How long should a cutting mat last?
 

Maybe I'm just really hard on my cutting mats, but they don't seem to last as long as I think they should for what I pay for them. How often do you all replace your mats?

I've been quilting maybe 8 years and replaced my mat once about a year ago.

Mine is 13 years old and is still fine. I use it almost daily. I do soak it in the bathtub occasionally.

I have had mine for years, is showing some wear mabe it need a good soak!

I've had mine for well over 10 years...
that reminds me. it's probably time for another good soak......

My favorites are Sew-Fit pinable, self healing. They are at least 20 yrs old!

Wow! Surprising comments! I have two opinions: Depends on what you are using it for - For example - I owned a quilt shop, and we rotary cut all of our fabrics - I switched out the mats about every 9 months. My home mat gets changed out every two years or so - I find that when it's newer, my blades last longer (saving me money) and my cutting/piecing is more precise. I also make a point of using both the front and back of my mat - they have the same surface on both sides - and I get very distracted by the lines, sometimes! I use the Olfa green mats, 24x36.... I also don't have a "permanent" sewing space, so my mat goes from flat in the closet to flat on the table quite frequently, so I risk warping it......

Glad I read this thread. Didn't know you were supposed to soak them.

Thank you!

I've had mine for over 20 years and just replaced it!!! I had tried soaking it and it didn't do any good!!! It just dried up and was icky!!!