How to measure and cut fabric safely. The cutting mat is the perfect tool for some general requirements: to protect work surfaces, to make measuring easy, to give a useful measuring guide, i.e. an easy-to-read grid on one or both sides for precise drawing and cutting, to offer a significant combination for crafting precision and mistake-free measuring.
The protective cutting mat is made with 3 or 5 composite layers of resilient vinyl that heals completely; again, of 100% recyclable polypropylene for an environmentally responsible disposal. Long-lasting, non-slip, non-glare, water-repellent to liquid spills, self-healing surfaces that are designed for rotary cutters, art knives, standard-duty cutters and utility blades: the mat can be cut and slashed repeatedly without displaying marks, cutting lines or abrasions. In fact, its special surface prevents blades from becoming dull.
The cutting mat is available in different sizes: from 22 x 30 cm. to 60 x 90 cm. up to 180 x 90 cm. It can be 1,6 mm. (one-sided easy-use) up to 3 mm. (extra-durable double-sided use) thick. Each mat contains measures in inch and/or metric on the top surface; it is marked with a ½” grid pattern with cutting angles, a ¼” gradation on the base and a left-hand vertical edge. The reversible mat is usually green on the top side and black on the rear one. Both sides feature measuring guides for 30 – 45 and 60 degree bias lines. All four edges are fully numbered and graduated with marks in order to extend the zero base beyond the cutting line.
The cutting mat offers a high professional quality for graphic arts, hobbies and industrial applications; in fact, it is basically essential to for any sewing, quilting and patchwork project; perfectly dimensioned for scrapbooking; as well, for working on paper, pages, deco cards and Art Journal; recommended for handwriting experts, designers, photographers, and anyone who has a desktop to protect or needs an extra reversible writing/drawing surface.
A small cutting mat is easy to transport and easy to store to anyone who has limited workspaces and little projects. An extra-large mat gives plenty room to work; very well sized to cut full widths, squares, triangles, star shapes and long strips; its big easy-to-read measuring grid surface on both sides allows to turn over the mat for dual-and multiple usage. The rotating cutting mat has a specific design for accurate and hassle-free quilting and appliquè: no need to move around the project to cut or shape it! To square off large fabric blocks is quick and cheap; more than that, due to its 360 degree rotating feature it prevents the sudden unwanted slip of the fabric. The translucent cutting mat gives a protective surface for lightboxes and tabletops: white grid lines on one side for precise cutting and coloured guides on the opposite side to help a perfect measuring and a variety of other applications.
The cutting mat must be stored flat and away from sunlight, heat and chill. It can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap.
Where to buy.
1) Manufacturer’s on-line shops (please refer to images and note that these are the rulers I usually use, but there is a large number of on-topic-websites on network).
2) Quilting and patchwork fairs and exhibitions (please enter on search engines and select; there are so many shows everywhere worldwide).
3) Quilting and patchwork and /or haberdashery shops & stores & outlets.
(Fonts: thanks to Google for images and to on-line technical files/data sheets of specified manufacturers)
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