A rotary cutter and mat can save a lot of time when cutting out a sewing project, especially when working on a large project like a quilt. Both the cutting mats and rotary cutters come in a variety of different sizes, which make them suitable for many different projects. Many people choose to keep a rotary cutter in their sewing kit and the mat nearby because they are used so much. Rotary cutters and mats require special care to ensure that they stay sharp and in good condition.
Using a Rotary Cutting Mat
The first step in caring for a rotary cutting mat is learning how to use it properly. This is to ensure it does not become damaged while in use and that normal wear and tear can be minimized.
There are two different types of rotary cutting maps: self-healing and hard surface. The difference is that a hard surface mat will have to be replaced once there are too many cutting marks left behind, while a self-healing mat does not wear as easily. Both mats are susceptible to cutting damage if a dull blade is not replaced on a rotary cutter.
When using a rotary cutter and mat, be sure that the blade is sharp and that the cutting mat is laid completely flat. It is also important to make sure the cutting mat is clean before laying out a sewing project and beginning to cut.
Storage
A hard surface cutting mat is the easiest to store because it can be placed in any direction and still keep its shape, although care should still be taken when putting it away. Hard surface mats can often be hung and sometimes feature a carrying handle for easy transport and storage.
Self-healing mats, however, need to be stored flat to prevent warping. This means the mat should never be stored standing up in a cabinet or leaning against a wall. They should also never be rolled up.
Since rotary cutting mats are made of plastic materials, they can be damaged by extreme temperatures. Too much exposure to the sun can result in a warped surface and too much exposure to the cold can make the cutting mat brittle.
Care
After cutting out a few sewing projects using a rotary cutter and mat, you will notice that it may need to be cleaned. This is because some fabrics will leave some of their dye behind on the mat and lint can be left behind, too.
It is acceptable to clean a rotary cutting mat with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Heavy detergents should not be used because they can damage the surface of the mat and maybe even remove the cutting lines. A lint roller is an easy way to remove built up lint and small pieces of fabric.
In general, you can prolong the life of your cutting mat by only using tools that are made for it. This means that you shouldn’t use pins and scissors, or any other cutting materials in your sewing kit, on the cutting surface – only a rotary cutter and fabric weights.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Patchwork Quilt Essentials: Rulers and Cutting Mats
With any trade, craft or hobby there are usually sets of tools and equipment that are specific to it. In this article I'd like to explore a few that are integral to making a patchwork quilt, namely, rulers and cutting mats.
Cutting Mats
As a general rule the larger mats are good for cutting large pieces of fabric and small mats are good for small pieces of fabric. Personally, I like to have one of each. My large mat spends most of it's life on my quilting bench whereas the small one works well for workshops and when I'm low workspace.
I tend to prefer the soft self-healing mats over the harder mats as they provide much more control over the cutting process, and thus give me more consistent, straighter cuts.
TIP: When using a soft mat be sure to place it on a hard surface to avoid the mat bending when cutting.
Rulers
There are all kinds of shapes and sizes when it comes to rulers and as time goes you'll no doubt build quite a collection of them. However, I do recommend that you start with a large and small rectangular one as these are the ones you'll use the most, so it's best to invest in these first.
Not all rulers come with a non-slip backing and as a result have a tendency to move around when cutting. I strongly recommend that you consider one with a non-slip backing to prevent the wastage of throwing away good fabric just because an uneven cut made it unusable.
It's also important to consider the color of the ruler. Most commonly quilting rulers are clear, however some have tinting designed to create contrast and make it easier to see certain colored fabric through them. It's definitely worth holding the ruler up against the fabric you intend to use, 'before' you buy it, to make sure that the contrast makes it easier to see the fabric and not harder.
Cutting Mats
As a general rule the larger mats are good for cutting large pieces of fabric and small mats are good for small pieces of fabric. Personally, I like to have one of each. My large mat spends most of it's life on my quilting bench whereas the small one works well for workshops and when I'm low workspace.
