Best Cutting Mats

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Cutting mats are superbly useful devices for a range of different hobbies and jobs. These durable pieces of material allow you to make incisions safely without worrying about marking your tables and workbenches. Whether you enjoy sewing, modelling, arts & crafts, or DIY, this tool is invaluable. It improves your safety, gives you a dedicated working area, and significantly reduces mess. If this is something you could benefit from, we have selected seven fantastic options in the below guide.

How We Compared Cutting Mats

To find the right cutting mats, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Size
• Markings
• Usability
• Durability

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Cutting Mat Reviews

ARK Heavy Duty (Editor’s Choice)

The high-density material these cutting mats are made from is perfect for hobbies like modelling, crafting, and general slicing work. Moreover, this greatly improves their durability, meaning they should last long, regardless of usage frequency.

The ARK Heavy-Duty Cutting Mat is available in three sizes – A1, A2, and A3 which gives you the flexibility to match your working area. It has a double-sided design, too, with Imperial measurements on one side and Metric on the other.

This mat has non-slip properties for improved safety, so the blade should remain stable when applying pressure. The self-healing top layer helps retain smoothness to give you minimal resistance while cutting. Plus, the markings include a grid line system and different circular angles for precise work.

XNM Creations Premium (Luxury Choice)

The multiple measurements, guides, and grids printed onto the cutting layer make this product essential for precise crafts. These include a ½” grid, ⅛” marks, and 30, 45, 60, and 90-degree angle guides. Additionally, there are metric units, so you can work with whatever you are most comfortable with.

The XNM Creations Premium cutting mat has a five-layer PVC construction and is 3mm thick. Therefore, you have a durable and robust working surface that can withstand consistent use. This is aided by the self-healing properties so that the material moulds together to maintain its smoothness.

We like that the cutting mat is available in multiple sizes ranging from 8 x 11cm to 36 x 48cm. Moreover, it is double-sided and thus has greater longevity. The PVC should also provide a non-slip work area to improve your cutting safety.

ANSIO Craft Self-Healing (Best Value)

If you want something a little more vibrant, these cutting mats are available in several bright colour combinations, including super pink, sky blue, and lime green. They can add a little character to your workstation and match if you have a specific theme.

The ANSIO Craft Cutting Mat is incredibly durable and hard-wearing due to its five-layer heavy-duty PVC construction. It includes recycled materials to reduce environmental damage and is 3mm thick to withstand even larger cutting blades.

Both sides have a printed grid and multiple measurements and angles for accurate work. These have both Imperial and Metric systems. Thanks to its self-healing properties, your blades will be protected, and the top surface remains smooth for quick cutting.

WORKLION Self-Healing (Best for Durability)

The range of sizes available in this cutting mat gives you superb flexibility, and it includes rectangular and square options. The smallest is a rectangular A4, while the largest goes up to an immense A1 model for more oversized DIY and craft projects.

The WORKLION Self-Healing Cutting Mat has an excellent range of grid lines and measurements, including a full array of circular angles. Moreover, it is double-sided with a non-slip and non-glare surface, which improves user-friendliness.

This option is constructed from 5-layered PVC, with a special white hardened centre which greatly boosts its durability and stability. Additionally, this makes it compatible with rotary cutters and straight blades. The top surface is self-healing to reduce wear and tear and cover cut marks.

O’woda A3 (Best for Accessories)

This comprehensive kit is perfect if you want to start crafts, sewing, or even dress-making. Not only do you get the mat, but there is a rotary cutter, 50 pins, 20 plastic clips, a patchwork ruler, and a tape measure.

The O’woda A3 Cutting Mat itself is of excellent quality and available in different colours. Additionally, it is made from multi-layer PVC, which is highly durable, long-lasting and offers great stability with its anti-slip properties.

There is a fantastic grid system complete with Imperial and Metric measurements on both sides. Furthermore, you can utilise angles, circles, and other geometric shapes to help with patterns and accurate cutting. The top layer is also self-healing, which helps protect your blade and keeps the surface smooth for effective work.

Elan A1 Black and Grey (Best for Size Range)

If you want to reduce your environmental impact, the different plastic layers of this cutting mat are made from recycled materials. Furthermore, it features a five-layer construction that improves durability and a self-healing process that enables the fibres to join back together to maintain a smooth surface.

The Elan A1 Cutting Mat is available in multiple sizes ranging from A0 to A4. Not only that but instead of having a dual-sided design, there are different options in the sizes for either Imperial or Metric markings. This gives you greater flexibility and ensures you get what you need.

The markings include a professional grid for accurate cutting and also a series of angles. We also like the flexibility of this mat, as it offers enough slack and movement to be used as a sewing or quilting mat draped over your knees.

Headley Tools Double-Sided (Best for Colour Range)

If you want to match your decor or crafts setup, this product’s wide range of double-sided colour options is perfect. Options include black/grey, dark blue/light blue, dark purple/pink, green, yellow/green, and pink.

The Headley Tools Cutting Mat is incredibly versatile and useful, however. It is made from sturdy and refined PVC that won’t crack or warp under pressure. Additionally, it should not fade in direct sunlight, while the self-healing top layer drastically improves its longevity.

For accurate work, it has printed Imperial and Metric units, gridlines, circles, and several important angles, including 45 and 60 degrees. The units are split onto each side – Imperial on one and Metric on the other – and both have a different colour for easy identification.

How to Choose a Cutting Mat

Manufacturers have various approaches to cutting mats, including materials, shapes, and designs. This means multiple buying options are available on the market, and it can be challenging to select an appropriate product. We understand this, and, to help, we have put together a short buying guide below.

Size

Possibly the most important aspect to consider is the cutting mat size. Before buying one, think about where you intend to use it and what you want to do with it. Firstly, measure your available space – this will give you an idea of the maximum size you can purchase.

Secondly, determine what size would be appropriate for the work you want to do. For example, if you only need a mat for modelling, an A4 product could be suitable. Whereas, if you want to use it for crafts and woodwork, an A3 or larger option may be better.

Markings

Virtually all cutting mats have some type of marking printed onto the surface. These are incredibly useful and can help with measurements and accurate slicing. Often, the diagrams include different units like mm, cm, and inches. Some options contain geometric shapes, angles, and other important markings to help with your work.

Look at what you want to do with the mat and decide if specific markings are something you could benefit from.

Usability

There are several usability factors to consider, too, such as the smoothness of the surface and stability. Firstly, you ideally want a top layer material with non-slip properties so whatever you place on it doesn’t move when cutting. This is an important safety feature which will also make your work easier. However, the surface should still allow you to use your craft knives without too much resistance. 

Secondly, the bottom layer has to be anti-slip, too. If it moves too much, the cutting mat will be unusable and could cause safety issues.

Durability

Lastly, consider the durability of the cutting mat. You don’t want a product that is torn to shreds as soon as you use it. Therefore, it is ideal to look for features like a self-healing surface. Most devices are constructed from substances that bind or mould back together once you have cut on them. These materials help increase the mat’s longevity against regular use.

Moreover, look for cleaning properties and how easy the mat is to wipe if you spill things like paint and glue on it. Essentially, you want something rugged and simple to maintain.

Summary

Our top pick is the ARK Heavy Duty Cutting Mat due to the availability of sizes, robust materials, and an excellent set of markings for measuring work. The high-density substance this product is made from is hard-wearing, non-slip, and gives excellent purchase for cutting. Additionally, it has rounded corners and is available in three sizes – A1, A2, and A3. We also like that it is double-sided, with Imperial measurements on one side and Metric on the other. Lastly, the material is self-healing; thus, it will not degrade over time when you cut on it.