Best cutting mat & where to buy?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 73
Best cutting mat & where to buy?
I am in the market for a new self-healing cutting mat, probably 24" by 36". Of course, cost is an issue. My questions:
1. What brand do you recommend?
2. What company do you recommend for purchase?
3. Is it really better to buy self-healing?
Thanks for the benefit of your experience! :-)
1. What brand do you recommend?
2. What company do you recommend for purchase?
3. Is it really better to buy self-healing?
Thanks for the benefit of your experience! :-)
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
I think Crafty may have meant Olfa cutting mat. I swear by the Olfa myself. Wait until you can get a 50% off coupon at JoAnnes or Hobby Lobby and get it then. I have the 24 x 36 size and when I checked walmart on line, I did not see them offering that size.
I did have a fiskars one but it didn't seem to last as long and some of the other brands seem to dull the rotary blades prematurely. so I stick with Olfa which has never caused me problems, other than the horrible smell when they are brand new. That goes away after a few days/weeks.
I did have a fiskars one but it didn't seem to last as long and some of the other brands seem to dull the rotary blades prematurely. so I stick with Olfa which has never caused me problems, other than the horrible smell when they are brand new. That goes away after a few days/weeks.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,401
I have 2 Olfa mats. Both are about 25 years old and still going strong. I can't say the best place to buy - one was from Joann's when they were having a terrific sale. The other one I got in a starter quilting kit. I was told they last longer if you soak them in water from time to time. I did one, because it fit in the sink, I don't have a big enough place for the other one. I do have a white mat - believe it is from Dritz, not sure. A friend bought it because she uses her kitchen table, it was large, a great price, however storage was a problem for her so gave it to me.
You definitely want a self-healing mat, your blades last a LOT longer with them.
You definitely want a self-healing mat, your blades last a LOT longer with them.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
I have two Olfas, both 12x18 -- one is blue, the other is purple. I have an 18x24 Fiskars that is yellow on one side and lavendar on the other side. And I have another Olfa that is blue and 24x36 that stays on my cutting table. I also have a blue 6x9, two of the cutting/pressing combinations (one large, one small), and one 8x8 rotating cutting mat. What can I say -- I'm a gadget junkie.
Definitely get a self-healing mat. As quiltingcandy said, it is easier on the blades, and your mat will last longer.
You can look at art supply sites, which also carry self-healing mats. Sometimes they are cheaper than buying from a quilting site.
Definitely get a self-healing mat. As quiltingcandy said, it is easier on the blades, and your mat will last longer.
You can look at art supply sites, which also carry self-healing mats. Sometimes they are cheaper than buying from a quilting site.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,384
I was in Tuesday Mornings yesterday and there were two sizes of very high quality self healing cutting mats, the kind used by draftsman and crafters who use the blade knife. The largest was $15. I have over a dozen mats, some never used and just did not need one! At that price you could buy two to make one giant one. Great buy.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I have 2 Olfa mats and am very happy with them. The last one I bought was a big one (36x48?) and Amazon had the best price at that time--about $45 if I recall right. I just store them flat under my sofa on the floor as I don't have a dedicated cutting table.
#9
Olfa mats are my favorite. Wait for a sale at JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts and buy it then. Or print a 40% coupon off Hobby Lobby's website and purchase it there (provided there's one where you live).
As for size, I recommend getting the largest one your table top can accommodate and that you can afford.
As for size, I recommend getting the largest one your table top can accommodate and that you can afford.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gale
Main
21
11-17-2018 12:00 AM
AntBird
Main
24
01-08-2012 01:16 PM