Tag Archives: cutting mat review
ALVIN GM0668 Cutting Mat Review: Right for Our Shop?
We’ve tested plenty of cutting mats in our shop, but the ALVIN GM0668 feels refreshingly “workbench-ready” right out of the box. At 6" x 8.5", it’s compact enough to live beside our sewing machine or slide into a project tote, yet it still gives us a clean, gridded workspace for quick trims and careful cuts. The double-sided, self-healing surface handled light rotary passes and repeated knife work without instantly turning into a scar map—always a good sign. We also like that the kit includes an art knife, making it a convenient grab-and-go setup for paper crafts, fabric marking, and small pattern tweaks. Still, size is a trade-off: it’s best for detail work, not large layouts.
10″ Self-Healing Cutting Mat Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, a cutting mat has to earn its space—especially a compact one. This 10" self-healing cutting mat surprised us with how “finished” it feels for a small round tool: the non-slip base stays planted when we’re trimming quilt pieces, and the scalloped edge makes it easy to grip and reposition without smudging our work. After a few sessions with rotary cutters and craft knives, the surface largely bounced back, keeping our lines cleaner and our cuts more predictable. We also liked how it slips beside the sewing machine without stealing table real estate. That said, the 10" size is best for patchwork, paper piecing, and small leather or art projects—not big yardage.
