Cutting Mat
 

Does anyone own/use one of those green, self-healing, folding cutting mats? I found 2 different sized mats at my local shop and wanted to know if they were worth the expense?

It sounds like you are looking at the Olfa mats. That happens to be my favorite brand, but I would buy it from Joann's with a 40% off coupon. Walmart sells them too. But it is always nice to support the local quilt shops.

I prefer the Omnigrid mats that are sold only online at JAF. They are much thicker that the Olfa mats.

I think the reason for getting the folding mats is that they fold. (Well, duh!) So is there a reason that you want a folding mat, e.g. easier to store or take to classes? If not, I can't see any advantage, and am skeptical that they will last as long or perform as well as a non-folding mat. But I don't have any first-hand experience with them.

Jo Anns is not a local quilt shop.

She is referring to the original post.

I have the green folding mat. Mostly I use it for classes. The only problem is the "fold". When I rotary cut over it, the fabric needs a snip right where the fabric was on that part. Other than that, it's a nice mat.

Thank you! I was hoping they were worth the investment. Then I saw the at a discount price in both sizes and now am rethinking WHY were they on clearance?

I have the larger of the new Olfa folding mats (I had the old one and sliced the seam, repaired it with duct tape). I just finished cutting 6" strips and squares and loved it. (I bought it to take to class, but it is convenient to cut with on the kitchen bar since the sewing room is still a work in progress). I got it for 50% off from JoAnn's online.