Why Mat Size Is Not a Luxury
A cutting mat that is too small forces constant repositioning -- moving fabric, re-aligning rulers, and re-checking grain lines every few cuts. This introduces accumulated error and adds significant time to every cutting session. The Quilters Select 36 x 60 inch Dual Side Cutting Mat is large enough to cut full-width fabric in a single placement, eliminate most mid-cut repositioning, and provide the stable, generous surface that makes accurate cutting feel effortless. For a dedicated quilting studio, this is not an upgrade -- it is the right tool for the job.
What Dual Side Means
The dual-sided design provides two differently gridded cutting surfaces on opposite sides of the mat. Different grid systems serve different cutting tasks: one side typically features the standard imperial grid with common quilting measurements marked, while the other provides an alternative layout, different grid spacing, or metric measurements. The ability to flip the mat gives a single surface the versatility of two specialized mats.
What Makes Quilters Select Cutting Mats Different
Quilters Select mats are made from a self-healing polymer specifically chosen for resilience and longevity under rotary cutter use. The surface heals closed after each rotary cut rather than developing permanent grooves that accumulate debris and cause the cutter to track in unwanted directions. The grid printing is precise and durable, remaining accurate and legible through years of daily studio use.
Top 10 Uses for the 36 x 60 Cutting Mat
- Full-Width Yardage Cutting -- Cut 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths without folding or repositioning.
- Long Strip and Border Cutting -- Cut long border strips and sashing pieces in a single pass without repositioning the ruler.
- Batting Cutting -- Cut batting pieces at the cutting station with a stable surface that accommodates batting width.
- Multi-Layer Block Cutting -- Cut multiple layers of pre-folded fabric for batch block preparation with maximum accuracy.
- Wide Backing Fabric Preparation -- Cut wide-back backing fabric pieces cleanly on a surface large enough to support the full width.
- Professional Production Cutting Sessions -- Cut an entire quilt's fabric requirement in a single session without the constraints of a smaller mat.
- Pattern Cutting With Multiple Pieces -- Lay out and cut multiple pattern pieces simultaneously without constantly clearing the mat surface.
- Teaching Studios -- Provide students with a full-size professional cutting surface for accurate, professional-feeling cutting instruction.
- Interfacing and Stabilizer Cutting -- Cut wide interfacing and stabilizer pieces flat without creasing.
- Home Studio Upgrade -- Replace a small mat with the full-size professional surface that makes every cutting task more efficient.
Caring for Your Cutting Mat
Store flat -- never lean a cutting mat against a wall or fold it, as warping is permanent. Keep away from direct heat sources (sunlight, ironing, hot surfaces) which can warp the polymer. Clean with mild soap and cool water; avoid harsh chemicals. Rotate which areas of the mat you cut on most heavily to distribute wear evenly across the surface and extend mat life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 36 x 60 inch mat fit on a standard cutting table?
A dedicated cutting table 36 x 60 inches or larger is appropriate. Many quilters use a standard folding table (6-foot banquet table at 30 x 72 inches) which provides generous surface for this mat size.
Is the grid accurate enough for precision quilting cutting?
Quilters Select mats are manufactured to precise grid standards. Verify with your ruler on first use -- the mat grid and your ruler grid should align exactly across the full mat surface.
How long does a self-healing mat last?
With proper care (storage, temperature, blade sharpness), a quality self-healing mat lasts many years of regular studio use. Replace when cut lines begin to permanently groove the surface.
Shop Quilters Select 36 x 60 Inch Cutting Mat
The professional cutting surface your studio deserves. Large enough for full yardage, accurate enough for competition work.