I tend to prefer the soft self-healing mats over the harder mats as they provide much more control over the cutting process, and thus give me more consistent, straighter cuts.
TIP: When using a soft mat be sure to place it on a hard surface to avoid the mat bending when cutting.
Rulers
There are all kinds of shapes and sizes when it comes to rulers and as time goes you'll no doubt build quite a collection of them. However, I do recommend that you start with a large and small rectangular one as these are the ones you'll use the most, so it's best to invest in these first.
Not all rulers come with a non-slip backing and as a result have a tendency to move around when cutting. I strongly recommend that you consider one with a non-slip backing to prevent the wastage of throwing away good fabric just because an uneven cut made it unusable.
It's also important to consider the color of the ruler. Most commonly quilting rulers are clear, however some have tinting designed to create contrast and make it easier to see certain colored fabric through them. It's definitely worth holding the ruler up against the fabric you intend to use, 'before' you buy it, to make sure that the contrast makes it easier to see the fabric and not harder.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Quilting Essentials: Cutting Mats and Rulers
With any trade, craft or hobby there are usually sets of tools and equipment that are distinct to it. In this article Id like to explore a couple that are integral to making a patchwork quilt, specifically, rulers and cutting mats.
Cutting Mats
As a general rule the bigger mats are good for cutting larger pieces of fabric and little mats are good for little pieces of fabric. Personally, I like to have one of each. My larger mat spends almost all of its life on my quilting bench whereas the smaller one works well for workshops and when Im low workspace.
I tend to like the soft self-healing mats over the harder mats as they provide much more control of the cutting process, and thus give more consistent, straighter cuts.
TIP: When working with a soft mat be sure to place it on a hard surface to avoid the matt bending when cutting.
Rulers
There are all sorts of shapes and sizes when it comes to rulers and as time goes youll without doubt build quite a collection of them. However , I do recommend that you begin with a big and small rectangular one as these are the ones youll use the most, so it's best to invest in these first.
Not all rulers come with a non-slip backing and as a result have a tendency to move around when cutting. I highly recommend that you consider one with a non-slip backing to stop the waste of chucking away good fabric simply because an uneven cut made it unusable.
It's also important to consider the color of the ruler. Most commonly quilting rulers are clear, however some have coloring designed to create contrast and make it simpler to see certain colored fabric through them. It's definitely worth holding the ruler up against the fabric you propose to use, before you buy it, to make certain that the contrast makes it simpler to see the fabric and not harder.
Cutting Mats
As a general rule the bigger mats are good for cutting larger pieces of fabric and little mats are good for little pieces of fabric. Personally, I like to have one of each. My larger mat spends almost all of its life on my quilting bench whereas the smaller one works well for workshops and when Im low workspace.
I tend to like the soft self-healing mats over the harder mats as they provide much more control of the cutting process, and thus give more consistent, straighter cuts.
TIP: When working with a soft mat be sure to place it on a hard surface to avoid the matt bending when cutting.
Rulers
There are all sorts of shapes and sizes when it comes to rulers and as time goes youll without doubt build quite a collection of them. However , I do recommend that you begin with a big and small rectangular one as these are the ones youll use the most, so it's best to invest in these first.
Not all rulers come with a non-slip backing and as a result have a tendency to move around when cutting. I highly recommend that you consider one with a non-slip backing to stop the waste of chucking away good fabric simply because an uneven cut made it unusable.
It's also important to consider the color of the ruler. Most commonly quilting rulers are clear, however some have coloring designed to create contrast and make it simpler to see certain colored fabric through them. It's definitely worth holding the ruler up against the fabric you propose to use, before you buy it, to make certain that the contrast makes it simpler to see the fabric and not harder.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Maintain Your Cricut Cutting Mats and Save Some Money
Crafters and scrapbook enthusiasts love their Cricut die cutting machines. With the arrival of the Cricut Imagine, which both prints and cuts art elements from a variety of mediums, there is nearly no paper project you can not tackle with Cricut products. Today we are going to learn how to properly maintain your Cricut cutting mats to extend the life of the mats and save you lots of money in the process.
