Your Questions, Answered
Explore CutterPillar's FAQ page for quick answers about our tools, ordering process, shipping details, and product support. From choosing the right tool to understanding warranty options, we’ve got everything you need to make informed decisions and enjoy your creative journey.
FAQs
Glow Light Boards
I have heard that there are different versions of the CutterPillar Pro. Can you explain?
CutterPillar currently offers four Glow Light Boards to fit different crafting needs:
- Glow Mini (10" x 13") — Compact and portable, with 4 brightness levels and a rechargeable battery. Great for smaller workspaces and on-the-go crafting.
- Glow Classic (13" x 19") — Plug-in powered with 4 adjustable LED brightness levels. A reliable, always-ready light source for your craft table.
- Glow Premium II (13" x 19") — Our most advanced mid-size board. Rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours of cord-free crafting, adjustable LED brightness, and a scratch-resistant surface.
- Glow Ultra (19" x 26") — Our largest board. Big enough to lay out two 12" x 12" papers or a full fat quarter. Four brightness levels with plug-in power.
All Glow boards come with a translucent, non-slip, self-healing Dual Grip cutting mat.
What is the difference between the Glow Classic and the Glow Premium II?
Both boards are 13" x 19" with adjustable LED brightness. The key difference is power. The Glow Classic plugs into a power source for consistent, uninterrupted light. The Glow Premium II has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gives you up to 4 hours of cord-free crafting, making it perfect for retreats, classes, and crafting away from an outlet. The Premium II also charges via USB-C.
Does the Glow Mini have a rechargeable battery?
Yes. The Glow Mini includes a built-in rechargeable battery, just like the Glow Premium II. It is compact enough for small spaces while still giving you 4 levels of LED brightness.
What can I use the Glow Light Board for?
The Glow boards are designed for any project where better visibility makes a difference. Quilters love them for tracing patterns, paper piecing, fussy cutting, and applique work. They are also ideal for sketching, coloring, stamping, diamond painting, embroidery tracing, and vinyl weeding. The bright, even LED light lets you see through fabrics and papers clearly, so you can align and cut with more confidence.
Do the Glow Light Boards work with magnets?
Yes. All Glow boards are compatible with CutterPillar magnetic accessories (sold separately). You can use mounting magnets and plates to hold fabric, patterns, and templates securely in place while you work.
Does the light board get hot during use?
No. The LED technology stays cool to the touch, even during extended crafting sessions. You can work comfortably for hours without the surface heating up.
Which tote fits my Glow board?
CutterPillar offers size-specific totes for safe storage and transport:
- Glow Mini Tote — fits the Glow Mini (10" x 13")
- Glow Premium and Classic Tote — fits both the Glow Classic and Glow Premium II (13" x 19")
- Glow Ultra Tote — fits the Glow Ultra (19" x 26")
Each tote is made from sturdy padded nylon with a full zipper, outer pocket, and comfortable handles.
Flex Light and Accessories
What is the CutterPillar Flex Light?
The Flex Light is a cordless, rechargeable LED task light designed for sewing machines, craft tables, and anywhere you need focused, adjustable brightness. It features a flexible gooseneck that you can bend and position exactly where you need light. It attaches magnetically and charges via USB-C.
How bright is the Flex Light, and how long does it last?
The Flex Light offers 3 levels of brightness and runs for several hours on a single charge. A green power indicator lets you see how much battery life remains. When it needs charging, simply place it back in its cradle.
What is the Flex Accessory Kit?
The Flex Accessory Kit expands how and where you can use your Flex Light. It includes multiple mounting cradles (spring-clip, magnetic, and hook-and-loop), a magnetic support mount, an adjustable neck lanyard for hands-free use, a magnifying glass attachment for detail work, and a USB charging base. These give you the flexibility to attach your light to sewing machines, craft tables, metal surfaces, or even wear it around your neck.
What is the CutterPillar Clamp Light?
