For regular cutting I would also recommend the 24"x36" mat. I also have a 12"x18" mat that I keep by my sewing machine for cutting blocks for machine embroidery and other trimming needs. I must say though that I have just recently started on this quilting adventure and purchased a 12" square rotating mat at Jo-Ann's last week when the Fiskars products were 50% off and love it for squaring up my blocks. It is wonderful being able to keep the block and ruler on the mat and just turn the mat to trim the sides of the blocks. There is so much less chance for me to bump the block and really mess things up!