Rotating cutting mat
 

For those of you that use the Olfa rotating cutting mat, what is your size preference-the 17" or the 12"?

Thank you, Kathy

hmm, I mostly use it for smaller pieces even though I have the larger mat. I don't think i would want to go down in size, though.

Thanks, Debra. I sure don't want to get a 12 and then wish it was a 17 so I'm still mulling it over. That post about what purchases you regret is making me double cautious.

I have the 12" and like it fine, but can't compare since I don't have the 17." I can see how the larger one would be nice. Hope you get more (helpful) answers.

Thanks for your input. I wish I could buy both Lol!

I have the 12 inch... I can't ever recall working on blocks larger than 12 inch... so the 12 inch suits my purposes.

I have a 12" and am happy with that.

Thanks, Lori. The 12 inch is what I'm leaning towards. I'm almost ready to put in my Cart. FabricDepot has a good price on it.

I have the 17" and don't think I'd want to downsize either. I've used it mostly for smaller blocks but I also do alot of BOM's at my LQS and they are almost always 12.5" blocks so the larger size is handy for that as well.

I have the 12" and I'm in a 12" block swap ... which means the darn blocks are 12.5" before I send them out, which means I can't use the turning mat for them.

So keep that in mind. If you plan on squaring up a 12" block remember it's a 12.5" block when you square it up!

I've been looking at these.. Do they lock into place? I was thinking I could use a small at on a lazy Susan for a small size. And then buy a 17".

I bought a small and wish I'd gone larger.

I have both sizes (50% Joann coupons). The small one is always out because mostly I'm squaring up HST's or smaller blocks, the larger one is under the bed unless needed. They don't lock into place, but I've never had one slip. I just love them!

I have both but I use the 17" one the most...fewer turns and less trouble.

Same here. I am constantly using the 17 inch. I bought the smaller one first; but soon realized I needed a larger one.

I bought the 12" and use it all time when I paper piece. I really want a 17" too. I'll get one with a 50% off at Joanns.

I have both and use them for different purposes. I like them both.

I've been wanting one and will definitely wait until I can afford the 17". I purchased a small regular mat than I really wanted and have regretted it many times. The extra $20.00 would have been well worth getting the larger one.

I have the 17. It works for smaller blocks and pieces as well as the larger. I figured that the 12 was very limited so I bought the larger one. I searched the internet and found a great price...I think it was equal to the 12.

Almost every block I make is 12 1/2" or larger so I bought the 17" mat. I'd find the 12" mat really limiting. If you only do smaller blocks and miniatures the smaller size would be fine.

I'd go for the 17". You can't use the 12" on 12.5" blocks to square up....

I have the 12 inch, and keep forgetting to use it when the occasion arises. Mind you, I haven't touched a quilt for nearly a year now, busy making purses and totes. However, I plan to get back into it by mid November, after the craft show I am participating in. Very handy for cutting small pieces like HST etc

I have both sizes. I seem to use the larger the most.

I've got the 12". It's all the store had when I bought mine. I don't think it rotates nicely so I don't rotate it at all anymore. It is the one that is next to my machine for paper piecing when I just need a quick slice.
Having said that... It isn't wearing as nicely as my big Fiskars mat. It doesn't appear to be very self healing and is looking really funky. It doesn't get a lot of use but it still looks terrible considering its age. I wish they could have used a better material in making it...

I have the 12" and rarely use it. I like the Fiscar 7" and use it every day.

I had the 12" and then bought the 17" on sale for $50 at Connecting Threads. Haven'r used it yet because I have been unmotivated to sew for more than a month. Am looking forward to using it though.

I have the 12". Wish I had bought the 17" instead.

I have both and I use both...so don't really hav an opinion of which I like better.

I have the 12in. and really love it. Of course, the bigger one might be better. Barb

I have the round Brooklyn Revolver and love it for smaller blocks. I also have the 17" Olfa for the bigger blocks (and it also worked well for cutting out the Spicy Spiral Table runner)

Well, I got anxious to order so I did order the 12 inch. Joann's is opening a new store near me (1 1/2 hrs away) text month so I'll buy a 17 inch later. Also, I'd like to see if I use the 12 inch first. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Kathy

Hi! I have the 12" rotating mat and I love the size - not too large and I normally do not make large blocks. On Fons and Porter on TV I noticed they do not use a rotating mat, they place a small mat on top of a larger mat and turn the smaller mat. I tried it and found it works about the same as the rotating mat. Try that before you spend your money.

I have the 12" and it has been fine for most things. I did a series of 15 1/2" Bento Blocks recently and it would have been nice to have the larger size for that - but that may be the only time I ever make anything that size.

I have the 12" and it fits on my sewing table beside my machine. The bigger one wouldn't.

I have both and use the larger one almost exclusively

The larger one.

I have the three-piece larger one from Martelli. It has the rotating part, a cutting mat that's gridded and a separate ironing pad. I really like it a lot. I purchased it during their 1/2 price sale.

I have the 12" and it's been large enough for anything I've needed it for, so far...

I have the 17" as well. I think it works better for me, 12 " would have been too small. 17" is more versatile.

I have both, but have used the 12" more when going to classes.