replaced my board when I can no longer see the lines. It's usual that over time you literally cut the lines off. BUT, don't discard your board. You can use the back side for cutting too, especially the type of cutting that doesn't need lines. In fact, I often cut my batting on the underside of my board, so's not to ruin the lined top. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you end up embedding batting into your board, when cutting with a rotary. So use the back side of the board. Will save you heaps!!
Cheerio for now

You'll know it's time to replace your board when cutting becomes more difficult. The board can get deep grooves on it where you cut the most often, like on the 4" line etc.But I agree that you shouldn't discard it, they can be great for kids to use when crafting.

It sounds as if I can continue to use my mat for several more quilts. I can still see the lines, and I only have one deep groove. I do have one line that has material embedded in it. But I just avoid that spot when I cut.

Thanks for your responses. GrannyH

You must use the same spot when you cut most of the time.

Sometimes, the simpliest things...... I took a good look at my cutting mat. I don't make quilts that are the same design, block after block, so I only always cut fabric one block at a time. There are no visible cuts on the opposite corner of the one I was concerned about. I need to rotate the mat, not dispose of it.