I am brand new to "trying" to quilt and have been cutting fabric on a cutting mat on my kitchen table and I have to take frequent breaks because leaning over so much is a little hard on the back. How do others cut without this problem? Taller cutting area maybe?

If that is the only place you have to cut, I would recommend getting some bed risers and it will at least raise your table another 5 to 8 inches by putting under the legs of the table , if that is possible..

Well, I don't know bout others but I have a table my hubby built for me that is 4'x8' and 36" high that I use now. It helps tremendously!! I used to cut on the dining room table too, for years. grrr! I know your pain all to well. lol. What I do is try to do all my cutting in one day for a project. That way when I am done, I can rest and start sewing the next day. Think .. take your pain all at once type of thing. Good luck to ya though! It is worth it in the end.

I bought some white plastic pipes that plumber use and they cut them to size I requested at Lowe's.They slip right onto the legs of my sewing table. pab

could you possibly place your cutting mat on your ironing board. Maybe a bread board under the mat to make it more firm.

I cut on a white folding table. I just take my time and cut , when my back gets tired, I just move around or do something else. Maybe stretch some. I do not go asfast as most, but Piecing for me, is to relax. So I try and not hurry....

I usually just use the kitchen or dining room table. I also like to reward myself with a cup of coffee and a break so I suppose that is why I don't rush like I used to but I enjoy it more.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will definately try some of them. I kinda figured since I am only 5' 1" the kitchen table would work, but found out different.

Your kitchen counter would work out better, height wise for you than the table if you don't have a regular cutting table.

Another option if you have the room - is cut on your kitchen counter tops.

Another option is to sit in a adjustable height chair, where you may not be leaning over as much.

Take frequent breaks and do some stretching and reaching in the opposite direction to loosen tight muscles.
Try to notice if you are tensing up muscles you don't normally use when cutting.
If the muscle pain is really bad, a heating pad for short periods of time might help.

Hope you find some helpful ideas here on this site. Don't give up!