3 Must-Have Crafting Mats Every Crafter Needs!

Crafting is a fun and fulfilling hobby, but it can also be a messy one. That's why having the right tools and materials is essential to make the most out of your crafting experience. One of the most important tools that every crafter needs is a craft cutting mat.

In this blog post, we'll be featuring 3 must-have crafting mats from Altenew: the A3 Foldable Cutting & Alignment Mat, the Crafter's Essential Cutting & Alignment Mat, and the Crafter's Essential Stamping Mat. Read on to find out why these mats are absolute game-changers for any crafter.

Choosing the Right Cutting Mat: A Guide for Crafters

1. A3 Foldable Cutting & Alignment Mat

This craft mat is a true marvel of engineering! It's large enough to accommodate even the biggest crafting projects, yet it folds up neatly for easy storage. No more struggling to find a spot for your oversized cutting mat!

Our A3 Foldable Cutting & Alignment Mat also features an alignment grid, which is perfect for ensuring precise cuts every time. Plus, its sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication to any craft room. If you’re a crafter on-the-go, then this is the best cutting mat for you!

Features:

• Grid size of 17” × 11” with 1/4” increments
• Clearly marked zero-centering vertical and horizontal lines
• Conveniently folds for transport and storage
• Durable and self-healing material
• Easily wipe-able for hassle-free cleaning

Watch Lydia test out 5 incredible features of our new Foldable Cutting Mat!

What color cutting mat is best?

While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are a few things to consider. A light-colored cutting mat is ideal for working with dark materials, as it provides a nice contrast that makes it easier to see your cuts.

On the other hand, a dark-colored cutting mat is great for light-colored materials, as it helps to reduce glare and prevent eye strain. Ultimately, the choice is yours – just make sure to pick a color that works well with the types of projects you typically work on.

Lucky for YOU, our reversible Crafter's Essential Cutting & Alignment Mat has both a light and a dark side! 

What Your Fellow Crafters Are Saying: 

“I have the larger mat and absolutely love it, but it is too big and cumbersome to travel with. I purchased this mat because of its compact size and foldable feature. This mat is Wonderful! Like all things Altenew the quality is top notch - it folds easily and when open does not have any uneven surfaces where it comes back together. You would never know it folded in half to store! This is the perfect size for smaller craft spaces and is ideal for traveling to crops. Highly recommend this mat for home or travel crafters!!” - KC

Read up on the Different Types of Paper Crafting Tools and Their Purpose!

2. Crafter's Essential Cutting & Alignment Mat 

This self-healing craft mat is a worthy investment not just for card makers but for any creator who’s into DIY crafts. Even Jennifer McGuire loves it! Its self-healing surface means you can make countless cuts without worrying about damaging your mat. No more unsightly marks or grooves – this mat bounces right back, ready for your next crafting project.

The Crafter's Essential Cutting & Alignment Mat also features an alignment grid and ruler markings, making it a breeze to measure and cut with precision.

We have also included guides for standard cards (A2 - 4.25" x 5.5") and scrapbook pages (12" x 12") for easy card making and scrapbooking. Plus, this cutting mat is HUGE so you can be as messy as you want without thinking about splatters, inks, glue, etc. ruining your crafting table.

What Your Fellow Crafters Are Saying:

“Best mat ever! This mat is just awesome-sauce! I love the durability of it and the size chart for A2 cards is perfect. I love that it has double sides and the grid lines are super helpful. I fell in love with this watching Lydia use it in the YouTube videos! I'm glad it's self-healing but I am going to try to keep mine flawless forever!” - KS

What is a craft cutting mat used for? 

A craft cutting mat is a versatile tool that protects your work surface while providing a stable and precise cutting surface. Whether you're using a craft knife, scissors, or a paper trimmer, a cutting mat will save your table from scratches and nicks.

It also helps to extend the life of your cutting tools by providing a soft surface that won't dull their blades. Plus, with its alignment grid and ruler markings, a craft cutting mat makes measuring and cutting a breeze.

3. Crafter's Essential Stamping Mat

This silicone craft mat is an absolute game-changer for simple stamping, watercoloring, and ink blending. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the Crafter's Essential Stamping Mat also features a non-slip backing, so you can stamp away without worrying about your cardstock sliding around.

This 12” x 16” craft mat is also heat resistant and easy to clean, making it the perfect mat for everyday crafting. Want a portable and durable silicone craft mat? This one’s for you!

Can’t decide between this silicone craft mat or the self-healing cutting mat? We’ve bundled them up for you! Get the Cutting Mat & Stamping Mat Bundle.

What Your Fellow Crafters Are Saying:

“Underrated craft tool. This is a must have tool for your craft desk. Instead of having a paper pad to stamp off onto, this silicone mat serves that purpose. Just wipe clean and not waste tons of paper. Good for stamping, doesn't move around. Looks good on my desk.” - Zoe

Learn How to Make the Most Out of Your Craft Mat!

What material is a self-healing cutting mat made of?

Self-healing cutting mats are typically made of a durable PVC material. This material has the unique ability to "heal" itself after being cut, which means that any marks or grooves will disappear over time. It's truly a marvel of modern technology!

PVC is also resistant to most types of crafting materials, including adhesives and inks, so you don't have to worry about damaging your mat while working on your projects.

Create with Confidence with the Best Cutting Mats for Crafts

We hope this blog post has shed some light on the importance of investing in the right crafting mats. With the right tools, you can take your crafting projects to the next level and create with ease and confidence.

Whatever type of crafter you are - beginner, messy, busy, on the go, experienced, etc. - we’ve got the best cutting mats to help you protect your workspace and craft easily!

For more crafting tools, ideas, and inspiration, don't hesitate to drop by In the Craft Room. We have more crafting materials, tips, and techniques to share. Happy crafting!