While the Cricut machines are not at all difficult to maintain there are a few things you need to know to keep your cutting machine working it tip top shape. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is make sure the cutting mats remain clean, undamaged, and have the proper adhesive properties needed to hold your art medium on the mat.
For a quick review it is important to remember that the adhesive mat is what holds your paper still while is fed past the cutter head, and in the case of the Cricut Imagine the printer head. Without a sticky mat the paper would shift around in the machine and not be cut or printed properly.
Now is a good time to also remind you that the mat does not indefinitely retain its stickiness and periodically needs to be replace. So it is easy to see that another benefit of properly maintaining the cutting mat is that their lifespan is greatly increased which means you need to buy them less often So really the mat is a vital, but often overlooked, component of Cricut Machines.
Basic maintenance includes cleaning, inspection, and proper storage. When you finish using your Cricut cutting mat inspect it for rips, tears, and gouges. When debris and gunk starts to build up on your mat simply wash it with dish soap and warm water. Do not scrape it off or use any cleaning chemicals. Allow the mat to fully dry before you put it back into storage. In between washings wipe down the mat with a lint free rag or a swifter sweeper sheet. Do these things and you can significantly add to the life of your mat.
Once your Cricut mats loose their stickiness it is time to apply some adhesive to make them last even longer. There are lots of adhesives out there you can try, but be forewarned many are way to sticky to apply to a cutting mat. Lots of people report great success with Crafters Companion Others use Stampin Up Stampin Spray to add stickiness to old mats.
Before you add any adhesive to your mats always make sure and clean the mat of any debris. Then wash with soap and water as described above and allow to completely dry.
These are the basics of Cricut Cutting Mat maintenance that will extend the life of your mats and save you lots of money. Perform them as described and both you and your Cricut cutter will be a lot happier.
While the Cricut machines are not at all difficult to maintain there are a few things you need to know to keep your cutting machine working it tip top shape. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is make sure the cutting mats remain clean, undamaged, and have the proper adhesive properties needed to hold your art medium on the mat.
For a quick review it is important to remember that the adhesive mat is what holds your paper still while is fed past the cutter head, and in the case of the Cricut Imagine the printer head. Without a sticky mat the paper would shift around in the machine and not be cut or printed properly.
Now is a good time to also remind you that the mat does not indefinitely retain its stickiness and periodically needs to be replace. So it is easy to see that another benefit of properly maintaining the cutting mat is that their lifespan is greatly increased which means you need to buy them less often So really the mat is a vital, but often overlooked, component of Cricut Machines.
Basic maintenance includes cleaning, inspection, and proper storage. When you finish using your Cricut cutting mat inspect it for rips, tears, and gouges. When debris and gunk starts to build up on your mat simply wash it with dish soap and warm water. Do not scrape it off or use any cleaning chemicals. Allow the mat to fully dry before you put it back into storage. In between washings wipe down the mat with a lint free rag or a swifter sweeper sheet. Do these things and you can significantly add to the life of your mat.
Once your Cricut mats loose their stickiness it is time to apply some adhesive to make them last even longer. There are lots of adhesives out there you can try, but be forewarned many are way to sticky to apply to a cutting mat. Lots of people report great success with Crafters Companion Others use Stampin Up Stampin Spray to add stickiness to old mats.
Before you add any adhesive to your mats always make sure and clean the mat of any debris. Then wash with soap and water as described above and allow to completely dry.
These are the basics of Cricut Cutting Mat maintenance that will extend the life of your mats and save you lots of money. Perform them as described and both you and your Cricut cutter will be a lot happier.
Friday, June 10, 2011
What is a Cutting Mat?
