10 Best Self-healing Cutting Mats

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Cutting mats placed on the top of a table may save the table from bruises and scratches made by knives and other cutting items while cutting. Upon continued usage of cutting mats to shield the table from bruises, one would notice the mat itself being bruised. However, with the use of self-healing cutting mats, the effect of the knives won’t be so apparent. For this reason why many people prefer having them. By the way, self-healing cutting mats do not only protect the table from damage, it also prevents the knife from dulling quickly. If you’re considering self-healing cutting mats for your home, this article is all that you need to get started. On this article, you shall be guided on what to look out for before buying a self-healing cutting mat. Also, you’ll find a comparison table of ten different cutting mats for different purposes.  Furthermore, we shall proceed to give you a detailed description of the various cutting mats including its pros and cons. Our best self-healing cutting mats are made by various manufacturers and are durable. We hope that our choices will be helpful to you in making the best decision on your next shopping.

How We Wrote Our List of the Best Self-healing Cutting Mats

Before coming up with a list of the best self-healing cutting mats, we considered some factors that make it the best. One of such factor is the size of the cutting mat itself. The size of the cutting mat determines the level of work that can be done on it without having direct contact with the table. We understand that the factor of size largely depends on what the user wants. Anyways, some of the products on our list have different size options. So, if our review unit doesn’t meet your size expectations, you can check out the other size options. Other than the size we considered texture, thickness, color, and price.  With all things being equal, these factors determine which self-healing cutting mats are the best. We also considered consumer’s perception of the product as well. This was done by taking into consideration the reviews it has on various marketplaces.

What to Consider Before Buying Self-healing Cutting Mats

The type: There are two kinds of cutting mats, they are; hard surface and soft surface mats. The latter is referred to as ‘self-healing.’  Self-healing mats are thin and are relatively flexible. These kinds of mats have vinyl on its surface. It tries to close back after sometime whenever a blade is scratched on the surface of the mat. This action is what gave the mat its ‘self-healing’ name. On the other hand, hard surface materials are rugged and rigid. The blade of the material skips over the surface but doesn’t penetrate. One wouldn't be wrong if it referred to the hard type as the resistant type (since that is what it does)

Size: The size of the cutting mat determines its cost (on a general note.) Also, the size can be a major determiner of the amount of work that can be done on the surface of the material. Thus, before getting a self-healing mat, consider the size of your table and your size needs. Doing this will help in preventing wasteful spending.

Thickness: Most of the time, one will find self-healing mats that are 2mm thick. 2 mm mats have a texture that feels plastic, and sometimes they feel either overly smooth or overly rough. 2mm mats are not considered for serious cutting tasks such as straight knife cutting. However, they are still great for working in the home with it. The thickness of a self-healing cutting mat is not a sign of poor quality; rather it is the absence or the deterioration of its lamination on it. On the other hand, if you are looking for professional self-healing mats, go for the ones that are 3 mm or thicker. These can be used for hard core jobs and lasts longer.

Tool Tolerance: Surely, you are going to use a tool on the top of the cutting mats after buying them. Thus you should know the tool a cutting mat is suitable for before buying. If you’re using straight knives, then we think you should get a professional cutting mat. Working with rotary knives only? Then a 2 mm cutting mat will be fine with it.

 ThicknessSurface AreaColor
Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 12" x 18", Green/Black (GBM1218)0.2 inches (3 mm)18 by 12 inchesGreen
Crafty World Professional Self-Healing Double Sided Rotary Cutting Mat, Long Lasting Thick Non-Slip Mat 18" x 24", 12" x 18", and 9" x 12" for Quilting, Sewing, and All Arts & Crafts Projects0.2 inches (5.08 mm)12 by 18 inchesGreen
Silhouette CUT-MAT-12-3T Cameo Replacement Cutting Mat0.1 inches (2.54 mm)12 inches by 12 inchesLight blue

Dahle Vantage 10672 Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 18"x24", 1/2" Grid, 5 Layers for Max Healing, Perfect for Cropping, Sewing, & Crafts, Black0.25 inches (3 mm)18 by 24 inchesAsh

Calibre Art Self-Healing Rotating Cutting Mat, Perfect for Quilting & Art Projects, 18x18 (17" grid)0.4 inches (10.16 mm)14 inches by 14 inchesGreen

Fiskars 18x24 Inch Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat0.1 inches (2.54 mm)

18 by 24 inchesAsh
Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat, Full 18x24, Best for Quilting Sewing | Warp-Proof & Odorless (Not From China)0.1 inches (2.54 mm)18 by 24 inchesGreen

