How to Cut Foam Rubber for Crafts

Many craft projects use foam rubber, especially home decor projects. Foam rubber is versatile and very easy to work with. In addition, it is very easy to cut.
Depending on the thickness of your foam rubber, you'll need a sharp craft knife, such as an X-Acto knife, an electric carving knife or a sharp serrated kitchen knife. Be sure to take the same safety precautions you would when using any sharp knife, and this can be a quick, painless way of getting the right size and shape of foam rubber for your craft project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine-tip marker Craft knife (like X-Acto knife) or Electric carving knife or Serrated kitchen knife Cutting surface

1. Draw the desired shape or design directly onto the foam rubber with a fine-tip marker.

2. For foam rubber that is 1-inch thick or less, begin by compressing the foam with your fingers, along the design lines you've drawn.

3. Using the craft knife (X-Acto knife), cut along the design lines in a succession of short motions. Once a compressed area of the foam has been cut, move your fingers and compress another area. Then, cut along the lines in that area.

4. Continue this process until the entire design has been cut.

5. For thicker foam rubber pieces (2 to 5 inches thick), an electric carving knife is recommended. Choose the sharpest, thinnest blade you have, and assemble the knife according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. Lay the foam rubber piece on a cutting table, or other elevated work surface, so that the areas that will be cut hang over the edge.

7. Start the knife. Then, lower the knife to the foam rubber, and use it to trace the design lines, cutting the foam rubber into the desired shape.

8. If you do not have an electric carving knife, a sharp, serrated kitchen knife will work for thicker foam rubber. Follow the same procedure in Steps 6 and 7.

Tips & Warnings

• If needed, you can sand foam rubber with a medium-fine sand paper. Be sure to start the electric knife before touching the foam rubber in order to avoid ripping. If your foam rubber is thicker than 5 inches, a band saw or circular saw can be used.