Abstract:
This document discloses magnetic sewing rulers, cutting mats, magnetic holders and magnetic ruler sewing kits are disclosed that provide tools to securely and easily hold fabrics and other sewing materials in place on a cutting mat for laying out, measuring, cutting, pinning, etc. when engaged in sewing projects. The magnetic rulers, cutting mats, and magnetic holders provide security in holding projects to allow a person to use their hands freely during sewing projects.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This application relates generally to sewing rulers, cutting mats, and methods of making and using such rulers and mats. In particular, this application relates to magnetized sewing rulers and cutting mats with a metal portion, as well as methods for making and using such sewing rulers and cutting mats. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Millions of people enjoy sewing as a hobby or profession. Many people enjoy designing clothes, quilts, and other sewing crafts that offer an outlet for creative energy. Many others enjoy spending time creating sewn items from patterns and other items. For many, sewing provides enjoyment a beauty in their lives. 
         [0003]    Sewing clothes, quilts, crafts, etc., almost always involves the tedious task of measuring and cutting various pieces of fabric to be used in a project. Many times, these multiple pieces of fabric must be cut in various sizes and shapes as required by a sewing pattern or otherwise by a desired design. Rotary cutters and cutting mats are often used to make measuring and cutting fabric easier. However, it is still a challenge to hold the fabric during cutting to make sure the correct size, shape, and orientation of the material for each piece is achieved, as fabric has a tendency to slide and move while being cut. 
         [0004]    Sewing rulers can be used along with sewing mats to size some pieces, provide a straight edge for cutting, and to attempt to hold the fabric still against the cutting mat or other underlying surface while cutting. Holding the ruler with pressure while making sure the fabric doesn&#39;t move and working the cutter can be difficult, particularly when the cuts require trading hands or turning around the table. Also, if pressure is removed from the sewing ruler, the fabric can slip, bunch, or otherwise move out of position, requiring the sewer to reposition the piece of fabric. 
         [0005]    Some magnetic rulers and cutting mats have been created for use with paper cutting and scrapbooking, such as one found at: http://www.weronthenet.com/magnetic_mat_tutorial. However, such rulers and mats are not suitable for use in sewing because the magnetic material used in the ruler and mat are relatively weak magnets and are not strong enough to hold multiple layers of fabric in place. Additionally, rulers used in scrapbooking are narrow and made from metal. Metal rulers are not transparent and are unsuitable for use with fabrics where the ability to see through the ruler for precision placement of marks and seams is critical. 
         [0006]    Tools and methods that make sewing and other crafts easier, more productive, and fun are desirable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This document discloses magnetic sewing rulers, cutting mats, magnetic holders and magnetic ruler sewing kits are disclosed that provide tools to securely and easily hold fabrics and other sewing materials in place on a cutting mat for laying out, measuring, cutting, pinning, etc. when engaged in sewing projects. The magnetic rulers, cutting mats, and magnetic holders provide security in holding projects to allow a person to use their hands freely during sewing projects. The magnetic rulers, cutting mats and magnetic holders may be stored vertically and may be used for other purposes while stored, such as a message or drawing board. 
         [0008]    Exemplary magnetic sewing kits may include a cutting mat and a magnetic ruler. The cutting mat may have a ferromagnetic layer and a cutting layer. The magnetic ruler may have a planar body and a plurality of ruler magnets coupled to the planar body, the plurality of ruler magnets being configured to magnetically attach the magnetic ruler to the cutting mat. The magnetic sewing kit may also include at least one magnetic holder with a top portion and a holder magnet coupled to the top portion. The magnetic holder may be configured to magnetically attach to the cutting mat. The various magnets may be neodymium magnets, other rare-earth magnets, or other strong magnets. 
         [0009]    The plurality of ruler magnets may be generally flush with a bottom surface of the planar body of the magnetic ruler. The magnetic ruler may also include at least one lifter on a top surface of the magnetic ruler, the lifter being configured to facilitate moving the magnetic ruler with respect to the cutting mat. In some embodiments, the magnetic ruler may include ruled lines on or in the planar body. Similarly, the planar body of the magnetic ruler may be translucent, and formed from one of glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or polycarbonate. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the cutting mat may include a first layer formed of a material attracted to magnets, such as a ferromagnetic material. The cutting layer may be may be bonded to the ferromagnetic layer. The cutting layer may be formed from a material that permits being repeatedly cut with a cutting instrument. The cutting mat may also include a utility layer bonded to the ferromagnetic layer, wherein ferromagnetic layer is between the cutting layer and the utility layer. The cutting mat may be configured to be hanged on a vertical surface, with the magnetic ruler magnetically attached to the hanging cutting mat for storage. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the utility layer is a dry-erase board material, a cork board material, or other utility material. In other embodiments, the utility layer and the cutting layer may be formed from PVC. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic material may be an iron steel alloy.