OLFA 9881 RM-SG 18-Inch x 24-Inch Self-Healing Double-Sided Rotary Mat0.1 inches (2.54 mm)18 by 24 inchesGreen
Nicapa Replacement Cutting Mat, 12 by 12-Inch (3 pack )0.1 inches (2.54 mm)12 by 12 inches

Ash
US Art Supply 24" x 36" GREEN/BLACK Professional Self-Healing 5-Ply Double Sided Durable Non-Slip PVC Cutting Mat Great for Scrapbooking, Quilting, Sewing and all Arts & Crafts Projects0.1 inches (2.54 mm)24 by 36 inchesGreen

Reviews of the Best Self-healing Cutting Mats

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list]

Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 12" x 18", Green/Black (GBM1218)

The Alvin Professional Self-Healing Cutting mat provides a wide surface area for cutting purposes. It has a thickness of 5mm which is great for direct knife cutting. On the aspect of cost, this mat is priced below 12 bucks which is something affordable for many.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=0]

Product features :

  • It is indeed self-healing. It covers up bruises and scratches on it after a cutting session.
  • On the side of the mat is a hanging hole. This makes it easy to store it conveniently.
  • It is suitable for quilting, sewing, and many other cutting tasks. If you’re not quilting, you’ll still find it useful on other tasks.
  • It has a wide surface area for cutting.  A wide surface area gets you covered when you’re working on a wide sheet of material.

Pros

  • Suitable for straight cutting knifes
  • Wide surface area
  • Lots of size options
  • Cheap
  • Suitable for different cutting tasks

Cons

  • Few color options
  • Only inch calibrations
  • Folding may ruin this mat

Verdict

Alvin Professional Self-healing mats does its job very well in self-healing. But you should not fold it up when transporting it. Just keep it straight, and you’ll be fine. We recommend this product to anyone looking for the best self-healing cutting mat.

Check out this pen on Amazon.

Crafty World Professional Self-Healing Double Sided Rotary Cutting Mat, Long Lasting Thick Non-Slip Mat 18" x 24", 12" x 18", and 9" x 12" for Quilting, Sewing, and All Arts & Crafts Projects

Want the best cutting mat for quilting? Go for the Crafty World Professional Self-healing mat. Unlike most other cutting mats, both sides of this mat can be used for cutting. The good side of this mat is that both sides don’t slip off when used for cutting.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=1]

Product features :

  • It measures 18 by 24 inches. This surface area is wide enough for moderate cutting tasks and quilting tasks
  • Both sides of this self-healing cutting mats are useful. Buying this mat feels like getting two different mats joined to one surface
  • It is self-healing indeed. It maintains its smooth surface after a cutting session
  • It can withstand hard cuts and bruises when compared to other mats. Thus, you’ll get something that can stand the test of time when you get this mat.

Pros

  • Beautiful surfaces
  • Both sides usable
  • Self-healing
  • Anti-heat
  • Clear grid lines

Cons

  • Costs twice as much as having a double mat
  • Unused surface may get decolorized if placed on bare table
  • Heavy

Verdict

Having a double-sided mat saves you some extra space on the top of your table. So if you have a tight space, then go for this mat. Its clear grid lines and super self-healing properties make it one of our best self-healing cutting mat.

Check out this pen on Amazon.​​​​​

Silhouette CUT-MAT-12-3T Cameo Replacement Cutting Mat

The silhouette CUT-MAT-12-3T is a transparent cutting mat which measures 12 inches by 12 inches. It is a self-healing which does the job of protecting the knife and table very well. Its surface is calibrated with grid lines in inches which aid in the measurement of materials placed on it.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=2]

Product features :

  • Its surface area is that of a perfect square, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches. An area like this one is great for small to medium cutting tasks
  • Its surface is tacky which makes it feel sticky to materials. Thus, your material will stay in place while cutting them.
  • It can be used with various cutting tool such as the Cameo electronic cutting tool. There is less need to be selective when using this cutting mat.
  • It is self-healing indeed. It covers up cuts and bruises after a cutting session.

Pros

  • Very cheap
  • Transparent
  • Well-calibrated
  • Tacky surface
  • Self-healing

Cons

  • Stickiness is lost after some time of use
  • Small for some tasks
  • Appearance is not so beautiful

Verdict

We love the silhouette CUT-MAT-12-3T for its sticky surface which helps us in keeping the material intact for cutting. This feature makes it one of the best cutting mats for quilting.

Check out this product on Amazon.

