Best cutting mats for sewing: Prep your craft desk with the perfect cutting mat for sewing and quilting

While getting a proper cutting mat for sewing may seem like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised to know how many of us try to wing it without one. Moral of the story? It’s not a good idea.

Investing in a quality self healing cutting mat for sewing is crucial if you want to keep cutting easy, precise, and comfortable, as well as preserve the sharpness of your rotary cutter.

And the truth is, there are many affordable options that don’t compromise quality and durability. You’ll also find that many of these mats are versatile and can be used for other crafting ventures — a plus if you’re all about discovering new creative hobbies!

Here’s our lineup of the best cutting mats for sewing and quilting!

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Best cutting mats for sewing

Find your next cutting mat for sewing in our list below; we promise you there’s something for everyone!

Best overall: OLFA Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat

This 24×36 inch (~69×90 cm) fabric cutting mat by OLFA is ideal for sewers and quilters looking for a large-sized, self-healing cutting mat to cut through various textiles.

The rectangular, double-sided mat is designed for rotary cutting and seals incisions effortlessly no matter how much pressure you apply. Also, you won’t have to worry about dulling your cutter’s blade — the mat’s self-healing properties preserve sharpness through time.

Read also: Best electric scissors for fabric

This multi-use mat features just the right amount of thickness and softness, making it a sturdy, reliable cutting board for all fabric types. It also features two functional sides: one with a grid to measure and adjust fabric for cutting and a solid layout designed for more freeform work.

Keep in mind that while this is a great pick if you craft with rotary cutters, I don’t advise using this mat with fixed-blade knives — it’s not made for that. As one of the best cutting mats for sewing, this OLFA product will be a little pricer than others on our list.

However, for under $60 on Amazon, you’ll have a long-lasting accessory that will allow you to easily slice through multiple textile layers fuss-free. If a larger version of this mat would suit you best, Lovecrafts sells a 35×23 inch (87.5 x 57.5cm) model for a little over $70!

Best value: Fiskars Cutting Mat for Sewing

Although cutting mats for sewing aren’t necessarily costly for the most part, who could say “no” to a great bargain?

This Fiskars fabric cutting mat measures 12×18 inches (~30×45 cm) and is suitable for a wide variety of smaller-scale sewing projects and prep work — ideal if your craft station isn’t the most spacious.

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For only a little over $10 on Amazon, this is the perfect compact-sized item to place on any tabletop while offering top-quality self-healing properties and two sides for crafting. And don’t be fooled by its affordability; it’s super resistant to deep cutting.

One of its highlights is its bias lines (diagonal lines) at 30º, 45º, and 60º, a helpful guide when cutting triangular and star-shaped angles. However, this mat doesn’t feature an elaborate non-slip backing system, so keep this in mind when selecting your fabrics.

This is a practical buy if you’re a beginner diving into sewing hobbies, have limited crafting space in your home, or want a budget-friendly, easy-to-order option. If you like this product and are interested in a complete set with a rotary cutter, Fiskars also sells this kit!

Best dual-sided: XNM Creations Self Healing Cutting Mat

Next up is a versatile option if you’ve been searching for the ultimate dual-sided cutting mat.

Although ideal for needlecraft projects, this product is also suitable for other crating ventures related to papercrafts and stationery, from cardmaking and paper quilling to scrapbooking and collage-making.

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This three-layered PVC cutting mat is available on Etsy in four different sizes, with varying prices: the smaller mat (12×18 inches/~30x45cm) costs under $20, and the largest (36×58 inches/~90×147 cm) ~$100.

That said, this isn’t the cheapest alternative, but I believe it’s worth the investment if you’re a long-time crafter or professional seeking range. It also makes a great gift for sewers, quilters, and papercraft hobbyists looking for a more pro-level cutting board.

And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love that this mat displays both metric and imperial measurements. This seemingly small detail will save you tons of time converting measurements as you work, no matter where you’re sitting on the globe!

Best grip: Cricut FabricGrip Fabric Cutting Mat

Unlike traditional cutting mats for sewing, the one-of-a-kind FabricGrip mat is an adhesive mat designed to cut through heavy fabrics on Cricut brand cutting machines and offers a premium crafting experience like no other. There will be no need for your rotary cutter here!

