Extra Large Cutting Mat
 

I would like to purchase a cutting mat 40x60. I have searched with varying results. I know there are some out there that are death to rotary cutters and that do not hold up to use. Quilters Select does not make a mat that large. I have been told that there is a white mat that is not a good one but I have no idea which one. Martelli makes a large one, but I have a smaller Martelli and I'm not that in love with it. Do any of you have recommendations based on your personal use? Thanks for any input.

I forgot to ask about the Horn cutting mats made for the Horn tables. Anyone have one of the mats?

I have one a white one that covers my table. It's about 60" long. I got it at Tuesday Mornings years ago. It's still in very good shape. I think it is Sullivan's. It hasn't hurt my rotary cutter blades The surface the mat (any kind) lays on is important. A surface that has any give in it will be nothing but trouble.

Make sure the numbers are easy to read and work with for your cutting habits. I don't like a cluttered look on mats.

I just use two of the 24 X 35 inch matts butted up side by side....if you make sure that they are butted up, I don't have any problems cutting across them....they fit on my 6 foot table nicely. The only time I use both of them is when I trim the edges off of a quilt when I take it off the long arm....and I really don't even need it then as my arms are not that long when making a cut....the 6 foot table just helps to keep most of the quilt on the table.....I will sometimes use both ends when cutting backings to size....but often I just fold the fabric so everything fits on the table and cut through multiple layers....I don't really see the advantage of a huge mat.

I bought mine at joannes with a coupon, it is a white one, the one on my table now is about 12 years old- it replaced the one I had that was about 15 years old. It’s the same kind that my LQS uses- so they withstand a lot of cutting. Mine does have a few areas that are getting a little worn but I think I will still get a few years out of it. It gets used daily- lots!

Years and years ago, when I was still young and flexible, I had a table 36" wide with approp mat. I'm tall and I couldn't reach far enough to control the material and cut at the same time. Now I use 24" and walk around. If the quilt is really wide, it goes on the dining room table with 2 lg portable mats. I just don't need it that often and it takes up too much space.

Now you still want/need a wide table and mat, I think I'd ask the LQS what they use.

I have a spare big white mat that was given to me. I couldn't find a place to store it flat that wasn't an eyesore so I put it under the other one on the cutting table. I have my Quilter's Select on top of those two. LOL My cutting table is thick and sturdy to support the mats with no give.

My friend Cindi ordered a mat from a company called SpeedPress a few years ago. If I remember correctly, it was a custom size. She's been pretty happy with it. They make cutting mats for framers and artists, and the mats are designed for heavy-duty blade and cutter abuse. I'll ask her to pop in and update on how it's holding up after all this time.

mine is: Megamat
Quilters Rule
www.guilyer.com
1-800-343-8371

Yes, I ordered it from SpeedPress, pretty sure about 8 years ago. It’s called the Magic Cutting Mat. It was custom-cut to the size I needed (about 72 x 45) at no extra charge. It’s been a fantastic cutting mat for me.
http://www.speedpress.com/products/2/2

When I wanted to upgraded my cutting table I searched for one to fit the table I had and couldn't find one so enlarged the table to fit the cutting mat I could find out there. Got one called Alvin Green that's green on 1 side and black on the other side. Both sides have markings on them, its self-healing and 4 x 8. Comes rolled up so will take a little bit of tiime to relax but I love mine and have had it for a number of years now with no complaints. Here's the website I went to.

www.gwjcompany.com

I bought my extra large mat at JAF 15+ years ago when one of their stores was closing near me. I got it for a great price so I grabbed it up at 75% off. As time has gone on I have to use it on the floor now because I can't reach across it. I use it mostly to trim a full quilt and square things up. I keep a standard size on my cutting counter.

Oh Snooze I searched and the Alvin Company is out of business :(

I checked this out. Backordered not in stock at this point.

If you order a specific size they are not considered backordered. They don’t make it until you buy it. Other standard sizes may be listed as backordered. Call them. They’re really nice and helpful.

I have a white one that I got from Joann's. It's about 34" x 60". I"ve had it for years and I haven't found that it dulls my rotary cutter blades. I got it with a 50% off coupon so the price was very reasonable.

So sorry to hear that, sure glad I got my mat when I did but it looks like a company called Speedpress is still in business. I did find my markings are not correct as I went along the length of it. Haven't checked the black side if its the same so I use a ruler when I go over anything past 12 inches in length just to be safe.

Cutting mat
 

I have a Sew/ Fit heavy duty mat that is 40 x 72 and it's 20 years old and still in really good shape. I think keeping them clean is very important to making them last. Also, if I am cutting small pieces for a quilt, I put a smaller mat on top and cut on it. So, I only use the large mat for cutting garments out. I have a custom made cutting table, so this mat just stays on top of it all the time. I love it.