Dahle Vantage 10672 Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 18"x24", 1/2" Grid, 5 Layers for Max Healing, Perfect for Cropping, Sewing, & Crafts, Black

The Dahle Vantage 10672 is a brown colored self-healing cutting mat measuring 18  by 24 inches. It has up to 5 layers which give the best healing property on a mat. It is a self-healing mat for professional tasks measuring 3 mm in thickness.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=3]

Product features :


  • It measures 18 inches by 24 inches. This surface area is large enough to accommodate medium cutting tasks.
  • It is suitable for different tasks such as cutting, sewing, crafts, etc. You won’t mind what you’re doing on the surface of the cutting mat
  • On the surface of the mat is a preprinted ½ inch grid. This enables easy sizing of the paper
  • It has a thickness of 3 mm. This makes it great for professional cutting tasks.

Pros

  • Well-calibrated surface
  • Five size options
  • Three color options
  • Accurate and clear grid
  • Self-healing

Cons

  • Non-tacky
  • Heavy
  • Takes some time to straighten if it is bent

Verdict

The Dahle Vantage 10672 Self-Healing Cutting Mat is great at shielding a table from scratches and assisting in cutting materials. It is one of our best self-healing cutting mats under $15.

Check out this product on Amazon.

Calibre Art Self-Healing Rotating Cutting Mat, Perfect for Quilting & Art Projects, 18x18 (17" grid)

In addition to being self-healing and well calibrated on the surface of the mat, self-healing mats have to be elegant. This is exactly what Calibre Art Rotating Self-Healing Cutting Mat had in mind when they make their mats. Its appearance looks great, and the surface is easy to use.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=4]

Product features :

  • Its surface area is a perfect square measuring 14 inches by 14 inches. This mat provides more surface area for cutting (2 by 2 inches more than the Silhouette).
  • It is made of the EN 71-3 compliant surface compound which complies with the most stringent environmental laws in any region. There is less need to consider the laws regulating the purchase of this self-healing cutting mats.
  • Its grid lines are highly accurate and visible. You don’t have to strain your eyes when using it for measurements.
  • The base of this mat is resistant to slip. This ensures that the mat remains in position when moving your cutting materials on its surface.

Pros

  • Well-calibrated gridlines
  • Environmentally friendly materials
  • Affordable
  • Great build quality
  • Anti-slip base

Cons

  • Few size options
  • Might be too small for some tasks
  • Few color options

Verdict

The Calibre Art is one of the best of its kind in the cutting mat niche. Its neatly calibrated lines and anti-slip base makes it a pleasure to use. We recommend this product to people looki​​​​ng for the best self-healing cutting mats.​​​​

Check out this product on Amazon.

Fiskars 18x24 Inch Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat

Coming from the stables of Fiskars is one of the best self-healing cutting mat for quilting. The surface is brown and its base is non-sticky. On its surface are brown lines which calibrate the mat in inches.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=5]

Product features :

  • This unit has a surface area measuring 18 by 24 inches. This provides enough room for cutting full-length fabric without drifting away from the mat.
  • The numbers on the gridlines are written twice (one in small fonts and the other in big font size). Thus, you won’t have to strain your eyes while reading your measurements.
  • On the surface of the cutting mats are bold gridlines which stay on after long-term use. You’ll find this mat useful for the long term.
  • It has 30, 45, and 60-degree bias lines. Making it very easy to create triangle and star shapes of various sizes.

Pros

  • Large surface area
  • Clear calibrations
  • Comprehensive bias lines
  • Anti-slip base
  • Long-term warranty

Cons

  • Doesn’t tolerate heat
  • Relatively few size options
  • Only brown color options available

Verdict

Fiskars self-healing mats are great for its big font sized calibrations and its well and its bias lines. We recommend it for people who need gridlines that are bold enough to read on low light.

Check out the price on Amazon

Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat, Full 18x24, Best for Quilting Sewing | Warp-Proof & Odorless (Not From China)

Some people complain about their self-healing mats not being able to straighten it after being warped. Well, if you are among such persons, then this self-healing mat from Calibre Art is for you. It is designed to resist warping, and it is also odorless too. It is priced above 30 bucks per piece, but we think that’s not too bad for a mat made outside China.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=6]

Product features :

  • It has a size of 18 by 24 inches. This is a good size for cutting a large piece of items without drifting off the mat.
  • It releases less odor when compared to other mats in the same niche. This alone makes it safe to use and healthy for the environment.
  • It resists warping and cracking even when exposed to direct sunlight when it is not stored flat. This alone makes your mat more durable and comfortable.
  • It is self-healing indeed. Scratches and cuts on the surface of the mat won’t be so apparent after a cutting session.

