Rotating Cutting Mat
 

Do any of you use rotating cutting mats. I think they would be useful

Yes I do have one and it is very handy.

I had one and wore it out. I need to get another one as they are very nice when trimming scraps.

I use mine often, great for squaring up blocks

i use mine only seldomly. I find that my smaller cutting mat (12x18) is easier just to spin around on the table when needed. same concept only smoother.

I made from a little lazy susan brought at garage sale and an old cutting mat that was no longer usable in the middle. Contact cement and it works like a dream

I'm like you, LAF2019!
I do the same ... just work with a smaller mat that let's me move it around.

Haven't yet figured out the "why" of a "real" rotating mat?
Maybe someone can enlighten me?
Please? and Thanks!

I bought one to use in class and love it for that as it's nice to be able to do trim ups, etc I only wish I'd bought a little bit bigger one (like 15 or 18")

Have one and swear by it, it's fantastic to keep next to my sewing machine. Mine is 6 x 6in. and it worked great when I was working on auditioning the block for my niece's Jagged X quilt and it was a lifesaver when I was working on my sister's DWR. They're invaluable in my book and I do intend on getting a bigger one this year.

I have one and I love it. I make scrappies so it works wonderfully for small pieces. Actually, I am now using my second one!

My 1st rotating mat wouldn't take on the bottom section most of the time so I wouldn't use it much. Then at a quilt retreat I saw a round one, mine had been square. It was a Martinelli rotating mat that came with a pressing mat too. I knew anything Martinelli was expensive so decided to keep my eye on their sales. Just my luck, the next week after the retreat Martinelli was having a sale and I scooped up that rotating mat in a hurry. Love, love, love it. PLus its a self-healing mat too. Well made and should last me my lifetime if I take good care of it.

I have the large Martelli Roundabout and it's great. It is sturdy and the mat is martelli quality. It's big enough for a large block to be trimmed. I had the square ones before, they were flimsy and kept coming apart when turned. If you find a sale be sure it is the full set of mat and turntable and sometimes the ironing pad will be included.

I have 3. All different sizes. Love the smallest for keeping in my travel bag. The other 2 are great to grab when trimming blocks next to the machine. The largest doesn't get much use but it is nice to have when trimming larger blocks.

I looked at them closely for my Christmas list...but at the end I could not justify almost $40 when I could achieve the same results with a small matt that I pickup and turn.
The small matt does not replace my regular large cutting matt. That one get the biggest you can find afford and store.

I have the Matilda rotating cutting mat...it's so smooth. When I have to square up clocks it's a god send to me...would hate to be without it.

I have one but don't use it very often but when I do use it-it is nice to have.

I had one a few years ago and it was the most annoying thing in my house (other than the teenagers 🤣). It didn't seem to have a hard enough, flat enough surface to cut completely. I always ended up with skips, and it wasn't the blade. I did as previous posters - purchased a small 6x6 mat and just turn it as needed on my table. It spins very easily.

I have couple. Wore the yellow off of one. Think it was Fisckar's Contacted them and they sent a replacement free of charge. Just had to send a photo to prove the damage.

I have and love the Martelli. Also got one for my sister when they were half price. I'm not sure they have their big half price sales anymore though.

I have been thinking about buying one so will be watching this closely. Next trip on amazon to buy.

I have 2...green Omnigrid and gray Fiskars". Both 6" and love them both. Omnigrid in a circle and Fiskar" square. Depending what color I'm trimming determines which mat I use.

It took my 16" Martelli Roundabout to a retreat. Several quilters used it and each ordered one before the retreat was over. The square rotating mats were always on our guild free table. Last meeting we had there were two of them. No one took them so they were donated. I know for sure as I am/was free stuff chair.

I'm really glad I read this thread. I've been looking at rotating cutting mats to purchase. I would love to buy a Martelli mat, but, gosh, they are pricey! The advantage is the mat is replaceable so maybe in the long run it's worth it. One thing for sure.. I want to get a round one. Several times I've heard people complain about the instability of the square ones. Makes sense to me. I visualize two squares twisted as diamonds in opposing directions and see corners unsupported. (If that makes sense. Lol).

Another option I've considered is making my own, as someone else mentioned. Find a lazy Susan and glue a mat on top. That appeals to the "I made that" said side of me. Lol.

I have one & is most used when I square up 12" blocks. I love it.

I have always went by this: When you buy an item that lasts and does the job each time then you forget what it cost. When you buy a non quality item that breaks or never does the job right you never forget what you paid for it.

I have a Mathilda that I keep to the left of my sewing machine. It's really handy in that spot.
My first one was square and it went in the donation box as soon as I got my round one.
My Mathilda was bought when Craftsy used to have fantastic sales. I also got 2 Supreme sliders for cheap.

I like mine a lot.

I miss the Craftsy sales. I wish I had bought more. LOL

I have an Omnigrid and I love it. It's wearing out, so it's time to buy a new one.

Great advice Onebyone.

Isn't that the truth? :) ...... today, I needed a new frypan and with our current lockdown, I can't do my normal store visit to check and compare the umpteen options. Called one of the nearby small stores with curbside pickup. Had a delightful chat with the paint counter person! Pulled the three different ones in stock and told me which one she used and why. Sold!!!! Easy Peasy .... more than I normally would pay, but her guarantee of satisfaction with home-abuse of the same brand, told me I would be happy to pay the extra.

I have rotating mats that I love/use but I also have a 12" square mat that I use as a rotating mat if blocks that I'm squaring up are larger than 6.5".

Thanks for your help. I bought an OmniGrid 14 inch. I also bought a half square triangle ruler. Today I used both to trim 40 half square triangles. I loved both! The half square triangle was marked in 1/2 inches and I needed 4 1/4 inch. I put a sharpie dot at the 4 1/4 spot and it was so easy.