DIY Self Healing Mat

40x50" sheet of 1/2" thick MDF Panel $19.94 at Home Depot, ask an employee to cut it for you.

Krylon Color Master Coat White

Chalk line

Steel ruler

Ultra fine point permanent marker in black, red, green, yellow, and purple

Ultra fine point paint pens in black, red, green, yellow, and purple

Krylon Color Master Clear Acrylic Sealer
Econ 80 polyurethane rubber $25.95 

Spray the pressboard with white paint. Do this with one or two light coats. Let dry thoroughly between coats. Spray with clear sealer.

Beginning with the bottom left corner, measure and mark 36x44", leaving a lip at the top and right side. Measure and mark grid lines with the ruler. A drafters even spacing divider will help with this, but they're prohibitively expensive. Use a chalk line to connect the marks. Snap the line to leave a mark. Use a hair dryer to blow away excess chalk.

Place a steel ruler beside the chalk mark and go over the line with a permanent marker. Mark 1" lines with black and 1/2" lines with red.

Measure and mark the 18" block in the left bottom corner with 1/4" lines in blue. Inside it, mark a 6" block with 1/8" lines in green. Mark the fat eighth placement (9x11) with a yellow line. Mark the fat quarter placement (18x22) with a purple line. Mark 30, 45, and 60 degree angles inside this 18" block with black. 

Go over the marker lines with paint pens in the same colors.

Remove all chalk with a damp washcloth. You may need to wipe it off more than once.

Spray with several coats of clear sealer.

Follow the manufacturers instructions for coating the board with rubber. This will create a cut resistant surface. Place the board on any table or quilting frame. Put it away when you're done.