Quick answer
A folding cutting kit lets you quilt anywhere by giving you a portable, foldable mat, a rotary cutter, and a ruler. To get the most out of it, set up on a flat surface, cut with steady pressure, and fold along the creases when you're done.
Why a folding mat beats a rigid one for travel
A rigid cutting mat is bulky and awkward to carry. A folding mat solves that by creasing in half or thirds, so it slips into a tote or suitcase. The Omnigrid Folding Cutting Kit includes a mat with precision printed measurements and diagonal lines, plus a rotary cutter and ruler, so you have everything you need in one package.
The trade-off: the fold line can create a slight ridge. If you cut directly over it with heavy pressure, the blade may dip. Work around the crease or use lighter pressure when cutting across it.
Step-by-step: Using your folding cutting kit
- Choose a flat, stable surface: Unfold the mat on a table or desk that is large enough to hold the entire mat flat. Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or carpets, as they can make cutting unsafe and uneven. Check that the mat lies completely flat with no curled corners.
- Press out the fold creases: If the mat has a stubborn fold line, gently bend it backward along the crease a few times to relax it. Place a heavy book or cutting weight on the mat for a few minutes to help it lie flat. A flat mat prevents the rotary cutter from skipping over a ridge.
- Position your fabric and ruler: Lay your fabric on the mat, smoothing out wrinkles. Place the ruler on top, aligning the printed grid with the fabric edge. Use the diagonal lines for bias cuts or angle trimming. Make sure the ruler's slip-resistant side is facing down to prevent shifting.
- Cut with steady, even pressure: Hold the rotary cutter at a 45-degree angle and push it away from you along the ruler edge. Apply consistent pressure and let the blade do the work. Do not force the cutter or rock it side to side. If the blade skips, replace it or check for a burr on the cutting edge.
- Fold and store the kit safely: When you're done, fold the mat along its creases and place the rotary cutter back in its safety guard. Store the ruler with the mat or in the kit's pocket. Keep the kit in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Always retract the blade guard before storing to prevent accidents.
What's in the kit
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Folding Cutting Kit: The Omnigrid Folding Cutting Kit includes a folding mat, a rotary cutter, and a ruler, with precision printed measurements and diagonal lines. You get a complete cutting station in one package, so you don't need to pack separate tools for quilting on the go.
Folding Cutting Kit
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Folding Cutting Kit: The mat is designed for non-skip cutting across the folding edge, and the ruler has slip-resistant ink with left and right handed numbering. This keeps your fabric stable and your cuts accurate, even when you're working on a small hotel desk or a kitchen table.
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Folding Cutting Kit: The rotary cutter allows for left or right-hand use without changing the blade and has a soft-cushion handle to reduce wrist strain. You can switch hands comfortably during long cutting sessions, which helps prevent fatigue.
