Buying an eraser and a dish scrubber today. My mat really needs cleaned of all the fabric fuzz. I do use scissors to cut my batting for quilts but I also love the idea of using an older mat backing to cut smaller pieces of batting. On another UA-cam video I saw a great recycling idea….if your mat is really bad, instead of throwing it away cut it up and use it for the bottom of totes.
Thank you so much I was upset cause I had these fuzzy fibres in some cuts in my mat. I wouldn't have thought about an eraser. I appreciate the tips. Have a great day
Laura, you are a genius! I had no clue about how to care for my cutting mat as there are no instructions that are printed with it when you buy it! Thank you so much for your tips!
You always have the best tutorials, you're like the really cool sister we all brag about. My mats are old and have taken a beating from cutting strips for rag wreaths, I never knew about cleaning them!
This was so helpful!! There are no instructions on how to clean the mats when you buy them. I have a lot of those fuzzies and did not know how to get rid of them. Thank you so much for this very very helpful video!
Not sure if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can stream all the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last few days :)
I now store my larger cutting mat under the settee - great! After watching your video I think I should give it some TLC and at least give it a wash. Thank you Laura.
Thank you so much I was asking my hysband what he thought I needed to do about the fibers on my mate today. You are a great teacher enjoy watching and learning from you
Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed your videos but this is probably the most informative one. I really appreciate all your tips on maintaining our tools
Sorry, I had to watch this video twice. Because the first time I only stare at your sleeves. There are so adorable. Btw the video is very helpful. Thank you a lot. Some greetings from Berlin, Germany. Stay healthy!
Thanks for your awesome tips 💕 Reminds me that I should clean my mat this weekend and remoisturize it, while I’m at it! I use it so much, it really does deserve some TLC 🥰
Thank you Laura. I have a mat that has fuzzies all over it and therefore I never used it anymore. Maybe with a good clean up it might be good again. Very helpful.
Amazing! I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the drivers and threads on my cutting mat. I was even tempted to purchase one of those sanding like tools I've seen, until I read the terrible reviews. Thank you so so much for the info.
Thank-you for making this video, Laura. These tips that I thought were common knowledge might not be known to individuals who are just beginning their sewing adventures. 👍
Thank you Laura! I've been sewing for over 40 years, and did not realize my large mat was a pinning mat, I've been using it as a cutting mat and it now has cuts in the mat, I bought it well over 15 years ago. I will be sure to use an actual cutting mat on top of it from now on. I am so glad I watch your videos. I usually learn something. You're fantastic! Thanks again.
I also use the dry wipes used to polish cars. They are the type that have a kind of sticky feel to them (especially if your hands are dry), and the rags are great in cleaning off those little wild threads.
I laughed about storing mats under the settee. We have 10 rescue "kids" (4 we bottle fed) in the house. I would have to wash my mat every time I needed it! Hair, Hair, Everywhere...... I found big erasers at the Dollar Store. About 6"X 3"
I'd like to offer this tip too. The dense sponges used to remove cat/dog fur, work great in the sewing area. It cleans lint off of the cutting mat and cleans the ironing board surface.
I look forward to your videos every week. Learn so much! Always great enthusiasm and clarity. I have tried the eraser trick (especially needed after cutting batting) but have found that a rubber glove also works with less effort. I use the rUbber glove to get rid of pet hair too off completed quilts, for de-hairing my duvet, and especially for removing dog hair in my vehicle, LOL! (A fellow who detailed my vehicle told me about this)
Absolutely! Not my original idea lol! By the way, I was wondering about your ideas on starching. I haven't checked to see if you've done a video on that. I like to starch so cutting is more accurate but I'm on a pension so I like to make my own. I use Kim's recipe at chatterboxquilts.com and spray the backside of the material and let dry. It works great (she says it's good for basting as well but I haven't done that). I make a triple batch which fills 2x 32oz bottles plus about another 2 cups. Have you tried it?
I have been reading a few of your tutorials today. Very useful info, as I’m a beginner quilter. One question…can you use any pencil eraser or is there a special one to use of the mats?
