How to Flatten a Warped Cutting Mat
Have you noticed some warping on your precious cutting mat? A warped cutting mat can not only make it difficult to cut out your fabric pieces, it can also be downright annoying. But did you know that you can flatten a warped cutting mat? That’s right, don’t lose hope just yet because there are still things you can do to restore your badly warped mat to its original flat state.
Cutting mats have the tendency to warp if you store them on their side or if you keep them on an uneven surface for a long period of time. This warping issue seems to be more common for bigger mats. Instead of replacing or throwing away your warped cutting mat, the following simple trick can help you put it back to its former beauty and glory.
To fix or flatten your warped cutting mat, you will need the materials below:
- Warped cutting mat
- Heat in the form of an iron (Oliso or other Iron)
- Pressing Cloth (or heat resistant material)
- Weight in the form of several heavy items
Here are the steps to help you fix or flatten your warped cutting mat:
- Press your cutting mat using an iron.
Protect the mat’s surface with a pressing cloth. Set the iron on low heat and rub or press it against the cutting mat until its surface becomes warm to the touch.
- Check the mat’s heat.
The mat must only be warm to the touch without being too scorching.
- Put the heavy objects over the heated area of the warped cutting mat.
See to it that the weights cover an area that is larger than that of the warp itself. Some of the heavy flat objects you can use include a sewing machine, weights, books, and other similar items. Using these items to cover an area larger than the warped spot is necessary to ensure that the curled area doesn’t move a different spot on the mat.
Wait until the mat gets cool while under pressure. For the maximum effect, it is best to leave the objects on top of the mat for several hours (2 to 4 hours) each time.
- Remove the heavy items and inspect the mat.
After a few hours, the surface of the mat will have already started to flatten. But, you do not be discouraged if your cutting mat is not completely flat just after the first attempt. Simply repeat this pressing sequence several times as necessary until the mat is flat. You might need to repeat it four or more times until your cutting mat becomes flat enough to your liking.
If you have a badly curled cutting mat with several spots already affected, it might no longer be realistic to expect that it will still be 100% restored to its former shape and glory. However, with the use of the steps above, you might be able to see a noticeable difference so you can use it all over again for your cutting needs.
If you are looking for a new cutting mat or other quilting accessories, we stock a wide range of sewing and quilting tools and accessories, perfect for every sewist. Please have a look in our store or get in contact with us and we can have you sewing you a storm!