What size cutting mat should i start with? I'm very new to quilting and just trying to get some basic gear together to try a beginners quilt. 12X9 12X18 18X24 or 24X36?

Personally I prefer the 18x24 or the 24x36. You have to take into consideration what size your work space is, whether or not you need to store it, storage space, etc.
I also like an even smaller one or the 12x12 turning one to take to classes. They're about the same as rulers, bigger ones are great but so are the smaller ones depending on where you're using them and the size of what you're working with.
As long as it's big enough to do what you want and small enough not to be clumsy you should be fine.

I am also a new quilter and I started off with a Fiskers' beginning quiting set I got from Joann's Fabrics.

It has an 18 x 24" cutting mat, a 6 1/2 x 24" ruler, and a 45mm rotary cutter.

If you buy the set when they have the 40-50% off coupons, you will only pay between $25 and $30.00 for the whole set.
I have never had any reason to use a larger mat, but have only been quilting for a few months. For the price it is a good start.

I just checked online, the regular price is $47.99.

im thinking that i wont be making blocks bigger than 12" so maybe i can get by with 18X24?

Joe,
Remember its not so much the size block as the size of the fabric to be cut. I find it much easier to layout my fabric on the larger mats so I can strip cut. I don't like to cut through more than 2-4 layers at once, as a waviness can occur in your strips. My board, I believe, is 24 x36. I do have smaller ones that I used when I belonged to a guild, once I already strip cut the fabric though.

Does this make sense?

Your actual blocks may not be over 12 inches, but don't forget that you'll need to cut bindings also. Raptureready is right though, it depends on how much room you have and how much you can afford. Personally speaking I would go for the largest one.

I love my big 36x24 mat! :D

thanks you've all given me a lot to think about

alway get the biggest mat you can afford. i bought a small when when i first started, woo, what a pain. Used a 50% coupon at Joan or hancocks and got the 36 inch one. What a difference.

But remember, we can all make do with a little less if it is all we can afford. There are no rules, just new experiences. :)

18 X 24 would be my minimum... I have a 12 X 24 that is getting replaced this summer, it is BARELY big enough to square up a 12 in block.... you may not think you will make this size blocks now, but in the future there may be a pattern that really grabs your attention :wink: If you have the room and can afford it, bigger is better in this case :D:D:D

I have different sizes, but if you have room for a big mat, buy it!

Thelarger mats are great when it comes to cutting boarders and squaring off the quilts. Think beyoud the block size, to the finishing..:)

The 18x24 is a great place to start, don't go smaller. As your quilting interest develops, so will your knowledge in buying what you need. Stick with quilting and you'll probably end up with a 24x36 mat as well.
My recommendation is that you stick with Olfa mats as they are long-lasting and good quality.

I have an 18 x 24. I also got the quilter's beginner kit almost 8 years ago. I still have the same 18 x 24 inch mat. Sometimes, when I'm squaring up whole stripped rows or cutting off the excess batting after it's quilted, it seems too small. For the most part, it fits all of my needs.

I think it's a good, midsize, mat to start with. I got mine with a 6 1/2 x 24 ruler and a 45mm cutter. I still use them all regularly.

I like the larger cutting mats so I don't have to fold my fabrics so much to cut a strip from selvage to selvage. I tend to end up with the dreaded "v" in my strips if I have to double fold them. I use the 24"x36" most of the time at home. I have other sizes and use them when I have a lot of fabric spread out.

By the biggest size you can afford and a mat two sizes smaller. It's better to have too much mat room then not enough.

I use an "18" square that rotates and it has been very helpful. Good luck and I know you will enjoy quilting

Start with the largest you can find/afford. You're gonna want to update real soon if you b uy a small one. And get a green self healing mat too. It will last a lot longer than the other ones.

joann.com has a green olfa 24X36 for $50 but they have a 50% off coupon so that makes it $30 with shipping. Seems like a good price.

if you work with small pieces of fabric (fq's, or less) a small one is fine, if you work with yardage, purchase the largest one to fit your cutting table and you can afford. remember, when a (woodworker) purchases tools they purchase the best quality, most expensive they can afford at the time. all are not created equal, the one i paid $60 for has held up for 6+ years, the one i picked up for $15 lasted about 3 months...

I bought both of my Olfa 23 x 35 with coupons many, many, many years ago. I used to sew alot of clothes and I needed the length for slacks and shirts. Back then they were only about $35 each without a coupon (I'm really dating my mats - :oops: ). You should get the biggest mat you can afford. Use your dinner table as you work surface and you don't have to worry about it hanging over. Before I had a designated cutting table I used to store mine flat against the wall behind a desk or bookcase. Just don't store it next to a heat source as they will warp.

