We had this discussion in another thread, but you can cover just the shape(s) on a die you are using with a mat. Said another way, you don't have to completely cover the die with a mat. I saw Sharon Pedersen demo this technique in a video. Sharon is a talented author and designer who has designed dies for Accuquilt ("Rose of Sharon"). Sharon used the pieces from a mat that fell apart to cover just the portion of the die she wanted to use. IMHO, this is a great way to get extra mileage out of your mats. Love that Accuquilt!