The Clamp Light is a focused LED light that attaches directly to your acrylic quilting rulers. It illuminates cutting lines right where you need to see them, making ruler work more precise and reducing eye strain during detailed cutting.
Cutting Mats and Surfaces
What cutting mats does CutterPillar offer?
CutterPillar offers several mat and surface options:
- Dual Grip Translucent Cutting Mat — Included with all Glow boards. Non-slip, self-healing, and translucent so light passes through for tracing and alignment.
- Tempered Glass Crafting Board (12" x 16") — 20 times harder than regular glass. Heat-resistant, stain-proof, and pairs perfectly with the Glow boards. Ideal for pressing, applique, and messy crafts. Anything that does not wash off can be scraped clean with a razor.
Flip and Fold 48 (36" x 48") — The industry's first portable, storable, and sustainable cutting mat. Folds down to 11" x 17" for easy transport and storage. Made from eco-friendly, non-toxic TPE material that keeps your rotary blade sharper longer than PVC and resists heat warping.
Can I iron on the Tempered Glass Crafting Board?
Yes. The tempered glass is heat-resistant, similar to a stove top. You can press directly on it, which makes it a great companion for applique and detailed fabric work. It also resists damage from paints, inks, glue, and adhesives.
How many mats do I get with the Flip and Fold 48?
The Flip and Fold 48 is actually 5 cutting mats in 1. When fully unfolded it gives you a 36" x 48" surface, and the folding design creates multiple smaller grid sizes for different projects. Every mat panel starts its grid at zero for easy measuring.
Swivel Mat
What is the CutterPillar Swivel?
The CutterPillar Swivel is a rotating cutting mat that sits on your work surface and spins 360 degrees. Instead of moving your fabric or your body, you rotate the mat to the angle you need. It works especially well on top of a Glow Light Board for illuminated cutting with full freedom of movement.
How do I set up the Swivel on a Glow board?
Attach the included self-adhesive rubber foot to the underside center of your light board. This keeps the board completely flat when the Swivel sits on top. The Swivel works best on a very flat surface, so check that your work area is level if the rotation feels uneven. Extra feet are available from cutterpillar.co if needed.
How much does the Swivel weigh?
The Swivel weighs 2.6 lbs out of the package, making it easy to move around your workspace or pack for travel.
Bundles and Choosing the Right Setup
Does CutterPillar sell bundles?
Yes. CutterPillar offers curated bundles that pair complementary products together at a better value than buying each item separately. Bundles are designed so everything works together as a complete setup, from lighting to cutting to carrying. Check the Bundles collection on cutterpillar.co for current options and savings.
How do I know which Glow board is right for me?
Think about your typical projects and crafting habits:
- Glow Mini — Best if you work in a smaller space, travel often, or want a lightweight board for classes and retreats.
- Glow Classic — Best if you craft at a dedicated table and prefer a steady, plug-in power source without worrying about battery life.
- Glow Premium II — Best if you want the flexibility to craft with or without a cord, great for quilting retreats, classes, and moving between rooms.
Glow Ultra — Best if you regularly work with larger projects, fat quarters, or multiple 12" x 12" papers at once.
Community and Events
What is The Handmade Collective?
The Handmade Collective is CutterPillar's free, three-day virtual crafting event. It brings together makers, quilters, sewists, and crafters from around the world for live demos, tutorials, sew-alongs, expert Q&A sessions, and giveaways. Whether you are a beginner or have been quilting for years, the event is designed to inspire and include everyone. CutterPillar hosts The Handmade Collective multiple times a year.
Is The Handmade Collective free?
Yes. Both the Essentials Pass and the VIP/Creative Pass are completely free. The Essentials Pass gives you live access to all three days of sessions, demos, and giveaways. The VIP or Creative Pass adds extra perks like on-demand replays, downloadable guides, exclusive giveaways, early access to the event agenda, and upgraded discounts (up to 15% off CutterPillar products). You just need to register on cutterpillar.co to unlock VIP benefits.