       The cutting mat may also include grid lines visible on or through the cutting layer.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The following description can be better understood in light of Figures, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary sewing mat, magnetic ruler, and holders for crafts such as sewing; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary sewing mat, magnetic ruler, and holders being used with fabric for crafts such as sewing; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cutting mat for use with a magnetic ruler; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate side views of exemplary cutting mats for use with a magnetic ruler; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary magnetic holder; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic ruler; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an exemplary magnetic ruler; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrate a side view of an exemplary magnetic ruler. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the apparatus and methods for using the exemplary magnetic rulers, cutting mats, and holders described herein. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different Figures represent the same component. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses on clear rulers for use in sewing with imbedded neodymium magnets and cutting mats with a steel layer, the apparatus and associated methods could be equally applied and adapted with other functional materials, such as samarium-cobalt, other rare-earth magnets, or other strong magnets. 
         [0024]    Embodiments of magnetic rulers, cutting mats, and holders taught herein may have any configuration consistent with the functionality as described below. One exemplary embodiment of magnetic cutting set  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Magnetic cutting set  100  may include cutting mat  110 , magnetic ruler  140 , and holders  160 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , fabric  20  may be placed over cutting mat  110 . Fabric  20  may be any number of layers of fabric and other sewing related materials such as elastic, borders, zippers, etc. As described in further detail below, cutting mat  110  may include a metal or ferromagnetic layer, which attracts magnetic ruler  140 . When fabric  20  is between cutting mat  110  and magnetic ruler  140 , fabric  20  is held in place by the force created by the magnetic attraction of magnetic ruler  140  and cutting mat  110 . Similarly, holders  160  may include magnets and may thereby also be attracted to cutting mat  110 , and may also be used to hold fabric  20  in a desired place on cutting mat  110 . 
         [0025]    Additionally, since magnetic ruler  140  and holders are held in place by magnetic force, they may be moved and positioned as desired, allowing an individual to place fabric  20  for cutting or marking and then moving magnetic ruler  140  and/or holders  160  to position for a subsequent cut or mark. With fabric  20  held in place by magnetic ruler  140  and/or holders  160 , the individual is able to use both hands for other tasks, rather than having to keep at least one hand on the ruler to make sure the desired alignment is not disrupted. 
         [0026]    One or more holders  160  may also be used to hold fabric  20  in place while magnetic ruler  140  is repositioned, allowing an individual to quickly and accurately reposition magnetic ruler  140  without having to move, adjust, or reposition fabric  20 . For example, magnetic holders may be used to hold zippers or trim in place for pinning while magnetic ruler  140  is used to ensure that the edges of the zippers or trim are properly aligned for pinning and then sewing. Of course, magnetic cutting set  100  may be used in a variety of ways where holding different pieces in precise locations while allowing an individual to use both hands for tasks. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 3-4B  illustrate exemplary embodiments of cutting mat  110 . As best shown in  FIG. 4A , cutting mat  110  may include at least two layers, cutting layer  114  and ferromagnetic layer  116 . Cutting mat  110  may be any suitable size and shape, depending on the desired application. In some embodiments, cutting mat  110  may be about 20″ by 24″ by 0.25″, which is a suitable size for use with fat quarters (about 18″ by 21″) of fabric. 
