I'm going to disagree with getting the 17 x 17 rotating mat. That's the one I have (along with and 8 inch one) and I wish I had gotten the 12 x 12. My reason is I am usually sitting at my machine when I am using it, and the 17 inch one takes up a little too much space. The 8 inch one is too small for some pieces. I think the 12 inch one would fit better. To each his own!