These 12×24 inches (~20×60 cm) mats are reusable and sold individually on Amazon for ~$20. But, if you also happen to do other types of crafting, you might want to check out Cricut’s variety mat bundle with different grip capacities to experiment with different mediums, too!

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Perfect for all types of heavy-duty fabrics, from leather to felt, this ultra-grip mat is an excellent pick if you’re aiming for ultra-precise cutting, whether for bolder or more intricate patterns and lines, without having to do any of the hard work.

That said, you’ll need to own or have access to a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine to get the most out of this product. And while I understand this requires a whole other level of investment vs. traditional cutting mats, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider this option if you craft daily or are launching a small business!

Best portable: OLFA Folding Self Healing Cutting Mat

Whether your craft desk isn’t as spacious as you’d like or are low on storage space, this foldable OLFA self healing cutting mat is a handy alternative to rigid, standard mats.

For under $30 on Etsy and ~$50 on Amazon, this 17×24 inch (~43×86 cm) foldable cutting mat is perfect for travelers and ideal for students transporting their work to and from university. And it’s super easy to store in any corner of your home or room!

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Built with high-quality materials, once laid out, you’ll barely see the folding creases, nor will they interfere as you cut fabric due to its 2.5mm padding and non-slip backing.

Contrary to many cutting mats, this foldable item is not restricted to rotary cutters but also responds very well to fixed-blade knives, providing more versatility and solutions to your crafting needs.

If you’re buying this item off Etsy, know that delivery is only available in the USA and UK. On the other hand, Amazon does sell this mat for a higher price but accommodates a broader range of delivery possibilities. Check out which option is best for you, below!

Best design: US Art Supply Self Healing Cutting Mat

Besides functionality and performance, what crafter or DIYer doesn’t like to add an aesthetic touch to their craft station? These US Art Supply cutting mats are the perfect pop of color you need!

This professional-grade, self-healing mat boasts five layers of PVC material and measures 24×36 inches (~60x90cm) to accommodate everything from bulky quilting or extensive sewing projects to scrapbooking and papercraft modeling.

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Durable and sturdy, this fabric cutting mat is a great way to protect any tabletop, whether you’re crafting away or placing heavy, pointy supplies on your craft desk.

This rotary cutting mat features immaculately printed grids and 45º and 60º guides to ensure you cut precisely at various angles. You can also find these cutting mats in green/black and white/grey — but these bright pink/blue ones are my favorite!

If you’re looking for a professional-grade mat in a larger size, this brand also makes a 40 x 60 inch (~100x150cm) model. But mind you, this will get pretty pricey at almost $200 on Amazon! That said, we’re confident our suggestion is big enough to accommodate various project sizes without a heart-wrenching splurge!

How to choose the best cutting mats for sewing

Buying a cutting mat for sewing doesn’t require a long list of criteria, but there are a few tips we think you can benefit from to help you reach your decision.

Consider what fabrics or materials you’ll be cutting; the heavier your textiles, the better it is to invest in a thicker mat. If you want to cut through leather, for example, we recommend going with at least a three-layered PVC cutting board.

Think about your craft area and desk and measure these surfaces to ensure your cutting mat will fit without bending over the edges. If you’re more limited in space, I would advise going for a foldable mat — these are also great if you’re one to transport your materials frequently.

Check if your mat is compatible with your tools. For example, many cutting mats are best suited for rotary cutters only, while others are more adaptable to other cutting tools such as fixed-blade knives.

Price is always a decisive factor. However, know that this may vary according to the size of your cutting mat. So if you see something cheaper, always double-check to see if it corresponds to the mat size you want.

If you select the Cricut cutting mat for fabric, remember that this product requires specific technology — you’ll need a machine to get the job done. You can find out more on Cricut’s website if this is an option that interests you!

Lastly, if you are into mixed-medium crafting and like to work with other materials beyond fabric, check out cutting mats that offer versatility for other creative hobbies you enjoy!

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That’s it for our guide to the best cutting mats for sewing you can buy! Any advice for other intrepid crafters? Let everyone know in the comments below!