I am in the market for a new cutting mat. JoAnns sells June Taylor mats much cheaper than Olfa... am I paying for the Olfa name or is there really a difference. I have an 18x24 now... looking to get 24x36... any comments are appreciated. Quilter1234

Mine are all fiskars. I'm happy with them.

I read someone on here used an Alvin brand drafting mat. I bought one and I LOVE it! It is the best mat I have ever used. I have tried Fiskar's, June Tailor and Olfa and the Alvin one is far better. I bought it from Amazon. I believe the otehr lady who talked about it was able to buy it at a college book store. You could also try a drafting supply store.

It is so thick and it doesn't get the grooves like the other mats did. I love it!

Oh, they come in multiple sizes, too. Mine it 24" X 36".

I much prefer the Olfa to June Tailor.

I've got a Fiskars 24" x 36" and a June Taylor 18" x 24".

I bought them because they were the best priced matt at the time I was getting them. I've had them both for at least 4 or 5 years and both are in excellent shape - no indentations or tears. I'm a casual quilter (not everyday), so I can only speak from that point.

I'd say both of these brands are excellent choices. I've always made sure to have mine laying flat, so they don't warp.

Smell of it first. Mine still stinks after 3 weeks.

Can you lay some fabric dryer sheets on the stinky mat?...I think I would have returned it for a different one after one day.

Me too!

I have the blue one. Duraheal I think! I like it!!!

Oh, believe me I have tried most everything. I got it on sale and didn't want to pay the price for the olfa mat. I suspect they all smell if they are the self healing kind. I put it in the closet with the well pump for the holidays hoping it would clear up; nope still smells.