This post might contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More

Best Cutting Mats for Quilting in 2022: Buying Guide

Buying a suitable cutting mat for quilting ensures error-free and accurate cuts, thus providing the effective and successful creation of quilting projects.

Choosing which one is the most suitable for quilting can be challenging because there are many different options and variations of cutting mats.

A good cutting mat provides the creation of quilts to be completed with ease and it also makes the process more enjoyable for the quilter.

A Quick Look at My Favorite Cutting Mats for Quilting

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
Fiskars 12x18 Inch Cutting Mat

Fiskars 12x18 Inch Cutting Mat

9.7
Check Price on Amazon
Most Durable
Dahle - 10671-12580 Vantage

Dahle - 10671-12580 Vantage

9.5
Check Price on Amazon
Best Value
AIRCUT Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker

AIRCUT Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker

9.1
Check Price on Amazon
Most Versatile
Xinart Cutting Mat

Xinart Cutting Mat

8.8
Check Price on Amazon
Best Runner-Up
Nicapa 12x12 inch Standard Grip Cutting Mat

Nicapa 12x12 inch Standard Grip Cutting Mat

8.6
Check Price on Amazon
Best Stickiness
HTVRONT Cutting Mat for Cricut

HTVRONT Cutting Mat for Cricut

8.2
Check Price on Amazon

Key Takeaways

  • The process of quilting requires the use of a cutting mat that is characterized as strong as well as durable.
  • The creation of quilting projects is made easier and simpler by the inclusion of guiding lines on a cutting mat, such as the AIRCUT Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker.
  • There are certain cutting mats that are famous for their self-healing characteristics which refer to being resistant to damage connected to constant use and cutting.
  • The desired cutting mat is recommended to contain a high level of stickiness in order to be able to endure the use of both light and thick materials.
  • In order to cut cloth using a rotary cutter, you need a flat surface known as a cutting mat.
  • Cutting mats for quilting should not be overpriced and there are also certain types that come in packs to ensure that they will last you a long time.

The Top Six Best Cutting Mats for Quilting

During the process of choosing a cutting mat for quilting, some people take multiple factors into consideration such as preciseness, performance as well as cost-effectiveness.

Because of the reason that manufacturers are producing various different types of cutting mats, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best.

Also Read: List of 5 Best Long Arm Quilting Machines

6. The Fiskars 12×18 Inch Cutting Mat

As my experience in quilting advanced over the years, I was often trying out new cutting mats to help me complete my projects in a simpler way.

That is when I found the Fiskars 12×18 Inch Cutting Mat which has lasted me for a long time during my experimentation with different projects in regard to quilting.

It is characterized as self healing mat and it has lines that help me create different patterns and shapes when I am using this particular cutting mat.

Pros

  • It can be used on both sides which maximizes its level of usage.
  • It is characterized by high levels of longevity.
  • Self healing cutting mats
  • It is easy to store and clean.

Cons

  • This cutting mat contains lines that can fade over time.

Why Should You Buy It?

The level of thickness and self healing cutting mat characteristics of this cutting mat makes it worth the money. You can never go wrong by purchasing this particular cutting mat because it is effective as well as long-lasting, thus ensuring constant usage without losing its quality.


5. The Dahle – 10671-12580

The Dahle – 10671-12580 Vantage 10671 Self-Healing Cutting Mat is one of the most durable cutting mats that I have tried so far.

Apart from being strong and resistant to damage, this cutting mat also contains guides for cutting which make the process simpler and less frustrating.

I have been able to complete many creative quilting projects by using this cutting mat and it surely holds a special place in my heart.

The process of cutting is made simpler by the inclusion of guiding lines and you would not have to worry about damaging this cutting mat because it contains five layers which leads to its high level of durability.

Pros

  • Characterized with a high level of thickness and durability.
  • It contains cutting guides to make the process simpler.
  • It has five layers which results in its self healing cutting mats characteristic.

Cons

  • This cutting mat is not as long-lasting as it is advertised to be.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are on the lookout for a unique, sturdy, and effective cutting mat, purchasing the Dahle – 10671-12580 Vantage 10671 Self-Healing Cutting Mat is definitely a good choice.


4. The AIRCUT Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker

The placement of lines on this particular cutting mat looked very precise at the first glance which made me eager to try it.

After buying it, I was convinced that there is no better cutting mat than the AIRCUT Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker. The quality of this cutting mat is truly remarkable, thus making it one of the most popular cutting mats available on the market.

Because it already contains precise lines to guide me in the process of cutting, my task was made easier and I was able to complete my projects very quickly by using this cutting mat.

Pros

  • The process of cutting is made easier by the inclusion of clearly placed lines on this cutting mat.
  • It contains a good level of stickiness in order to hold in place different types of materials.
  • It offers great value for its price.

Cons

  • The adhesive that is used on this cutting mat can sometimes be excessively strong.

Why Should You Buy It?