I knew about the eraser tip, but didn't know about wetting and cleaning with dish soap. Do you have any recommendations for safely traveling with cutting mats? I know people go to retreats and other sewing gatherings. How do they protect their cutting mats while traveling? That might be a good topic for another video if you haven't already done one.
This video is so informative. Thank you so much. I bought a sewing mat years ago and never used it for the purpose, but had to use it as padding in a chair that was otherwise uncomfortable. Of, course it became distorted. Now I want to use it as it was meant to be used and wonder if it can be re-shaped or if I have to buy another. Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer! Barbara
@@nancy9478 Nancy, thanks so much for your response. Actually, I found I don't need one as much as I thought I would and that it probably would be best just to order a mat online when I do. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 🌷
Do you answer questions? I am in tears. I didn't know my mat needed to be cleaned all the time. I mean I didn't know my rotory blade wasn't put together correctly at one point. It's been 2 yrs. Do I need to toss it? It's no good. It's not small engine for the tub.
I used a table top ironing board on top of my mat and when finished, water from the steam iron beveled my mat. What can I do if anything to flatten the mat?
Thank you so much as i wasnt sure about the bigger mat but knew my clover mat could be done lightly! Great tutorial!! Also I really Love your nail polish on your nails this tutorial. Do you by chance know the name of the color? Thank you❤️❤️🌸🌸
and if the mat gets warped, just lay it out in the hot sun on a flat surface and it immediately returns to being absolutely flat. I head you had to place glass on top, but my mat is pretty big and I had no glass so just put it in the hot sun for a couple of hours and it got flat as a pancake !!! yaay
My large mat bounced around my daughter's car for about a month. I brought it in, put it in the tub to wash it then laid it out on a table for 2 days. Was as good as new.
If this is the video ua-cam.com/video/kZI76PhPSL0/v-deo.html then I think this is what you mean Sew very Smooth paste stores.sewverysmooth.com/svs-... Quit In A day has it too www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...
Have you tried soak it in a bathtub or putting a wet cloth on it overnight? I read an article in 2014 that talked about doing this: www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/olfa-cutting-mat.html
You might want to get a new one, the new mats are by far better than the old ones. Just test one out next time you are at your Quilt shop and you will see what I mean
I have been told if you lay them in the sun and put books on top of them they will flatten out. I have not tried that yet so if you do be sure to let me know
Oh that won’t work right now; I live in Alaska and it’s 15* (12/6/19). Lol I did some research and it says to put damp towel on mat then use iron and put something heavy on it for a day. I’ll try it and let you know. 🙂
I have been sewing for many many years. Yet I still learn from your videos. Thank you for all that you share.
Buying an eraser and a dish scrubber today. My mat really needs cleaned of all the fabric fuzz. I do use scissors to cut my batting for quilts but I also love the idea of using an older mat backing to cut smaller pieces of batting. On another UA-cam video I saw a great recycling idea….if your mat is really bad, instead of throwing it away cut it up and use it for the bottom of totes.
Thank you so much I was upset cause I had these fuzzy fibres in some cuts in my mat. I wouldn't have thought about an eraser. I appreciate the tips. Have a great day
I followed your instructions and now my mat look like new, thanks! 💕 Right now is healing under a wet towell 😊
Thank-you , I just recently learned moisture is good for mats
Laura, you are a genius! I had no clue about how to care for my cutting mat as there are no instructions that are printed with it when you buy it! Thank you so much for your tips!
You always have the best tutorials, you're like the really cool sister we all brag about. My mats are old and have taken a beating from cutting strips for rag wreaths, I never knew about cleaning them!
My poor mat is over due for a good cleaning and I'm glad I found this video, sew easy, I think cutting mats should come with care instructions
Thank you Laura. The eraser (we call the rubbers in Australia) idea is fantastic. 😊
Thank you for your information!!! Good to know!!! Always
Love your videos!!!
This was so helpful!! There are no instructions on how to clean the mats when you buy them. I have a lot of those fuzzies and did not know how to get rid of them. Thank you so much for this very very helpful video!
