I've tried to do that many times and I just don't seem to be able to. I don't think I get as good a look at what's going on by sitting and trying to cut. What I have done, though, is to put my cutting mat on my kitchen counter, which comes up to about waist high for me, and it works great. My back will still bother me a little, just from standing, however, it's so much better than trying to bend over and cut. Hope this helps.