         [0028]    In other embodiments, different dimensions of cutting mat  110  may be up to 72″ or more, as desired for different sewing projects. For example, a large or small sewing table may be formed using cutting mat  110  as the table top, formed as described in more detail below, with a relatively thick ferromagnetic layer  116  for structural stability and cutting layer  114 . In other embodiments, a sewing table with cutting mat  110  serving as the table top, may be stored vertically against or hung on a wall (as described in more detail below) and serving as a drawing board, message board, etc. when not in use as a sewing table surface. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , cutting layer  114  may include grid lines  112  or other markings useful in laying out and cutting fabric. Grid lines  112  may be provided in any orientation, thickness, scale, frequency, design, pattern, etc., to provide useful reference to an individual using cutting mat  110 . For example, grid lines  112  may be placed ¼″ apart, with heavier lines representing gridlines  112  at each inch. Additionally, angled grid lines  112  may be included at various angles to provide reference for various designs requiring certain angles, or may include circles of various diameters, or other shapes and designs, as desired. 
         [0030]    Grid lines  112  may be formed into, printed on, or otherwise placed on or in cutting layer  114 . For example, grid lines  112  may be simply printed onto cutting layer  114 , or may be imbedded into cutting layer  114  with a dye or a heat treatment. Or, in some embodiments, cutting layer  114  may be sufficiently transparent such that grid lines  112  may be printed on ferromagnetic layer  116 , or on the surface of cutting layer  114  contacting ferromagnetic layer  116  prior to bonding ferromagnetic layer  116  and cutting layer  114 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , cutting mat  110  may include more layers than ferromagnetic layer  116  and cutting layer  114 . Ferromagnetic layer  116  may be an internal layer between cutting layer  114  and under layer  115 , which may be another cutting layer, a layer suitable for use with dry-erase markers, protective layer, or other layer suitable for any other desired purpose. Cutting layer  114  and under layer  115  opposite ferromagnetic layer  116  may be formed of the same or different materials from each other. For example, on one side of cutting mat  110  may be cutting layer  114  formed of PVC, and on the opposite side may be under layer  115  formed from material suitable for use as a dry-erase board, or may be a cork layer suitable as a cutting layer or as a bulletin board, or other useful layers. 
         [0032]    Multiple layers may be advantageous to provide additional uses for cutting mat  110 . For example, cutting mat  110  may be hung on a wall through hole  120  in cutting mat  110  when not being used as a cutting mat to save space, or to provide additional utility. Cutting mat  110  may be hung on a vertical surface through hole  120 , other attachment points on cutting mat  110 , or any other suitable hanging device or mechanism. While hung up, such as on a wall, cutting mat  110  may be easily stored, or may be used as a useful message board, bulletin board, or other use. Because ferromagnetic layer  116  is present in cutting mat  110 , under layer  115  or cutting layer  114  may be used with magnets, such as holder  160 , to hold pictures, messages, etc. when cutting mat  110  is hung up. For example, cutting mat  110  may be hung on a wall with a dry-erase under layer  115  being presented outwardly. As such, under layer  115  may serve as a message or drawing board, with the ability to post pictures, notes, articles, fabric, etc. with holders  160 . 
         [0033]    Cutting layer  114  may be formed from any material suitable as a cutting surface, such as cork, wood, plastic, rubber, metal, etc. Cutting layer  114  may be formed from PVC, or similar materials, such as is commonly used in so-called “self-healing” cutting mats. Cutting layer  114  may be preferably formed of a material that extends the life of a cutting instrument by not dulling the cutting edge of a cutting instrument. Cutting layer  114  may be of sufficient thickness to resist cutting completely through cutting layer  114  when used with normal cutters, such as rotary cutters, razor knives, and using normal cutting pressure sufficient to comfortably cut all desired layers of fabric. 
         [0034]    The layers of cutting mat  110  may be bonded together in any suitable manner. For example, cutting layer  114  and ferromagnetic layer  116  may be bonded by adhesives, heat treatment, fasteners, or by any other suitable bonding process or device. Similarly, cutting layer  114  may be formed of plastic and melted onto ferromagnetic layer  116  while forming cutting mat  110 . Or, ferromagnetic layer may be imbedded in plastic during the formation process, forming cutting layer  114 , outer layer  115 , and ferromagnetic layer  116  between cutting layer  114  and outer layer  115 . 
