I am a newbie so I have one too. Just finished with cutting for the first time. I did turn alittle but all in all the mat was to small. For me any way, I still don't have it down very well by the time I finished all my cuttings I started to get the hang of it. But really didn't turn the darn mat very much, I would loose my grip and the ruler would slide. Like that less that being able to turn. :)
Julie