Not sure if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can stream all the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last few days :)
@Jonathan Graham yea, have been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :)
Thanks! I never thought about using the eraser.
Thanks for the great info. I didn't know you could "wash" the cutting mats!
I now store my larger cutting mat under the settee - great! After watching your video I think I should give it some TLC and at least give it a wash. Thank you Laura.
Thank you so much I was asking my hysband what he thought I needed to do about the fibers on my mate today. You are a great teacher enjoy watching and learning from you
Thanks again for another wonderful tip! Cleaning my mats in the morning!😊
Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed your videos but this is probably the most informative one. I really appreciate all your tips on maintaining our tools
I never thought of cleaning my mat. I will this weekend.
Thank so much on the info about the pinning mats I didn’t know that ! 🤗💕
So helpful!! I would never have thought about the eraser tip! Thank you.
Sorry, I had to watch this video twice. Because the first time I only stare at your sleeves. There are so adorable. Btw the video is very helpful. Thank you a lot.
Some greetings from Berlin, Germany. Stay healthy!
Something I would never have thought about. Thank you for the lesson!
Me either, I thought I need to soak my mat in vinegar( someone told me that) Im gonna try this method
Thanks for your awesome tips 💕 Reminds me that I should clean my mat this weekend and remoisturize it, while I’m at it! I use it so much, it really does deserve some TLC 🥰
Thank you Laura. I have a mat that has fuzzies all over it and therefore I never used it anymore. Maybe with a good clean up it might be good again. Very helpful.
Amazing! I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the drivers and threads on my cutting mat. I was even tempted to purchase one of those sanding like tools I've seen, until I read the terrible reviews. Thank you so so much for the info.
I’ve never seen an eraser that big!! But will now try that trick with my tiny eraser and see if I can remove the embedded batting fur!
Thank-you for making this video, Laura. These tips that I thought were common knowledge might not be known to individuals who are just beginning their sewing adventures. 👍
I'm new at this and I didn't know. Good to know tho.
Newbie here, but I have been making rag quilts and wreaths for years and never knew I could, and should, clean my mats. Laura is the best!
Thank you Laura! I've been sewing for over 40 years, and did not realize my large mat was a pinning mat, I've been using it as a cutting mat and it now has cuts in the mat, I bought it well over 15 years ago. I will be sure to use an actual cutting mat on top of it from now on. I am so glad I watch your videos. I usually learn something. You're fantastic! Thanks again.
the big pin-able mats are great but a quilting mat really does give you a better cut.
I also use the dry wipes used to polish cars. They are the type that have a kind of sticky feel to them (especially if your hands are dry), and the rags are great in cleaning off those little wild threads.
I laughed about storing mats under the settee. We have 10 rescue "kids" (4 we bottle fed) in the house. I would have to wash my mat every time I needed it! Hair, Hair, Everywhere...... I found big erasers at the Dollar Store. About 6"X 3"
Hi Laura. How do you remove adhesive from a friskars cutting mat?
Thank you for this great tutorial on maintaining our tools. Good advice!
I'd like to offer this tip too. The dense sponges used to remove cat/dog fur, work great in the sewing area. It cleans lint off of the cutting mat and cleans the ironing board surface.
Thank You leisa for that tip, wouldn't have thought about that one either.
I look forward to your videos every week. Learn so much! Always great enthusiasm and clarity. I have tried the eraser trick (especially needed after cutting batting) but have found that a rubber glove also works with less effort. I use the rUbber glove to get rid of pet hair too off completed quilts, for de-hairing my duvet, and especially for removing dog hair in my vehicle, LOL! (A fellow who detailed my vehicle told me about this)
Oh My that is a great tip!!! may I share it?
Absolutely! Not my original idea lol! By the way, I was wondering about your ideas on starching. I haven't checked to see if you've done a video on that. I like to starch so cutting is more accurate but I'm on a pension so I like to make my own. I use Kim's recipe at chatterboxquilts.com and spray the backside of the material and let dry. It works great (she says it's good for basting as well but I haven't done that). I make a triple batch which fills 2x 32oz bottles plus about another 2 cups. Have you tried it?