         [0035]    Ferromagnetic layer  116  may be formed of any material that permits attraction by a magnet, such as ferrous metals (such as most steel, iron, and various other nickel and cobalt alloys) or any sheet magnet material. Ferromagnetic layer  116  need not be magnetic by itself, but rather be attracted to magnets. Ferromagnetic layer  116  may have any thickness suitable for strong attraction to magnetic ruler  140  and/or holders  160 . Ferromagnetic layer  116  may also be sufficiently rigid to provide structural strength to cutting mat  110 , to allow for softer material to be used as cutting layer  114 , thereby extending the life of cutting instruments used with cutting mat  110 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , holders  160  may include top  162  and magnet base  168 . Top  162  may be any size, shape, or design suitable for attachment to magnet base  168  and for use as a magnetic holder to hold fabric  20 , or other materials, to cutting mat  110 . For example, while top  162  of  FIG. 5  resembles a knob, top  162  may be or may resemble a spool, pin cushion, sculpted character, plush toy, etc. In some embodiments, pin cushions may include magnet base  168  and may be used to hold pins and concurrently be used as holder  160  while cutting and pinning fabric for sewing. 
         [0037]    Magnet base  168  may be formed of a neodymium magnet, or other suitable magnet, of sufficient holding strength to securely hold desired layers of fabric against cutting mat  110 . For example, magnet base  168  may be a 0.5″ diameter by 0.13″ disk magnet formed from neodymium with a pull force of about 6 lbs. or more. The magnetic strength of magnet base  168  may be selected depending on the desired use. For example, holding multiple layers of denim securely may require a larger magnet base  168 . As such, an individual using cutting set  100  may have holders  160  of various strengths for different projects. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , magnetic ruler  140  may include base  144  and ruler magnets  148 . Base  144  may include ruler lines  142  or other markings useful in laying out and cutting fabric. Lifters  146  may also be included to aid in positioning and moving magnetic ruler  140  when attached to cutting mat  110  with magnetic force. 
         [0039]    Ruler lines  142  may be provided in any orientation, thickness, scale, frequency, design, pattern, etc., to provide useful reference to an individual using magnetic ruler  140  and cutting mat  110 . For example, ruler lines  142  may be placed ¼″ apart, or any other ruled distance. Additionally, other ruler lines may be included at various angles to provide reference for various designs requiring certain angles, or may include other shapes and designs, as desired. 
         [0040]    Base  144  of magnetic ruler  140  may be formed of any material suitable for use as a sewing ruler. In some embodiments, base  144  may be formed of translucent, transparent or semi-transparent glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) acrylic plastic. In other embodiments, other transparent or semi-transparent materials such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, other plastics, glass, or other suitable materials may be used. 
         [0041]    Base  144  may be any suitable size for use with various sizes of cutting mat  110 . For example, for cutting mat  110  with dimensions of 20′ by 24″, base  144  may be 24″ by 5″, or other similar size. Base  144  may have sufficient thickness to give structural strength to magnetic ruler  140 . Base  144  may be rectangular in shape, as illustrated, or may be other suitable shapes and sizes, such as circles, triangles, etc., and may have marking or cutting slots and holes (not shown) formed in base  144 . 
         [0042]    Base  144  may include recesses formed for placement of ruler magnets  148 . Two or more ruler magnets  148  may be attached to base  144 . In the illustrated embodiments, six ruler magnets  148  are shown. Ruler magnets  148  may be attached to base  144  using adhesive, press-fit, fasteners, a second magnet on or in the top surface of base  144 , or by any other suitable method or device. Magnet ruler  140  may include as many magnets as is necessary to effect a secure placement of fabric between magnet ruler  140  and cutting mat  110 . 
         [0043]    Ruler magnets  148  may be formed of a neodymium magnet, or other suitable magnet of sufficient holding strength to securely hold desired layers of fabric against cutting mat  110 . For example, ruler magnets  148  may be a 0.5″ diameter by 0.13″ disk magnet formed from neodymium with a pull force of about 6 lbs. or more. The magnetic strength of ruler magnets  148  may be selected depending on the desired use. For example, holding multiple layers of denim securely may require larger, stronger, or more ruler magnets  148 . As such, magnetic ruler  140  may allow for ruler magnets  148  to be selectively removable to add, remove, or exchange magnets as needed. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , lifters  146  may be provided with magnetic ruler  140  to facilitate repositioning or moving magnetic ruler  140  when used with cutting mat  110 . In such embodiments where the force between ruler magnets  148  and cutting mat  110  is significant, lifers  146  may be useful in providing easy movement and removal of magnetic ruler relative to cutting mat  110 . Lifters  146  may be any suitable shape or size and may be permanently attached or selectively removable from base  144 , as desired. 
         [0045]    In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.