Are you engaged in scrapbooking, working with leather or cutting and sewing, you will need a mat mat for needlework. It will not only save the table from cuts, but will greatly facilitate your work.
How is the mat
Floor mats (also called cutting mats) have a dense, solid base that cannot be pierced with an awl or cut even with a sharp scalpel, so it will save your table from damage. On top of the mat is a softer layer of a special resilient material like rubber. Fabric, leather, paper will not slide on such a surface, and the markings applied to the mat will help in the construction of patterns, drawing details and cuts.
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For most good rugs, the upper elastic layer has the function of "self-healing": the incision made on it quite quickly "drags on" and disappears.
Another plus: the surface of the substrate is matte, so it does not glare from the sun or electric light, which is also convenient, especially when working with small parts or in cases where special accuracy is needed.
Photo: simplysewcrafty.co.uk
Also, the coating material is good in that it almost does not spoil the tool blades - they remain sharp much longer than when working on a substrate of metal or glass.
What are the rugs and why are they needed
Types of handicrafts in which the rug is useful: scrapbooking, quilling, patchwork, work with suede and leather, work with plastic, cardboard, colored paper, self-construction of patterns (both when sewing, and with other types of needlework), any work with a breadboard knife , with a scalpel or circular cutting knife.
Photo: mostcraft.com
There are mats of different thicknesses (usually from 1.5 to 3 mm) and different sizes (A1, A2, A3, A4, etc.), there are rotating models - they are especially convenient when cutting. There are also double-sided mats - the self-healing rubber layer is applied on both sides, so the mat perfectly "adheres" to the surface of the table, does not move and does not slip.
Photo: axminster.co.uk
Buy a patch rug for patchwork (size 60x90 cm) at BurdaStyle
Buy rug for cutting knives (size 45x60 cm) at BurdaStyle
How to use a rug to last longer
The rug will last longer if you use the most sharp tools when working with it (traces of blunt knife blades “heal” more slowly and worse). It is also better not to cut many times in the same place. Try to immediately remove small scraps and particles of materials from the mat, so that they do not fall into the fresh "drawn out" cuts. It is better to cut at an angle of 90 degrees.
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Of course, it is better to protect the mat from contact with glue, dyes, solvents or other chemicals.
Do not expose the rug to excessive heat, leaving it near heating appliances, in direct sunlight, putting a cup of hot tea on it, especially if you use it as an ironing board. From increased temperature, the mat loses its “self-healing” properties.It is not worthwhile to freeze the mat or expose it to extreme temperature changes for the same reasons.
It is better to store the mat in a flat position (it is better not to fold it), where it will not be exposed to light, cold and heat. During storage, it is better not to put heavy objects on the mat, so as not to violate the porous structure of its soft layers.
