Cutting Edge Tools: A Review of the 6 Best Fashion Design Cutting Mats on the Market
As a fashion designer, you understand the importance of having the right tools for the job. One essential tool in your toolkit is the cutting mat.
Cutting mats provide a stable surface for cutting fabric, ensuring that your cuts are accurate and precise. In addition, cutting mats protect your work surface from scratches and nicks caused by your rotary cutter.
In this article, we’ll review the 6 best fashion design cutting mats on the market today, taking a closer look at their features, pros, and cons.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for in a cutting mat and which one is best for your needs.
Also read: Cutting with Precision: 7 Essential Tools for Cutting Sweat Fabric Like a Pro
Features to Consider
there are several features to consider while shopping for a cutting mat. Let’s take a look at each of these features in more detail.
Size
The size of your cutting mat will depend on your workspace and the types of projects you’ll be working on.
If you have a small workspace or primarily work on smaller projects, a smaller cutting mat may be sufficient.
However, if you have a larger workspace or work on larger projects, you may need a larger cutting mat to accommodate your needs.
Material
Cutting mats are typically made from either PVC or self-healing material. PVC mats are less expensive but tend to wear out more quickly. Self-healing mats are more durable and last longer but are more expensive.
Gridlines
Gridlines are printed on the surface of most cutting mats to help you measure and cut fabric accurately. Some cutting mats have a larger grid pattern, while others have a smaller grid pattern.
Self-Healing
Self-healing cutting mats are designed to “heal” or close up after you make a cut, preventing the mat from becoming damaged or worn out over time.
Non-Slip
A non-slip cutting mat will stay in place while you’re cutting, preventing it from sliding around on your work surface.
6 Best Fashion Design Cutting Mats
Now that we’ve discussed the features to consider, let’s take a closer look at the six best cutting mats on the market.
1 Olfa Double-Sided Cutting Mat
The Olfa Double-Sided Cutting Mat is a popular choice among fashion designers. This mat is available in four sizes, ranging from 12 x 18 inches to 36 x 24 inches.
It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The Olfa mat has a larger grid pattern, with 1-inch squares printed on one side and 1/2-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Large grid pattern
- Non-slip surface
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May have a strong odor initially
2 Fiskars Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
The Fiskars Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat is another popular choice among fashion designers.
This mat is available in five sizes, ranging from 12 x 18 inches to 24 x 36 inches. It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The Fiskars mat has a smaller grid pattern, with 1/2-inch squares printed on one side and 1/8-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Small grid
Cons:
- Smaller grid pattern may not be suitable for all projects
- Some users have reported that the surface can be easily scratched
3 Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting Mat
The Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting Mat is a high-quality mat that is designed to last.
This mat is available in four sizes, ranging from 12 x 18 inches to 36 x 48 inches. It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The Alvin mat has a larger grid pattern, with 1-inch squares printed on one side and 1/2-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Large grid pattern
- Non-slip surface
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May have a strong odor initially
4 Dahle Vantage Self-Healing Cutting Mat
The Dahle Vantage Self-Healing Cutting Mat is a budget-friendly option that still provides high-quality performance.
This mat is available in four sizes, ranging from 12 x 18 inches to 36 x 48 inches. It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The Dahle mat has a smaller grid pattern, with 1/2-inch squares printed on one side and 1/8-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Small grid pattern
Cons:
- Smaller grid pattern may not be suitable for all projects
- May have a strong odor initially
5 US Art Supply Self-Healing Cutting Mat
The US Art Supply Self-Healing Cutting Mat is a versatile option that is suitable for a variety of projects.
This mat is available in six sizes, ranging from 9 x 12 inches to 36 x 48 inches. It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The US Art Supply mat has a larger grid pattern, with 1-inch squares printed on one side and 1/2-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Large grid pattern
- Non-slip surface
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May have a strong odor initially
6 Zerro Self-Healing Cutting Mat
The Zerro Self-Healing Cutting Mat is a newer product on the market but has already gained a strong following among fashion designers.
This mat is available in three sizes, ranging from 12 x 18 inches to 24 x 36 inches. It features a self-healing surface, making it durable and long-lasting.
The Zerro mat has a smaller grid pattern, with 1/2-inch squares printed on one side and 1/8-inch squares printed on the other.
This makes it easy to measure and cut fabric accurately. The mat also has a non-slip surface, preventing it from moving around while you’re cutting.
Pros:
- Available in several sizes
- Self-healing surface
- Small grid pattern
- Non-slip surface
Cons:
- Smaller grid pattern may not be suitable for all projects
- Limited sizing options
Conclusion
Cutting mats are an essential tool for fashion designers, providing a protective surface for cutting fabric and other materials.
With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose.
After careful research and consideration, we have determined that the 6 best fashion design cutting mats on the market are:
the Olfa Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Fiskars Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat, Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Dahle Vantage Self-Healing Cutting Mat, US Art Supply Self-Healing Cutting Mat, and Zerro Self-Healing Cutting Mat.
Each of these mats has its unique features, such as size, grid pattern, and price point. It’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting a mat.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Dahle Vantage Self-Healing Cutting Mat may be the best choice.
If you require a larger mat, the Olfa Self-Healing Cutting Mat or US Art Supply Self-Healing Cutting Mat may be the right fit.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality cutting mat will not only protect your work surface but also provide precise measurements and clean cuts for your fashion designs.
Choose the mat that best suits your needs, and enjoy a stress-free and accurate cutting experience.