A cutting mat is a measurement tool used for sewing and crafts projects. Generally, cutting mats are a rectangular piece of durable material, such as vinyl or rubber. They are marked on one side with a grid guide of specific measurements, usually of one quarter to one inch (6.35 mm to 2.54 cm). A cutting mat is used both to protect the surface you are cutting on, and to provide measurement guidelines and references to ensure a clean and straight cut. It is useful in a variety of projects and is considered an essential for accuracy in many crafts.
The material used to make the mat is generally self-healing, which means it absorbs small nicks or cuts and survives multiple uses. Cutting mats range in area from around 88 inches2 (2.23 m2) for small projects, all the way up to 32 feet2 (9.75 m2) for large-scale cutting. Some companies offer custom mats in even larger sizes, used to cover cutting tables or production surfaces. Usually, the grid-imprinted side will also include 40 and 60 degree angles along with the standard measurements, while the opposite side is left blank for general cutting.
When using a cutting mat for sewing or crafts, most people work with a rotary cutter. This tool is a pizza-wheel shaped knife blade that rolls along material, cutting as it goes. A straight blade, like a utility knife, may also be used, but rotary cutters are considered by experts to be easier to handle and safer for beginners.
For quilters, a cutting mat can be invaluable for cutting out precise squares. With extremely long pieces of fabric, using a cutting mat and rotary cutter is more efficient than the repeated motion of scissors, and following the grid marks ensures precision. However, cutting mats can be used for a variety of projects, not only for those involving sewing or fabric.
If you are a baker who has difficulty dividing dough into even amounts, a cutting mat can be a useful tool. Simply pour a little flour on the grid side of the mat to prevent sticking and roll your dough directly onto it. By using the grid marks as a guide, you can ensure perfectly identical dough strips for pastries or pasta.
Another use for a cutting mat is to aid in handwriting. Those studying calligraphy can slip a mat under their paper and use the grid marks as a reference to ensure even and equal-sized lettering. This technique also provides protection to the surface below, keeping it safe from ink leaks.
Small cutting mats are generally inexpensive, starting at around $5 US Dollars (USD). Prices go up with size and durability of materials, with some of the larger varieties costing $200-$300 USD. You can find such mats at crafts stores, sewing and notions stores, art stores, and on many online sites. For cutting, crafting and even for baking, a cutting mat is a valuable tool that can aid almost any project, and fit almost every budget.
The material used to make the mat is generally self-healing, which means it absorbs small nicks or cuts and survives multiple uses. Cutting mats range in area from around 88 inches2 (2.23 m2) for small projects, all the way up to 32 feet2 (9.75 m2) for large-scale cutting. Some companies offer custom mats in even larger sizes, used to cover cutting tables or production surfaces. Usually, the grid-imprinted side will also include 40 and 60 degree angles along with the standard measurements, while the opposite side is left blank for general cutting.
When using a cutting mat for sewing or crafts, most people work with a rotary cutter. This tool is a pizza-wheel shaped knife blade that rolls along material, cutting as it goes. A straight blade, like a utility knife, may also be used, but rotary cutters are considered by experts to be easier to handle and safer for beginners.
For quilters, a cutting mat can be invaluable for cutting out precise squares. With extremely long pieces of fabric, using a cutting mat and rotary cutter is more efficient than the repeated motion of scissors, and following the grid marks ensures precision. However, cutting mats can be used for a variety of projects, not only for those involving sewing or fabric.
If you are a baker who has difficulty dividing dough into even amounts, a cutting mat can be a useful tool. Simply pour a little flour on the grid side of the mat to prevent sticking and roll your dough directly onto it. By using the grid marks as a guide, you can ensure perfectly identical dough strips for pastries or pasta.
Another use for a cutting mat is to aid in handwriting. Those studying calligraphy can slip a mat under their paper and use the grid marks as a reference to ensure even and equal-sized lettering. This technique also provides protection to the surface below, keeping it safe from ink leaks.