Pros

  • Relatively low odor
  • Large surface area
  • Neatly calibrated mat
  • Anti-warping
  • Calibrated on both sides (one side in CM and the other side in Inches)

Cons

  • Small number fonts at the edge of the gridlines
  • Nontacky surfaces
  • Numbers may peel off if a tape is used to clip materials to the mat

Verdict

The Calibre Art Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat is one of the most durable mats we’ve ever tested. Its low odor and its superb self-healing feature are among the best we’ve ever experienced.

Check out this product on Amazon.

OLFA 9881 RM-SG 18-Inch x 24-Inch Self-Healing Double-Sided Rotary Mat

The OLFA 9881 RM-SG is a self-healing mat that measures 18 inches by 24 inches, and it is calibrated on both sides. On the aspect of self-healing, this mat does it better than other competitors in the marketplace.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=7]

Product features :

  • Both sides of this mat are useful for cutting. Thus you can actually “turn the other cheek” when one side is no longer good enough for cutting.
  • It has a large surface area measuring 18 by 24 inches. The surface area of this mat is large enough for any small to medium size project.
  • It makes use of only rotary cutters and blades. Being specialized for one type of blade makes it a great choice for cutting.
  • The gridlines are neatly written on it. There is no pulling or peeling off of the gridlines when making use of it.

Pros

  • Neatly calibrated
  • Good in self-healing
  • Increases the life span of rotary blades
  • Wide surface area
  • Moderately priced

Cons

  • Work best with rotary blades
  • Slight strong smell on first usage
  • Doesn’t tolerate heat.

Verdict

The OLFA 9881 RM-SG is a great choice for cutting especially when you make use of a rotary cutter. It is, in fact, our best rotary cutter for quilting.

Check out the different options available on Amazon.

Nicapa Replacement Cutting Mat, 12 by 12-Inch (3 pack )

Does bigger always mean better? Well, that’s not always the case with a cutting mat. In fact, the Nicapa Replacement Cutting mat is an exception to the phrase “bigger is better”. So what are the special features? Well, let’s find out below.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=8]

Product features :

  • The three pack option comes with three cutting mats per pack (the only product with multiple mats per pack so far). With three mats, you have a replacement option when one goes bad.
  • The three pack option is priced at under 20 bucks. Three mats for less than 20 bucks sound like a great bargain. Isn’t it?
  • The surface of this mat is tacky. Thus your material will stay in place when you use a machine in cutting it.
  • It has a protective film cover on the mat. This keeps the mat from scraps and dust.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • More mats per a pack
  • Suitable for arts and crafts
  • Protects blade
  • Improves the accuracy of cutting

Cons

  • Small size
  • Only 12 by 12-inch size available
  • Not heat tolerant

Verdict

Don’t have enough cash to spend and are looking for the best bargain ever? I think you should consider the Nicapa Replacement Cutting Mat. It has a 4.5-star rating after over 500 reviews on Amazon. In fact, this is the best cutting mat if size does not bother you.

Check out the pack options and their prices on Amazon.​​​​​​

US Art Supply 24" x 36" GREEN/BLACK Professional Self-Healing 5-Ply Double Sided Durable Non-Slip PVC Cutting Mat Great for Scrapbooking, Quilting, Sewing and all Arts & Crafts Projects

We mentioned earlier that professional mats are usually thicker than non-professional ones. However, they have to be bigger too. The US Art Supply 24 x 36 inches is not lacking in those qualities. It has great build quality, and it comes in two different color options.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=9]

Product features :

  • Its gridlines are calibrated at half inches intervals and marked at 0.625 inches intervals. This enables a more precise alignment when cutting.
  • This mat comes in green and black color options. If you have a taste for colors, then you have a choice of choosing another color.
  • Both sides of this mat can be used for cutting and measurement. Thus, you can make use of the other side when one side is not good enough for your cutting tasks.
  • It is self-healing indeed. It seals up scratches and cuts quickly when it is bruised during a cutting session.

Pros

  • Very large surface area
  • Precise calibration on the gridlines
  • Protects the top of the table from scratches
  • 45 and 60-degree alignment lines
  • Reversible sides

Cons

  • Few size options
  • Cannot be rolled up
  • Not suitable for high temperatures

Verdict

If you’re looking for a big sized mat, this is one of the best self-healing cutting mats for it. Its surface area and precise calibrations make it ideal for the professional. Just make sure that you don’t roll it up, and you’ll be fine with it.

Here's a video of DIY Cutting Mat :

Conclusion

Having a good cutting mat that heals automatically is vital for your cutting tasks. However, it is vital to have a glimpse of the best self-healing cutting mats by reading our reviews. Now that you’ve through the best self-healing cutting mats on our list, it is time for you to make a decision. For us, the cutting mats on our list are perfect. So which is your best cutting mat? That’s a question for you (the reader) to answer.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Smart Home Pick
Logo