Do you enjoy making things with your hands? Making clothes that you can wear every day can be a very fulfilling experience. Instead of buying ready-to-wear apparel from the stores, you can pour your creativity and personality into your own clothing by sewing them yourself. Many people have already discovered the joys of sewing.
One of the things you have to frequently do when making clothes is cutting up pieces of fabric and stitching them together. Newcomers to the hobby might think of using a sharp cutter to do the job, but doing so will fill your table with scratches. That’s why using rotary cutters paired with a cutting mat for sewing is best if you want to protect your work surface.
If you want to know more about what a self-healing cutting mat is and what to look for when shopping for one, continue reading below!
Aside from materials such as spools of thread, needles, and fabrics, you have to buy equipment to improve your workflow. One of the best things that you can buy for your sewing station is a self-healing cutting mat. Made of durable material, a cutting mat protects your table from any damage, such as scratches. It is an irreplaceable piece of equipment for any seamster.
In addition to adding a layer of protection to your sewing cabinet or work table, a rotary cutting mat also prevents your cutting tool from getting dull quickly. If you use your cutting tool (such as a rotary cutter) on a hard surface, it will get dull sooner than it would on a self-healing cutting mat. Needless to say, a rotary mat can be a valuable investment over time.
Don’t worry: a self-healing mat is no marketing ploy. If you are willing to spend some cash on a rotary mat, you will enjoy the many benefits that come with owning one.
If you still feel unsure about buying one for yourself, let us help you make your decision! Keep reading if you want to know the many reasons you should get a rotary cutting mat for your sewing table!
Whether you use a general-purpose utility knife or a rotary blade to cut fabrics, you will certainly benefit from having a cutting mat. The materials that make up a cutting mat prevent the blades of your cutters from going dull sooner. When the rotary cutter comes into contact with a hard surface, it loses its cutting edge, resulting in a dull blade over time.
If you invested a considerable amount of money in buying a sewing table, you wouldn’t want it damaged quickly and covered in scratches from your cutting tools. Cutting mats add a protective layer atop your working table to prevent the sharp blades of your cutters from reaching the surface. If you care for your sewing table, then consider getting a cutting mat!
Your sewing table serves as a corner of your home where you get to express your creativity and passion for making beautiful garments. That being said, your workstation has to have the look and feel of your personality. Some cutting mats are available in a wide range of colors that complement your interiors and personal preferences.
Aside from protecting your table and cutters from damage, a rotary cutting mat can help you make precise cuts. Most cutting mats include a grid and measuring guides. The grid will make sure that you are cutting straight, and the rulers will ensure that you get the length and width of your cuts correctly.
Now that you know the benefits that come with using cutting mats, you should next consider some things when shopping for one. While cutting mats are really simple and straightforward, there are some nuances and details that you should be aware of. Keep reading to learn more!
The length and width of your cutting mat should be appropriate to the size of the fabrics that you usually work with. If you end up with a cutting mat that is too small, trying to make a straight clean cut will be difficult. On the other hand, you might find it hard to use the measuring guides and rulers of a too-large cutting mat as they could be harder to reach.
Besides protecting your sewing table, cutting mats offer another function that helps you make higher-quality garments while also wasting less fabric. Most cutting mats include measuring guides in the x- and y-axes of the grid. However, you have to be comfortable with using the unit of measurement provided (either metric or imperial).
Many seamsters don’t realize how important the size of a single unit of the grid is. How small or large the boxes are in the cutter mat’s grid determines how precise your measurements will be. If you work with small fabrics or projects that require tiny increments of measurement, then you would find small grid lines more suitable. For larger projects, bigger grid lines would be better.
Cutting mats can be made of all sorts of materials. Some materials can be stronger than others. Take note, however, that the more durable materials cost more, making the cutting mat more expensive. You also have the option of using either hard-surface or soft-surface cutting mats. It’s up to your preferences which one suits your sewing style better.
Aside from your cutting mat, your art supply, sewing tools, and sewing machine will take up most of the space on your work table. That being said, you should consider the precious real estate left available to you. Don't crowd your working space with too many sewing tools!
Sewing is a fun and exciting hobby that you can also turn into a livelihood. However, before you become a veteran seamster, you must have your sewing essentials in check.
One of the most important things that you have to own is a high-quality cutting mat. A cutting mat for sewing and crafts protects your sewing table and rotary cutter from damage.
Get yourself the best cutting mat for your needs as you take another step forward in your sewing journey!