Small cutting mats are generally inexpensive, starting at around $5 US Dollars (USD). Prices go up with size and durability of materials, with some of the larger varieties costing $200-$300 USD. You can find such mats at crafts stores, sewing and notions stores, art stores, and on many online sites. For cutting, crafting and even for baking, a cutting mat is a valuable tool that can aid almost any project, and fit almost every budget.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Five Tips for Buying Rotary Cutting Mats
If you want to use rotary cutters on your quilts, you will need special mats to prevent damage to your blade and work surface. There are a few things you need to consider before buying rotary cutting mats. Some of
these things include surface, size, and thickness. This article will give you a few tips for buying rotary cutting mats.
Surface
One of the first things you need to consider when buying rotary cutting mats is their surface. You will have to choose between a hard or soft surface. Rotary cutting mats with a hard surface are more rigid, so the blade won't actually cut into it. Soft surfaces offer more flexibility. When the blade leaves behind small nicks and scratches, they will soon disappear as soft surfaces are described as self-healing.
Size
One of the next things you need to think about when buying rotary cutting mats is their size. In most cases, you will need to buy the largest mat that can fit your work area. You should look to buy rotary cutting mats that measure at least 24 inches. Larger mats will enable you to cut strips from your fabric much easier.
Thickness
You will also have to think about the thickness of the rotary cutting mats. Most mats are either two or three millimeters thick. Two millimeter rotary cutting mats will get cut more easily than the three millimeter variety. Most professionals use mats with a thickness of three millimeters.
Grid
One of the next things you need to look for in rotary cutting mats is a grid. This grid will help you to align your fabric properly. You should look for rotary cutting mats that have grid lines on all four sides. It's also a good idea to make sure that all of the lines should also be marked with numbers.
Color
One of the final things you need to think about when buying rotary cutting mats is their color. Some mats are designed to be reversible. These rotary cutting mats will have a light color on one side and a dark color on the other. This will give the option of choosing the best color to contrast with the color of the fabric that you're working with.
These are a few tips for buying rotary cutting mats. Hard surfaces will resist nicks and scratches because they are more rigid. You should look to buy larger rotary cutting mats so that you can cut strips from your fabric easily.
these things include surface, size, and thickness. This article will give you a few tips for buying rotary cutting mats.
Surface
One of the first things you need to consider when buying rotary cutting mats is their surface. You will have to choose between a hard or soft surface. Rotary cutting mats with a hard surface are more rigid, so the blade won't actually cut into it. Soft surfaces offer more flexibility. When the blade leaves behind small nicks and scratches, they will soon disappear as soft surfaces are described as self-healing.
Size
One of the next things you need to think about when buying rotary cutting mats is their size. In most cases, you will need to buy the largest mat that can fit your work area. You should look to buy rotary cutting mats that measure at least 24 inches. Larger mats will enable you to cut strips from your fabric much easier.
Thickness
You will also have to think about the thickness of the rotary cutting mats. Most mats are either two or three millimeters thick. Two millimeter rotary cutting mats will get cut more easily than the three millimeter variety. Most professionals use mats with a thickness of three millimeters.
Grid
One of the next things you need to look for in rotary cutting mats is a grid. This grid will help you to align your fabric properly. You should look for rotary cutting mats that have grid lines on all four sides. It's also a good idea to make sure that all of the lines should also be marked with numbers.
Color
One of the final things you need to think about when buying rotary cutting mats is their color. Some mats are designed to be reversible. These rotary cutting mats will have a light color on one side and a dark color on the other. This will give the option of choosing the best color to contrast with the color of the fabric that you're working with.
These are a few tips for buying rotary cutting mats. Hard surfaces will resist nicks and scratches because they are more rigid. You should look to buy larger rotary cutting mats so that you can cut strips from your fabric easily.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Differences In Mat Board -- Know What You Are Getting
Mat panel is one of the factor adopt for framing a account. Your photograph is army in some affectedness to a arise panel, and at that moment the photo mat panel is placed on top of it, backof which it goes into the architecture itself and is assure by the burnish. Framing mat panel helps to arrange a cramped air compact due high the exterior of the artwork, so that damp is deficient assuring to advance innermost the architecture and adulteration the exterior of the account. Pre cut mat panel along with helps to authority the artwork placidly in abode in the architecture, so that exterior adulteration from wrinkles is deficient assuring to bepresent. Mat panel along with adds a cosmetic basis to your artwork, to set it off and focus the viewer's eye to the equidistant of the architecture.
