I have a 36" x 24" cutting mat and when I'm cutting long strips, I have to keep moving the fabric to continue a cut. Is there a way to extend a mat? My DH wants me to buy another mat(same size) and cut it in half to make it a longer mat. If I did that how would I put them together, glue, tape, or? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Diane

Just my opinion, but if I bought another mat I would buy a bigger one.

Somewhere here I know I have seen a reference to a matt company that has all sorts of large sizes both self-healing and regular. Maybe someone can come up with the link. :)

Me too. i would not cut one up.

If going to spend money for mat to 'cutup' why not check into those new gizmos that cut long strips AccuQuilt or something. You may gasp but I always RIP my long strips for sashing or binding: something my mom and grandma always did too.

Totally agree!

Holy moly!! I found a 3 foot by 6 foot mat for 199.00!!!

http://www.cutting-mats.net/selfheal...-mat-1074.html

I've bought their mats. In fact I have one for sale that was ordered for a friend and I ordered the wrong size. I'll list it on the board when I get it back from another house.

http://www.cutting-mats.net/custom-mats-grid.html

They are so darn expensive!! I'm thinking about buying a smaller one and cutting it up to make a long thin one to do all over squaring!! All I need is a 4 inch by 6 foot!! I don't really have room for anything else. I can put it on my pinning board on top of my shortarm frame!!

What about folding your fabric and cutting through more layers? Are you cutting through two layers? I've cut through 4-6 layers before and it didn't shift? Just a thought . . .

The reason my DH suggested cutting a mat is that that I got my 36" x 24" for only $25 on sale at Joann's. So if I could be so lucky again, that's what he wants me to do. Thanks so very much for all your replies.

If you are cutting long strips, how can you reach more that the 36 in. length? I think I would rather shift my fabric that than try to with a longer mat.

You could try taping, duct tape has always been my friend. It might work beautifully, who knows... Let us know if you try this.

Check these out:

http://www.sewfancy.com/salem.htm

Also search for Alvin's cutting mats.

I have a salem mat and been using it for about 5 years and still don't have a problem.

I got this matt from Joanns http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...DID=xprd74039. I got it 2 weeks ago when they were 40% off and I had a coupon for 20% off my total purchase. I ended up paying around 31.00 I believe. It's not self healing but for the size and price you couldn't beat it.

Looking at those prices, my mats better last a long time.

Also there is this site:

http://www.cutting-mats.net/

Do you like their mats? Can you compare it to one of the common brands? It says it ships rolled...does it lay flat after unrolling?

I got a huge one at Tuesday Morning Store. It is about 48" square I think. My store was going out of business and it was on clearance so I paid $6 for it. If your just going to cut one, you may consider checking there - you may get lucky like I did.
.... although be prepared to guard it, if you find one. I had several people try to snag it out of my cart - mostly my mom.

Thanks again to all. I have great news for me, I just returned from Joann's and got a flyer and start Mar. 6th they are have a GREAT SALE. So while I was there I check out their mats and I have a 50% Coupon, so I can get one for about $25. That will please my DH greatly. Thanks again. Diane

Diane, if you try to piece two of them together..you will have a bump where the seams join. That might make your cutter jump and ruin the fabric..Joann's has the large mats that are 36" X 59". I used a 50% off coupon and it ended up costing me $35. The regular price is $69. I have had mine for several years and it is still holding up. I keep it stored between the mattress and the box springs in my spare room to keep it flat when I am not using it. It comes in really handy when I am pinning a large quilt too. Hope this helps you. Happy Stitchin' Linda B.

Linda: Thanks I"ll look for one of those mats when I go.. Thanks Diane