Is a cutting mat really helpful?

[willow5]

I'm just wondering if a cutting mat is a must?
I don't have the best eye or steadiest hand so would a cutting mat help me? I'm only a beginner and wanting to do stuff like bibs, blankets, basic stuff to start off, and well the sky's the limit if I'm actually any good at it lol...emphasis on if

[Jennie13]

Get one!! I made a patchwork quilt when i was pregnant, and I cut it all out by hand...all 720 triangles and more! It killed my hands and my enjoyment of it lol! Next time I will deffinatley be investing in one! I dont know how the ladys in the olden days did it!! lol

[BlackCat]

yes do as it makes it so much quicker to be able to use a rotary cutter. If you dont use the mat then the rotary blade will blunten so much faster and you damange your table etc lol.

Usually its recommended not to rely on them for measuring, keeping things straight or square due to the way they are printed onto them. You're much better making sure of those yourself.

[willow5]

...all 720 triangles and more! It killed my hands and my enjoyment of it lol! Next time I will deffinatley be investing in one! I dont know how the ladys in the olden days did it!! lol

Yeah I can see how that would kill the love! ...As for the ladies in the olden days, well maybe we're just soft, with our diswashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, microwaves and cutting mats

I think you've talked me into it ...and I have a Lincraft voucher...

[willow5]

yes do as it makes it so much quicker to be able to use a rotary cutter. If you dont use the mat then the rotary blade will blunten so much faster and you damange your table etc lol.

Usually its recommended not to rely on them for measuring, keeping things straight or square due to the way they are printed onto them. You're much better making sure of those yourself.

Thanks Blackcat good tips.

[willow5]

Is there anything else I should get that's going to be handy or just make stuff easier? What couldn't you do with out?

[Nelle]

Rotary cutters are so fun. I think sometimes the most important sewing essential is a place for everything...I misplace so much stuff...

[suse]

Yep - rotary cutter and mat - essential. Also, think about what size patterns you are likely to be cutting - if you are only doing small things like bibs etc, then a smaller mat is OK. If you plan to do larger pattern pieces, a large mat helps (I'm lazy and don't bother marking out my patterns, I put the pattern piece onto the fabric then cut around it, so a larger mat helps). If you have fiddly pieces or pieces with tight curves, a scalpel style cutter is also a good idea, rotary cutters don't do fine curves well.

Oh, and other essentials are good quality pins (Clover pins are the bomb - glass headed so you can iron them, and they also do fork pins which are amazing for accurate seam joining), and a retractable pen style marking chalk. Much finer lines = better accuracy.

ETA - does anyone know if they make ironing mats? Like cutting mats but for ironing. I hate padded ironing boards for pressing (and they take up too much space), I currently use a chopping board because it gets a cleaner line.

[Pandora]

I'm having issues getting used to my clover rotary cutter!

But that aside, it really depends what you are planning to sew.

For patchwork/quilting I think a good cutting mat and rotary cutter are a must along with one or two good quilting rulers.

[Yeddi]

I was going to say you' need a ruler too. Just done leave your mat in the sun or somewhere where it will get too warm - it will warp.

[Pandora]

And hide it from your partner so they dont use it as a placemat for the kids to do painting.

[Yeddi]

And hide it from your partner so they dont use it as a placemat for the kids to do painting.

Gah!

Especially don't let your partner near your rotary cutter - they'll try to use it on paper - NOOOOOOOOO!

[purplepixie1978]

Gah!

Especially don't let your partner near your rotary cutter - they'll try to use it on paper - NOOOOOOOOO!

Or worse, rubber matting. Don't get me started...

Keep the mat flat too, don't store it on its edge.

[~TT40~]

I actually find it easer to do it the old fasion way with the sissors. I find the cutter and mat a PITA, im so unco at the cutter that i make a mess with the fabric, and very time i go to do it its blunt or something else is wrong with it. i find with sissors i get a nice clean perfect cut exactly where i want it.
in saying that i havent done too many projects that have heaps of fiddly pieces or are massively large...so i can see how sissors would make your hands sore etc.. so when i do start taking on the big guns.

good luck with your future projects!!!