After I collected so much material I decided to finally make myself a mask. I still need to press it and add elastic to it before posting here, but I will. Eventually.
Anyway, I noticed that several of my fabrics have distinct patterns that I would want to fall a specific way on my mask. I also had one remaining mat from a 2pk of Chopping Mats I had purchased at Dollar Tree. (Used the other for that yet unfinished wreath.)
This wouldn't just be an idea for masks or even sewing necessarily. It could work for anything you're trying to make that has a design you want to appear a certain way on the finished product.
It's a simple process. Just use a Sharpie and trace your pattern directly onto your chopping mat. These can be cut with standard scissors easily. Just make sure they're your all-purpose scissors! I used GooGone to remove the pen markings after I cut it out. Also a good way to clean it from time-to-time after so many uses and so many pen markings you may have on it from tracing.
Anyway, I noticed that several of my fabrics have distinct patterns that I would want to fall a specific way on my mask. I also had one remaining mat from a 2pk of Chopping Mats I had purchased at Dollar Tree. (Used the other for that yet unfinished wreath.)
This wouldn't just be an idea for masks or even sewing necessarily. It could work for anything you're trying to make that has a design you want to appear a certain way on the finished product.
It's a simple process. Just use a Sharpie and trace your pattern directly onto your chopping mat. These can be cut with standard scissors easily. Just make sure they're your all-purpose scissors! I used GooGone to remove the pen markings after I cut it out. Also a good way to clean it from time-to-time after so many uses and so many pen markings you may have on it from tracing.
Photo is so you can see how it works. The pattern is not mine but can be found at this link, in case you're interested.