What if I miss a live session during The Handmade Collective?
If you have the VIP or Creative Pass, you will get on-demand access to all sessions so you can watch (and rewatch) at your convenience. Essentials Pass members only have access during the live broadcast.
What is Sew + Spill?
Sew + Spill is CutterPillar's creative community space where makers connect, share ideas, and enjoy crafting together. You can find Sew + Spill content, projects, and special product collections on cutterpillar.co.
What are the Monthly Challenges?
CutterPillar hosts Monthly Challenges to keep your creativity flowing all year. Each month features a new theme or project idea that you can follow along with at your own pace. It is a fun way to try something new, build skills, and connect with fellow crafters. Check the Events section on cutterpillar.co for the current challenge.
Does CutterPillar have a Facebook group?
Yes. CutterPillar has an active Facebook community where makers share their projects, ask questions, swap tips, and connect with other crafters. You can find the link on the homepage at cutterpillar.co.
What is the CutterPillar Creations Hub?
The Creations Hub is a space for CutterPillar users to share finished projects, discover new ideas, and celebrate what they have made with their tools. It is one more way CutterPillar supports the crafting community beyond just products.
What is the Affiliate Program?
CutterPillar offers an Affiliate Program for crafters and content creators who want to share the products they love. If you are interested in becoming an affiliate, visit the Affiliate Program page on cutterpillar.co for details and to apply.
Ordering and Shipping
How long does shipping take?
Orders are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days. Your order will ship via FedEx Ground or USPS, which takes 2 to 5 days within the continental U.S., depending on your distance from the shipping center. You will receive a tracking number once your order ships.
Is there free shipping?
Yes. CutterPillar offers free shipping on orders over $125 within the U.S.
Do you ship internationally?
CutterPillar can ship internationally. However, duties levied by your country's government and brokerage fees charged by the carrier are the responsibility of the buyer and are usually collected upon delivery. Please email support@cutterpillar.com for international shipping assistance and pricing.
Where else can I buy CutterPillar products?
CutterPillar products are available through select retailers. If you are interested in finding CutterPillar at your favorite local store, or if you are a retailer interested in carrying the products, contact sales@cutterpillar.com for purchasing information.
Returns and Warranty
What is CutterPillar's return policy?
Items may be returned within 30 days of receipt. The product must be in its original condition, unused, and in its original packaging. Please include a receipt or proof of purchase. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the product is defective or incorrect. Contact support@cutterpillar.com to start a return and get a return authorization.
What warranty do CutterPillar products come with?
All CutterPillar products come with a 90-day manufacturer warranty that covers parts and repairs for manufacturing defects. If you discover a defect within the first 90 days, contact customer service and CutterPillar will repair or replace your product with an equal model at their discretion.
Can I extend my warranty?
Yes. You can extend your warranty by an additional 90 days by registering your product on the CutterPillar warranty page at cutterpillar.co/pages/warranty.
What happens after the warranty period?
After 90 days, CutterPillar will still help you troubleshoot your issue. Many common concerns can be resolved with small adjustments you can make at home.
Contact and Support
How do I reach CutterPillar?
For shipping and website ordering questions, email support@cutterpillar.com. For sales and wholesale inquiries, email sales@cutterpillar.com. You can also use the contact form at cutterpillar.co/pages/contact-us. Photos and videos are always helpful when describing a product concern.
Where can I find tutorials and tips?
CutterPillar offers tutorials, blog posts, and educational content on their website under the Education section. You can also subscribe to CutterPillar's YouTube channel for live demos, product walkthroughs, and project inspiration.
Who is CutterPillar?
CutterPillar is a family business focused on making the best crafting and quilting tools. It started when Kelly Thompson grew frustrated with the trimmers on the market and decided there had to be a better way. The company believes that by engineering delightful, inspiring, and sustainably long-lasting everyday products, they can create joy and increase well-being for makers everywhere.
