Using The Mat Cutter

Don t attempt to tug or pull the center away.

Using the mat cutter.

A self healing mat is the best as the rotary cutter blades would not damage the mat. Use three light cuts to get through the board. Place the fabric on the cutting mat fold near the bottom edge side to be squared on the left. Line up the crisp folded edge to the bottom of your mat.

In this case have your ruler on the mat side and cut toward the center. Simply measure off 8 inches one way and 10 inches the other. We especially liked the pivot and pull blade coupled with the ergonomic handle making this mat cutter convenient and time saving. Mat board comes in sizes much larger than you ll need so use your dexter mat cutter to cut out an 8 by 10 mat.

Measure the reveal area you want around your art. It consists of a marker bar system that allows faster marking. Step 1 take your fabric piece and lay it on your cutting mat so the raw edge is on the right side. Always cut away from the important part.

A rotary cutter can cut fabric pieces with sharp edges and straight edges very easily when used in conjunction with the mat. The square ruler s left edge should be near but inside the left edge of the fabric roughly where you will make your square cut. Keep cutting light strokes with the ruler until the center comes away and drops out. To make architectural models use the nt 45 degree bevel mat board cutter for straight lines and cut mat boards into 45 degree bevel edges to join the edges together for a neat corner.

Logan s 4000 deluxe is the only handheld mat cutter that we have included in this list as it is the company s most advanced handheld mat cutter. You can also use hard mats these do not self heal but most do not cut easily so the effect maybe the same. For circle or oval cutting use the nt 45 degree bevel mat circle cutter that cuts perfect circles ranging 7 7 8 24 3 16 in diameter and ovals ranging 6 11. The mat cutter s blade adjusts angles so turn the knob to 90 degrees to cut straight edges.

The logan mat cutter i use runs about 50 for the guide and cutting handle. Step 2 the first cut will be to the right edge to square up the fabric. Line up your ruler with the folded edge using the lines to make sure it s straight. Typically i leave a 1 4 on all sides.

The lines in the cutting. To cut the mat sides repeat the steps described above. Cut the mat board to the size you need. Use an x acto knife and a metal ruler to cut through the mat board.