More excellent advice! Thanks, Laura. :)
Thank you so much. I just bought a new 24 x 36-inch mat and was wondering about that. I never would have thought about the eraser. :)
Wonderful tips. Thank you so much in showing us how to take care of our mats..... Claudia
More food for thought. Thankyou for your advice !
I have been reading a few of your tutorials today. Very useful info, as I’m a beginner quilter.
One question…can you use any pencil eraser or is there a special one to use of the mats?
I have read that even if they do not get dirty they need to be hydrated with water from time to time.
Laura your fingernails are so pretty. Love the color. Nice information. Thanks.
Thank you for this wonderful advice
Thank you so much for sharing
THANK YOU Again Laura for another Informative video.
I am going to clean my mats this week, since I've been neglecting them for a few years.
Thank you Laura! 🌸🌸
Thank you for all of the great ideas
Love the eraser idea. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
We love you and a good job 👍🏻
I knew about the eraser tip, but didn't know about wetting and cleaning with dish soap. Do you have any recommendations for safely traveling with cutting mats? I know people go to retreats and other sewing gatherings. How do they protect their cutting mats while traveling? That might be a good topic for another video if you haven't already done one.
Mine fits in the bottom of my suitcase where it remains nice and flat.
This video is so informative. Thank you so much. I bought a sewing mat years ago and never used it for the purpose, but had to use it as padding in a chair that was otherwise uncomfortable. Of, course it became distorted. Now I want to use it as it was meant to be used and wonder if it can be re-shaped or if I have to buy another. Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer!
Barbara
Try leaving it in the sun on a flat surface,, it will heat it up and it may flatten back out.
@@nancy9478 Nancy, thanks so much for your response. Actually, I found I don't need one as much as I thought I would and that it probably would be best just to order a mat online when I do. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 🌷
@@barbaramack2897 you are so welcome. Happy crafting!
I never knew this, thank you for sharing this...🌹❤️🌹❤️
So glad I watched this, my mat has been working over time and needs a good cleaning, will this process work if you have tons of slits in your mat?
Thank you Laura. I was wondering how to get the fibers out of the mat.
So was I, and the slits ( I have soooo many in mine) 🤦🏽
My quilting mat has cuts in it. Is there a way to get rid of them? The cuts cause the rotary blade to skip when I'm cutting fabric.
Do you answer questions? I am in tears. I didn't know my mat needed to be cleaned all the time. I mean I didn't know my rotory blade wasn't put together correctly at one point. It's been 2 yrs. Do I need to toss it? It's no good. It's not small engine for the tub.
Thank you...you always share such useful information.
So helpful thank you! My mat is dirty somehow and it’s been transferring to my fabrics 😭
Thanks, could you also do a video on how to take care of your supreme slider?
you can rinse it with warm water until it is clean than let it air dry :)
cleaning mat! excellent info, thank you.
Thank you very much the eraser is a fantastic idea I will try that...so awesome!!!
I’ve been using a lint brush but doesn’t get rid of the scratch so eraser here I come thank you 😊
Can you fix a warped mat. I didn't know better and I put a folded towel on top and IRONED on it.
I just realized my map has a lot of marks in it. I hope I can fix that. It's from using it a lot lately.
how do I get fingernail polish off my mat as my nails ran across it and some transfered to it?
Thanks for some great information!
Thank you! Very usefyl :)
Very informative! Thank you.
Thank you! I didn’t know what to do!
You would think the mats would come with care instructions
Gracias, no sabía cómo poder limpiar mis bases de corte, 😍😍😍😘😘😘😘👏👏👏👏👏
I bet a wee spritz of Dawn Power Spray might work nicely, but clearly not necessary.
I used a table top ironing board on top of my mat and when finished, water from the steam iron beveled my mat. What can I do if anything to flatten the mat?
good luck, I have heard that if you put it outside when it is hot out and place heavy books on it it will help. However I have never tried it
Thank you. Very very helpful. Guess what I’m doing today 😜
Thank you so much as i wasnt sure about the bigger mat but knew my clover mat could be done lightly! Great tutorial!! Also I really Love your nail polish on your nails this tutorial. Do you by chance know the name of the color? Thank you❤️❤️🌸🌸
sorry I do not know the name but thanks for asking
Thank you! It helps.
