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Cutting mats are a must-have accessory to protect surfaces from damage and prevent knife blades from dulling too quickly. You can buy a mat with a hard surface construction, but it is the softer, self-healing mat that is the more popular choice among crafters and professionals alike. With a surface that is flexible and squishy, a self-healing mat is designed to absorb knife pressure to maintain a smooth, mark-free cutting surface that is durable and long lasting. In addition to protecting your work table, most cutting mats include a simple grid to help you cut straight lines, and some provide additional guides for cutting precise angles and curves. Our picks below will help you find the best cutting mat for your project.

1. U.S. Art Supply Cutting Mat

U.S. Art Supply’s extra-durable self-healing mat is double-sided for long use. This 18-by-24-inch mat is nonslip for easy and convenient cutting, providing half-inch grid lines with one-eighth-inch alignment marks, as well as 15-, 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-degree angle guides. With an extra-thick, five-ply construction that protects surfaces from damage, this mat is sturdy enough to hold up against rotary cutters and utility blades. 

2. Calibre Art Cutting Mat

Excellent for quilters and crafters, this 14-by-14-inch mat is mounted on a nondetachable rotating base that can be smoothly spun a full 360 degrees so you don’t have to reposition your cutting blade. It has a soft, self-healing surface, plus a nonslip base that adds stability and prevents the mat from accidental rotations. Ideal for use with rotary cutters, the mat provides half-inch grid lines with radial angle guides every 15 degrees, giving you a quick and safe way to cut precise circles and angles.

3. Ecopeco Cutting Mat

Made from food-grade polypropylene, this eco-friendly mat is 100 percent PVC and BPA free, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to avoid toxins and heavy odors. With a five-layer construction, this durable mat is both self-healing and double-sided for long-lasting service. It is suitable for use with rotary blades and utility knives. Ecopeco’s combo pack includes two cutting mats—12 by 18 inches and 18 by 24 inches—each with half-inch grid marks and angle guides for easy measuring and precise cuts. 

4. X-Acto Cutting Mat

X-Acto’s durable, three-ply cutting mat provides a self-healing surface that will stand up to heavy use. Measuring 12 by 18 inches, this mat includes easy-to-read 1-inch grid lines with 30-, 45-, and 90-degree angular guides for accurate cutting. With a nonslip base and a sturdy surface, this mat can be used with a wide variety of materials, making it a great choice for both professionals and hobbyists.

5. Anezus Cutting Mat

While modestly sized, this 9-by-12-inch self-healing mat is a workhorse, thanks to its durable, five-layer construction. It is nonslip and safe for use with rotary knives and utility blades. With a double-sided design, this mat offers a variety of measuring tools including inch and metric grid lines as well as angle and circular guides. As a bonus, the mat comes with a hobby knife and a 30-piece blade set so you can smoothly and easily cut wood, paper, fabric, and other craft materials.

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