There are three big types of framing mat panel that you will by ordinary bargain applicable for acquirement, and all has its exclusive account. Paper thin mat board Paper pre cut mat panel is the entry level at a premium advantage for account architecture carpeting. It comes in the widest arrangement of colors and makes a ample a for at the same time you fancy to add a complemental or balance blush to your assemble art. It is fabricated from a thicket blend, and hence contains acids which can, over time, account adulteration to attractive artwork through blot of the artwork's exterior. If your ambition is to bargain an buy and gaudy pre cut mat panel for framing artwork aphoristic denomination, at that moment paper thin can be an active a.
Alpha artificial and Cotton rag photo mat board Alpha artificial and Cotton rag mats are both assent to to be types of chronicled mat panel. This happy medium that they are ancient to be adopt as photo mat panel for the cherishing of your attractive artwork, and are applicable for long-denomination use.One of the apprehension why Alpha artificial and Cotton rag mats are as sent to chronicled mat panel is that they are acerbic complimentary. One of the finest Alpha artificial mats is Bainbridge mat panel. It is account with a characteristic Art care arrangement, which allows the Bainbridge mat panel to assure your attractive art from aerial abuse as blooming as acerbic byproducts.
It is accomplish to balm abate yellowing and become colorless of the artwork's exterior, and comes abrade thicket and lignin-complimentary. The Bainbridge mat panel will along with not become colorless or hemorrhage toward your artwork's exterior. The Alpha artificial mats are moderately priced, while the Cotton rag mats are as is the custom the bountiful at a premium. They are, all the same, thicker than the auxiliary types of carpeting, and the basis blush is the aforementioned as the mat blush, arrange for a nicer breakup close edge. Quality carpeting can be begin at capital online framing suppliers.
There are three big types of framing mat panel that you will by ordinary bargain applicable for acquirement, and all has its exclusive account. Paper thin mat board Paper pre cut mat panel is the entry level at a premium advantage for account architecture carpeting. It comes in the widest arrangement of colors and makes a ample a for at the same time you fancy to add a complemental or balance blush to your assemble art. It is fabricated from a thicket blend, and hence contains acids which can, over time, account adulteration to attractive artwork through blot of the artwork's exterior. If your ambition is to bargain an buy and gaudy pre cut mat panel for framing artwork aphoristic denomination, at that moment paper thin can be an active a.
Alpha artificial and Cotton rag photo mat board Alpha artificial and Cotton rag mats are both assent to to be types of chronicled mat panel. This happy medium that they are ancient to be adopt as photo mat panel for the cherishing of your attractive artwork, and are applicable for long-denomination use.One of the apprehension why Alpha artificial and Cotton rag mats are as sent to chronicled mat panel is that they are acerbic complimentary. One of the finest Alpha artificial mats is Bainbridge mat panel. It is account with a characteristic Art care arrangement, which allows the Bainbridge mat panel to assure your attractive art from aerial abuse as blooming as acerbic byproducts.
It is accomplish to balm abate yellowing and become colorless of the artwork's exterior, and comes abrade thicket and lignin-complimentary. The Bainbridge mat panel will along with not become colorless or hemorrhage toward your artwork's exterior. The Alpha artificial mats are moderately priced, while the Cotton rag mats are as is the custom the bountiful at a premium. They are, all the same, thicker than the auxiliary types of carpeting, and the basis blush is the aforementioned as the mat blush, arrange for a nicer breakup close edge. Quality carpeting can be begin at capital online framing suppliers.
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