By buying this particular cutting mat, you will make sure that you get what you paid for. Not only is the process of cutting made easier, but it is also very practical to use and easy to store and maintain.

Also Read: What Is The Definition of a Serger Stitch?


3. The Xinart Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker 3

During my beginning stage of taking interest in quilting, I was working on a project that involved constant cutting and I was in the need of a good cutting mat to assist me in the process.

By purchasing the Xinart Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker 3, I have found that it does not leave an unpleasant artificial smell on the quilt and it can also be cleaned in a very easy way.

Not only is this cutting mat very practical for me, but it is also highly popular on the market due to its effectiveness.

Pros

  • It has a good level of stickiness to it.
  • It can endure the cutting of light and heavy materials.
  • It comes with three different grips.

Cons

  • This type of cutting mat for quilting is often characterized as being overpriced.

Why Should You Buy It?

The versatility and practicality of this cutting mat will ensure that no matter how often you use it, the quality will not be decreased. The Xinart Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker 3 offers nothing but the effectiveness and enables you to use it whenever you need to in order to complete your quilting projects on time and with ease.


2. The Nicapa 12x12inch Grip Cutting Mat

Until I found this particular cutting mat, I used to always have problems with slippage during the creation of my quilting projects.

The Nicapa 12×12 inch Standard Grip Cutting Mat for Cricut Maker holds my materials in place and allows me a quick as well as efficient utilization of it without any trouble.

Also, it provides me with the ability to use different materials on it and does not limit my creativity when it comes to quilting. So, using different types of materials to create various different types of quilts is a result of its practicality.

Pros

  • This cutting mat is known to long-lasting and durable.
  • It can be cleaned very easily to avoid the appearance of cutting marks or residue.
  • It comes in a pack of three.

Cons

  • The level of stickiness can sometimes become a problem for people that are using this cutting mat because the removal of materials may be more difficult.

Why Should You Buy It?

By purchasing this type of cutting mat for quilting you will get three for the price of one. In addition, this cutting mat is known to last you a long time so you would not have to worry about purchasing a new one after some time has passed of constantly using it.


1. The HTVRONT Cutting Mat for Cricut

A couple of years ago, I was on the lookout for a cutting mat that will last me a long time and also assist me in creating my quilting projects.

When I saw that the HTVRONT Cutting Mat for Cricut comes in a pack of 6, I was interested in trying it out.

Due to my experience with using this particular cutting mat, I have found that it gets the job done while at the same time it does not contain harmful materials which made me feel better about using it on daily basis.

Pros

  • This cutting mat can be used for various purposes.
  • It is easy to clean and maintain.
  • It is safe for the environment without containing any harmful ingredients in its properties.

Cons

  • This cutting mat is not resistant to cutting marks and they can be visible to the naked eye after a couple of times of using it.
  • The sticky feel which is required for a cutting mat, can be lost as time passes by.

Why Should You Buy It?

This cutting mat gets the job done and it is not overly expensive. If you are in need of a good cutting mat for quilting that will assist you and make your life easier, this is a good option to choose. In addition to being effective, it is also safe for everyone around you as well as the environment.


Things You Should Look For Before Buying a Cutting Mat for Quilting

High level of stickiness 

In order for a cutting mat to be deemed effective during the process of cutting, it has to be characterized by a high level of stickiness. This characteristic of the particular cutting mat you are trying to buy will ensure that regardless of using light or thick materials, they will successfully stick to the cutting mat without slipping.

Durable characteristics 

The cutting mat also has to be strong in order to endure constant use, cutting, and experimentation with different materials. In addition, the durability of a cutting mat will lead to its longevity and retention of quality.

Inclusion of guiding lines 

Not every cutting mat contains guiding lines. For this reason, before buying a cutting mat for quilting it is recommended to look for guiding lines that will make your life easier during the process of cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cutting mat and a self-healing cutting mat?

Cutting mats that are advertised as self healing mats are usually considered to be more long-lasting when they are compared to regular cutting mats. These self-healing cutting mats are able to endure constant use without getting damaged such as the Dahle – 10671-12580 Vantage 10671 Self-Healing Cutting Mat.

How many times can you use a self healing mat?

The effectiveness and quality of a cutting mat depend on its ability to resist damage regardless of how many times it has been used. In order to ensure that your cutting mat lasts a long time, constant cleaning and maintenance are required after every use.

Can you use both sides of a self healing mat?

The majority of different types of cutting mats allow the use of both sides. This is also a very practical way of using a cutting mat to ensure that you are making the most out of it and utilizing it to its full potential.

Also Read: The Finest Scissors That Are Made in the USA

Final Words

Buying a suitable cutting mat for quilting is very important in order to successfully and easily complete your projects.

Certain cutting mats have durable characteristics which enable you to make great use of them and utilize them to their full potential. The majority of different cutting mats that exist on the market are not overpriced, thus investing in one will surely make your life easier in regard to quilting.