When I have that problem, it's usually time to change the blade. I never considered the other option.

bkay

Good idea, Theresa. I do need the lines on the front to help cut straight, but I can try it measuring with a ruler and see if the back is better. If it is, then I assume I'll need a new mat. (The one I'm using is probably 25 years old or maybe more.)

If it's 25 years old, you probably need a new mat.

As a child, I had a cat named socks.

bk

bk...Our dog was Socks, and like your Socks, he's long gone. I've kept the name on GardenWeb though.

I tried cutting on the back side of the mat, and it wasn't much better. I have to inspect my cutter and make sure it's assembled right and tight enough. The blade is new, just opened it.

Have you tried cleaning the cutting mat? Soak it in room temperture water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar / gallon of water for about 30 minutes. Then add some mild dish soap like Dawn and use a scubber like a toothbrush to clean the fibers off the mat. Also, try using a different section of the mat if you have deep grooves in an area.

Sue

Sue, I cleaned it as you suggested, and it might work a little better. I was whining to my husband about it as he observed me cutting, and he said I wasn't holding the blade straight up and down. Not sure that's the problem. Nevertheless, I think I'd like a new mat as I noticed a little "hill" in it in addition to a million cuts.

It's really annoying to clip 2-3 uncut bits each time .

When there are deep grooves in a mat, even a new blade won’t solve the problem. I think it’s new mat time. That is my experience anyway.

Thank you. I ordered one tonight.