The Best Cutting Mats For Crafts

Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat, 12”x12”, 3 Pack

Standard style

This option from Cricut is a reliable cutting mat you can trust.

Best Overall

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This pack comes with three Cricut StandardGrip cutting mats. These mats are designed to be used with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore smart cutting machines. Place these mats under the vinyl or paper you’re planning to cut designs into before placing both into the machine. These mats have the perfect amount of grip to place under cardstock, paper, vinyl, iron-ons, and more mid-weight materials. Even if you don’t have a Cricut, you can use these as grippy, regular cutting mats. This pack of three durable cutting mats is sure to get you through many craft projects to come.

Pros:

• Good for mid-weight materials
• Grippy
• Pack of three
• Compatible with Cricut

Cons:

• Its grip may be too strong for some materials

Crafty World Cutting Mat, 9”x12”

Confident cutting

This self-healing, non-slip surface is perfect for fabric crafting.

Best For Quilting

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If you love quilting, then you probably cut a lot of fabric. One tool that is commonly used to cut fabric is a rotary blade. These blades help to get an even cut, but they can cause damage to work surfaces without a proper cutting mat. This cutting mat is great for use with either rotary or straight-edge blades, as it’s made with a self-healing material. This means that the mat will automatically reseal after being cut. You’ll be able to use this durable product for a long time, lasting you many projects. Additionally, this cutting mat is lightweight and has a strong grip. Overall, this is a great cutting mat that is especially good for those who work with fabric.

Pros:

• Self-healing
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Strong grip

Cons:

• It might have a strong chemical smell upon delivery

Nicecho LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat, 12”x4.5”

Stick with it

Perfect for cutting delicate vinyl craft products, this pick from Nicecho has the best adhesive grip.

Best Adhesive

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This pack of four cutting mats is a great adhesive option. The mats are designed to be used with the Cricut Joy, so they are narrow and long. The LightGrip option has the perfect amount of adhesion for cutting lightweight materials, such as scrapbook paper, printer paper, light cardstock, and more. Whether you’re planning to use these cutting mats with a Cricut Joy or whether you’re planning to use them just as a regular cutting board, this cutting mat will provide you with the perfect amount of grip for successful cutting.

Pros:

• Good for lightweight materials
• Adhesion gives good grip
• Made with non-toxic PVC material
• Compatible with the Cricut Joy

Cons:

• Adhesion may wear off after heavy use

Fiskars Self-healing Rotary Cutting Mat, 24”x36”

The bigger the better

You’ll be able to cut even large crafts with this option.

Best Large Size

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Many cutting mats come in a smaller size. They’re generally just slightly larger than printer paper. However, this can be cumbersome when trying to cut larger craft pieces. If you plan on cutting materials into larger pieces, then you may want to consider this option. This cutting mat is 24” by 36”, so it’s significantly larger than most other cutting mats. Besides being larger in size, this mat is also great in quality. It’s made with a self-healing material, making it a good mat for fabric cutting, and it also has an easy-to-read measuring grid. Overall, if you are looking for a large cutting mat that is still durable and of good quality, then this is the option for you.

Pros:

• Large dimensions
• Self-healing
• Durable
• Easy-to-read measuring grid

Cons:

• It may have an unpleasant smell to it

ZERRO Self-healing Rotary Cutting Mat, 9”x12” (A4)

Cutting costs

There's no need to break the bank for your crafts with this pick from Zerro.

Best Value

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If you’re more of a casual crafter with limited funds, then this is a great option for you. This cutting mat has a price point that is hard to beat, but it is still of good quality. The mat is made with a self-healing material, so it will reseal itself after every cut. This makes it a great option for use with straight-edge blades and rotary cutters. It also has a handy measuring grid drawn onto it. This grid even includes 45- and 60-degree angles, which can help make consistent angled cuts. Overall, if you want a product that has great value for a low price point, then we highly recommend this option.

Pros:

• Great value
• Self-healing
• Measuring grid

Cons:

• The surface may be too soft for cutting thinner fabrics

Frequently Asked Questions

Are self-healing or hard cutting mats better?

It depends. Self-healing mats are very durable, and they are softer and more flexible. This makes them a great, long-lasting option to cut thicker fabrics on. However, because they are softer in texture, it can be hard to get accurate cuts in thinner, more delicate fabrics like silk when using self-healing mats as a base. In conclusion, it really depends on the materials you plan to cut and your personal preferences.

Can I use my Cricut cutting mat as a regular cutting mat?

In short, yes you can. However, while a straight-edged blade should be fine to use with these cutting mats, you may want to be wary of using a rotary cutter with them. This is because Cricut cutting mats are generally thinner than standard cutting mats and may provide less protection for your work surface. Keep in mind that Cricut cutting mats were specifically designed to be used with the machine, so they’re not the most optimal for non-machine use. However, you could use them with a regular knife in a pinch.