Very informative thank you x
and if the mat gets warped, just lay it out in the hot sun on a flat surface and it immediately returns to being absolutely flat. I head you had to place glass on top, but my mat is pretty big and I had no glass so just put it in the hot sun for a couple of hours and it got flat as a pancake !!! yaay
😂 HOW is it that you KNOW our dirty little secrets as far as storing our books, patterns, magazines and flyers on them 😂
Thank you for this video.
Thank you for the tip
Thanks for the video.
Very helpful, thank you
"sew" helpful and good to know!
Thank you very helpful julie
Thanks for this! Do you have a video on how to fix an already warped mat?
I live in Phoenix AZ and I inherited old mats from my mother. 2 were warped so I lay them out on our concrete driveway! Solar un-warping!😁
My large mat bounced around my daughter's car for about a month. I brought it in, put it in the tub to wash it then laid it out on a table for 2 days. Was as good as new.
Worried about putting my mat in the sun as it was wiinter (weak) sun through a window that warped it in the first place
@@cassieoz1702 I just put mine on a table in the house - no sun involved. Worked well.
@@cinmor7843 that's how mine 'rippled' in the first place
This is great!
I learn so much from your videos. Thanks! Will you be at the Quilt Festival in Houston this year?
yes I will,if you see me be sure to say hello
Sorry, I did not read correctly, I will be at Quilt Market, not Quilt Festival. Hopefully next year
@@SewVeryEasy I'm sorry I won't see you but I hope you find lots of cool things at Market!
love
Well I used a brush and Dawn but apparently the cuts with fleece are too deep....
try MrClean Magic eraser
@@SewVeryEasy thank you!
Hey beautiful Ms. Laura
Brilliant.
Cannot see web site to order silicone in small jar. I clicked tiny arrow but nothing comes up
If this is the video ua-cam.com/video/kZI76PhPSL0/v-deo.html then I think this is what you mean Sew very Smooth paste stores.sewverysmooth.com/svs-... Quit In A day has it too www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...
Thank you
Can we storage our mats by hanging them ,they have holes in them?
if it is one hole in the middle I find over time the corners roll down a bit, If it has a hole in each corner, yes
Oh don’t forget don’t iron on them either ask me how I know 🥴
good point..and don't ask me how I know that either lololololo
Oh, I have one of those warped from ironing cutting board. I cut it for templates.
...or leave it in the back of your car during a drive in the Summer in the South. 😃
Yep learned my lesson twice the hard way with an Iron.
Almost ruined a third one, LOL.
lol already did that too!
Is it possible to fix a warp?
Im interested too. My mat was on the cutting table a weak, midwinter sun on one afternoon, seems to have buckled it a little.
please see Sarah Dixions comment, you will see some good ideas
Do mats dry out. I have one at about 35 years old it is hard to cut on.
Have you tried soak it in a bathtub or putting a wet cloth on it overnight? I read an article in 2014 that talked about doing this: www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/olfa-cutting-mat.html
You might want to get a new one, the new mats are by far better than the old ones. Just test one out next time you are at your Quilt shop and you will see what I mean
SewVeryEasy Thanks I do have new ones but like the size of this one and it has no ruler markings so less distracting .
GrrannyH I think I will try this Thank you
@@maryfinigian9554 Turn the mat over and use the unmarked side. I recently learned you can cut on either side of the mats.
Do you know how to make your mat lay flat again?
I have been told if you lay them in the sun and put books on top of them they will flatten out. I have not tried that yet so if you do be sure to let me know
Oh that won’t work right now; I live in Alaska and it’s 15* (12/6/19). Lol
I did some research and it says to put damp towel on mat then use iron and put something heavy on it for a day. I’ll try it and let you know. 🙂
And hand oils
Don't even iron on them using wool mats,
I doubt you answer especially when this video is old.