Buy the biggest one you can afford. Also, don't stand them on end when you're not using them as the larger ones, especially, will bend. I keep my largest one flat on the floor under my bed. I also have a very convenient one that folds up; the ruler side is 12x24, the other side is an ironing surface. It's really handy when you're putting pieces together.

The larger, the better. It's good to have a smallish one too, however, so that you can take it along if you go someplace else to sew; i.e., classes, charity quilting.

I have a 17" x 23" mat I use for cutting, trimming and squaring up blocks and a 24" x 36" for cutting fabric on my cutting table.

I just started quilting a few months ago and it was suggested to me that I buy the 18X24 olfa mat because when you are cutting strips they will be about 22" long when folded over.

I think it was great advice so I am passing it on! And be sure to use a Joanns coupon :)

I bought a smaller mat to start with & it has been a pain from day one. Trust me you need a bigger one in the long run because it's just easier to cut on. I sliced a hole in my tablecloth & scratched my table one day because my mat was too small. Arghh! I had ignored the advice of several people who told me just spring for the bigger one. Hope this helps.

Having taken over the dining room table for cutting, the Joann's 36x60 is a good base on which to work and cut lengths of fabric. I find however that the large mat frequently does not completely cut through all threads consistently. I have a smaller 24 x something that cuts much better and has the advantage that I don't have to turn the piece to recut, but rather can rotate the whole mat.

I would say get what you can afford to start with, you can always go bigger later. I like my big one the best, but use the small one to.Penny

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!

I have a 24 x 18" - it fits my cutting table - as well as a smaller rotating mat. When I need to square up a large quilt, I set up a couple of large folding tables (I don't do well on the floor anymore!). Bought those sizes at the recommendation of teacher of my first quilting class.

In my opinion, get the largest mat that your cutting area will allow, for all the same reasons everyone else has given.

and/or the largest you can afford. if you plan to work while you travel, you might also want one small one to take along, but that can come later.

sorry, horsestitcher already said some of that.

I have got all of the three mpeters mentioned... but seeing you asked... I wish I had got the largest size mat... the one I have is OK and I wouldn't go any smaller than that but go for the biggest and you will never regret it...

I have the 24"x36" and the 18"x24" and use them both.....

Usually leave the smaller of the two out on the table all the time, ready at any moment when the urge strikes.

I also found a 6"x18" mat at a "trash & treasure" stand at a quilt show for $1.00, and I love it......so convenient to carry along to a class.

But as the other ladies mentioned, when cutting larger pieces of fabric, the larger the mat, the better.

MJ

I agree with everyone about getting the biggest mat you can afford and accommodate in your sewing space. In addition to the mat I use for cutting, I use a 24" x 36" mat under my sewing machine so I can "fix" things without having to get up.

That said, there is a mathematical approach to picking mats and rulers. NO, DON'T RUN AWAY SCREAMING!!! Just joking.

Most quilt fabric is 42" to 44" wide; that makes it, off the bolt, folded over, 21" to 22" wide. If you want to cut a strip or, just square off the end, it's nice to have a mat that is at least, top to bottom, 22 inches. As for side-to-side, the board's width can affect how stable it is when cutting, stable as in not slipping on the table.

So, as many have already suggested, I think a large 24" x 36" mat is great for home and, if you can afford it, a 12" rotating mat for when you're squaring blocks. But, a 18" x 24" mat is great for taking to class (it also fits most pre-made quilting supply organizer bags). As for rulers, again because of fabric width, a 6" x 24" is invaluable!!! The next size down, 5" x 12"(?), is also very handy when piecing. Finally, a 12.5" square ruler is great for **squaring** blocks.

Hope this helps. At a recent class, I sat next to a newbie who was struggling with a 6" x 18" mat and 12" ruler. It was too painful watching her. Told her to use my mat & ruler -- she was a much happier camper after that!

Anybody have any experience with fiskars mats? Walmart has a 24" x 36" for $27

i have a 42/60 and it's still not big enough. but i love it just the same.

24 x 36 you will alway's need a bigger one at some point...
You may want a smaller one sometime later to trim points or if you do PaperPiecing...
Welcome to the quilting world
ConnieF

Thanks I'm eager to get started but still gathering materials got a cutter coming 3 rulers think im gonna get the 24X36 fiskars from walmart. getting closer can't wait to start.

hi there. i have all sizes, for everything i need but i still like my big mat. i sew off to the right side of it and it fits my table like a glove, but i take a smaller one to class. do what you feel best for you. you'll like it better, what ever makes you happy. have a good time........