cutting mats
 

Can you use the back of your cutting mats or just the front? They look just like the front.

I have used both sides of my mat and it did not seem to matter.

You can use either and you can cut them up into smaller mats if you want!

Yep! Use both sides!

I use both also. One is lighter and it helps me see the edge of the fabric better to make my cuts

I saw an off-brand mat once where you couldn't use the back, but agree that most of the brand names are usable on both sides...some are now actually gridded on both sides, but I like having the blank back for cutting when I don't want to use the grid.

The way it was put to me at one point...you paid for BOTH sides; USE both sides! But I agree with ktbb that some mats that may not be possible. Definitely can with Olfa, however.

Absolutely! Whenever I need to buy a new mat I always make sure I get one where I can use both sides. The last one I bought was a fiskars mat - it was lined on both sides and each side was a different color. I think that is my favorite mat so far.

I never knew you could use both sides of the mat and I've been quilting for 30 years. Love this board, you can learn something new every day.

I have used both sides for quilting successfully. However, I use the back of the old one for a baking mat. It works great, I don't have to worry about using cookie cutters on it and it cleans up easily afterward too! It's just one way to repurpose your old mat.

Glad I read this thread, was thinking I would have to replace my matt soon as its almost 15 years old. Maybe I can get another 15 years out of the back!