¶ Introduction
A good work surface is essential for good sewing. The textiles room has a very large work table with self healing cutting mats secured to it.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass is required to access the Textiles shop.
The Shop Safety Class Sewing 1 Shop Safety is required before using the table.
¶ Machine Overview
A good work surface is essential for good sewing. The textiles room has two 8 foot by 4 foot work tables with self healing cutting mats secured to them. This lets you cut and pin directly on the surface of the table without harming it.
The mats have an inch grid printed on them. The grids are marked from both directions for measuring convenience.
¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
¶ Forbidden Materials:
adhesives
¶ Machine Reservations
You do not need to reserve the table, but please be courteous to other users of the table when working on large projects.
¶ Safety and Setup
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
• Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
For more information on shop safety visit "Safety" on the Textiles main page.
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
Sweep any scraps or loose threads off of the table.
¶ Using the Machines
Do NOT use the iron on the table.
The cutting mats are safe to cut and pin directly on. They will not be damaged by being stabbed or sliced and they will not harm your blades.
The grids printed on the mats make it easy to lay out and dimension cuts.
¶ Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum off. Wipe with water or mild cleaning solution.
¶ Flattening
Through use, the cutting mats can become wavey, warped, or uneven. To resolve that
- If the mats are screwed down, unscrew them
- Use a piece of cotton fabric and an iron
- Place the fabric on the mat
- Iron on med-high with steam to flatten
- Lay weights on just the top right corner to give the mat a direction to contract in as it cools
yes, that was purposeful, the screws were accelerating the warping. if they are getting turned up at the edges again, techs can take a piece of cotton and the iron in the quilt club supplies in Classroom 2, and place the fabric on top of the mat. iron on med-high with steam to flatten them again, then lay weights on top right as it cools.
¶ Troubleshooting
Not known to have problems.