For you to cut fabric correctly, you need a surface where you can put it. That's the role of a sewing work table—it makes it easy for you to do your cutting work by giving fabric support. But your work table also needs something to maintain its functionality. The surface must be protected from scratches. That's why you'll need a fabric cutting board to ensure the table remains spotless as you make your cutting work smoother and easier.
The Best Fabric Cutting Board for Sewing
To get started with protecting your sewing table, you'll need to get a sturdy cutting board that will help blunt the force of your cutting tool. At the same time, you need a mat that looks good and is worthy to be kept on top of your table even if you're not using it. These are the best brands you should consider.
Crafty World Multi-Purpose Cutting Board
Price: $23.00–25.00
This product comes in first on the list with its high-quality and flexible cutting board. Crafty World is a cutting mat that's built for sewing and other things, including quilting and arts and crafts. As such, this cutting mat is designed to accommodate different cutting tools like razor blades, rotary cutters, and even knives.
Sizes:
- 9" x 12"
- 12" x 18"
- 18" x 24"
- 24" x 36"
Features:
- Double-sided cutting grid lines with angle guides.
- Self-healing surface in case the cutting tool penetrates the surface.
- Scratch-proof to maintain smooth and accurate cuts.
- 3mm thick.
Highlights:
- The cutting mat's surface is a tough one. It holds up well even when cutting thick fabrics that require more force. The surface stays smooth and clean.
- We love that it can be used on both sides. It is thick enough to give that smooth feeling as you run your rotary cutter across it.
- It's also flexible; you can roll it and store it inside your craft drawer as needed.
- The mat's thickness is enough to protect surfaces from cuts and scratches from your cutting tool.
Lowlights:
- The inches and half inch measurements are amazing, but people still prefer metrics as a measurement reference. It would be a better product if that's included.
Olfa Sewing Cutting Board for Fabric
Price: $53.00–64.00
If you're a long-time sewing or quilting enthusiast, you have heard of the name Olfa. The brand name has gained loyal customers because of its proven quality. Returning sewists who have lost their Olfa's and are starting over with a new cutting board still judge quality according to their "Olfa standard" and find that others can’t deliver. New sewists and prospective buyers note: loyal customers are good indicators of a good product and a trustworthy brand.
Sizes:
- 6" x 8"
- 12" x 18"
- 18" x 24"
- 24" x 36"
Features:
- Double-sided functionality with grid lines on each side.
- Self-healing; seals deep cuts on the surface of the mat.
- Triple-layer mat design to ensure a longer life.
- Available in colours green, pink, and aqua.
- 1.5mm thick.
- Weighs 2.3 pounds.
Highlights:
- The large area is enough to tackle small and big fabric projects.
- There's a smaller box within the grid lines that allows you to cut small fabrics accurately.
- The measuring grids can be easily seen, which is important for cutting precision.
Lowlights:
- The material used is susceptible to warping. If you're sewing and ironing your fabrics, it's best to keep your cutting board at a safe distance from where your iron is.
Dahle Cutting Mat
Price: $33.00–45.00
Dahle positions itself as an office products brand that targets professionals. But their cutting mats will attract not only office workers who print out and cut rims of paper but also sewists. The Dahle cutting mat is just loaded with useful features that are worthy of a sewing professional’s attention.
Sizes:
- 9" x 12"
- 12" x 18"
- 18" x 24"
- 24" x 36"
- 36 x 48"
Features:
- Material is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Composed of five layers to ensure optimum durability.
- Self-healing outer layers to promote a smooth cutting feel.
- Screened measuring guides with half-inch, inches, and metric units.
- Available in colours black, crystal, and blue.
- Double-sided for double utility.
- 45 degree and 60-degree angle guides.
Highlights:
- It has a 36" x 48" size option which is great for cutting long fabrics without interruption.
- The calibration accommodates inches and metrics, making it easier for everyone to use.
- Color options are uncommon as it doesn't just sell the usual green cutting mat.
Lowlights:
- The measuring grid doesn't have a marking on the other side, making it difficult to measure your cuts.
Fiskars Fabric Cutting Board Set (3-pieces)
Price: $30.00–43.00
Fiskars is about making life easy. It's a company that develops many kinds of lifestyle products. But Fiskars as a brand is known for cutting and crafting products. They offer products such as cutting boards, rotary cutters, and rulers made with the intention to encourage your creativity. If you're looking to get a cutting set, go with this one.
Sizes:
Features:
- The surface also self heals when cut or sliced.
- Different square-shaped patterns for smaller fabrics.
- Double-sided; one side is predominantly black, the other white.
- 30, 45, and 60 degree angle guides.
- Includes a 45mm rotary cutter and a 6.5" x 24" acrylic ruler.
Highlights:
- It's a mat that's thinner and lighter than most, but it is tough, and because it's thin, it's easy to roll or fold for storage.
- There are three-angle guide options that benefit the sewist and the craftsperson.
- We love the cool square shapes in the middle. It's a great aesthetic feature with a function.
Lowlights:
- The thin mat is prone to warping. It's best to store it at room temperature and keep it away from excessive heat or cold.
Our Choice: The Dahle Fabric Cutting Board
Among these great cutting boards, we choose the Dahle cutting board because of its durability, options, and aesthetic appeal. The five-layer PVC material is promising and makes us feel confident that our table surface will remain unscathed. But we also like a mat that looks good enough to keep on top of our sewing and crafts table, and the black option fits just about any work table you put it on.
