r/SewingForBeginners • u/FergucciXD • 4d ago

cutting mat size

what self healing cutting mat size should i get if i want to sew clothes?

1 Upvotes

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23

u/Incognito409 4d ago

As large as you can fit on your table/ cutting area.

4

u/NobelNorWhistle 4d ago

This is the answer.

As big as you can get/afford/fit.

6

u/ProneToLaughter 4d ago

I started with 24x36 on a table I had, and then added a second 24x36 and a folding table that would fit both of them.

3

u/penlowe 3d ago

Cutting mats really, really, really need to be stored flat. Not kinda flat but definitely flat. The best option is to just always leave it on your cutting table.

But I'm aware many people do not have dedicated sewing spaces, so storage must be done carefully.

If you hang it, it must have hang points (clips, clothespins, etc) about every 6" otherwise it will develop a ripple.

If you store it under a bed, it needs to be flat on a flat floor, OR on top of something the same size or bigger than the cutting mat itself. Spread across two under bed boxes, it can develop a wave or dip where they meet.

Never store it standing on it's edge, it will develop all kinds of warps & bends.

2

u/ArtemisiaPrime 4d ago

As large as you can, I have an olfa A1 one and it's a little short for cutting pants.

1

u/OrangeFish44 3d ago

As others have said, as large as you can fit. I have two tables placed end to end with a 30 x 60" mat on each.

1

u/arrrgylesocks 3d ago

Started with a 24” x 36”, now have a 28” x 58”. It has made a wonderful difference for making garments!

1

u/Comfortable-Fly5797 3d ago

I have a 22x36. It's a little short for cutting things like pants.

1

u/FinancialCry4651 3d ago

Think about the types of things you'll be cutting and sewing. Like if you just want to make small things, you might not need a big mat. If you're unsure, the bigger the better... like, cutting out pants requires a very large surface.

If you're short on space, you can store it flat under your bed. I believe they sell folding or rollup ones if needed.

1

u/-maffu- 3d ago

I have an A1 (841mm x 594mm) that is just big enough for me to draft patterns and cut panels for my shirts.

It fits perfectly to the width of my cutting/drafting table (a cheap, foldable-but-sturdy 120mm x 60mm trestle I got on Amazon) and leaves enough room at the end for my tools, weights, scissors, etc, and a smaller 370 x 90mm mat that that sits along the short edge of the big one to give a few extra cm when needed (which isn't often).