Rotating mats vs just turning small mat around
 

I don't know why I even consider getting a rotating mat...for years I have just always kept a couple smaller mats near by, and just turn them around when cutting squares. If the block is to be smaller than the ruler, I just turn the fabric around.

However, I have wondered are there advantages to have the base under the mat. Has anyone else went from just turning a small mat around to a rotating mat? Did you think it was money well spent or money wasted?

I like my rotating mat. Have had it for years it is flat to the table, and square. I think I got it at Joann's paid maybe $25 for it with a coupon.. When trying to just turn a small mat it seemed I always moved the fabric and had to realign everything. I did try one of the new round rotating mats. Did not care for it, seemed set to high off table and had a small lip that got in my way. Way over priced for me.

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Originally Posted by Gramie bj (Post 7415484)

I like my rotating mat. Have had it for years it is flat to the table, and square. I think I got it at Joann's paid maybe $25 for it with a coupon.. When trying to just turn a small mat it seemed I always moved the fabric and had to realign everything. I did try one of the new round rotating mats. Did not care for it, seemed set to high off table and had a small lip that got in my way. Way over priced for me.

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You answered an unasked question...I wondered about the round ones, and noticed the one I was looking at said it had a lip...I was wondered if it would get in the way! And I also thought it seemed high off the table. I didn't asked because I thought I was already trying to explain too much. LOL

I bought one at a quilt show, it was a good deal. But I rarely use it. Every so often I think about getting rid of it, but think the minute I do I will want to do a fussy cut quilt so it stays under the other square rulers.

Mine was a gift and i love it. don't know about any lips ;-) I think you know the answer to your question. Your way works just as well.

I got a small rotating mat a few years ago, back when they first became available. I didn't care much for it because it seemed to have a high center, and when I cut, the edges of the mat moved down to the table and my cuts were off. I stuck it in a box somewhere.

One of my cutting mats is a 12" square, when I need to rotate it, I just put it on a piece of plywood that is about 18" square, make my cut, then rotate the plywood.

I have one but must admit I use it rarely because I don't very often have the need to rotate. It does work well when I use it. 91/2" blocks were my last attempt at squaring on the mat did an excellent job.
not sure about saying buy one, as I could have just used a smallest mat and rotated it on my larger mat.

I have a small 8" one, got it at Walmart a few years ago. Got it just to try it out to see if I wanted to invest in a large one. I love it and use it all the time. Never saw the need for a larger one. Start with a small one like I did and for $6-8, you'll know whether you like the rotating ones better!

I like my alot.
Bought two of them at Walmart.

I have one of the square ones. I love it and use it a lot. Keeps everything lined up nicely, I manage much more accurate cuts. I use it next to my machine when paperpiecing too.

I have one of the 12" square rotating Olfa mats. Picked it up at JAF with a coupon as well. I like it particularly for trimming HST's - which I seem to use alot of when making my quilts. Had I thought about it and had a smaller mat, I could have easily just rotated one of those. But this one spins easily; doesn't wobble and didn't break the bank.

I have the small rotating mat but I use my 8x10 mat instead. For me, the mat works better.

I have 2. I have a 12X18 Olfa that I bought at Lee Wards, so you know how old that one is. It's particle board, very sturdy and weighs a ton. I use it all the time. Olfa no longer makes this one, although I have seen them at quilt shows. I also have a 10x10 (Beba) that I use when squaring up HSTs it is also heavy & sturdy, made out of thick acrylic. They both have ball bearing lazy susan type bases. They have a lip, but the mat is thicker so you don't run into it. It just keeps the mat from moving.

I have always just moved a smaller mat and that works for me. The mats will eventually wear out and from what I understand, there are no replacement mats for them.

My cutting table sits in the middle of the room, so I just walk around to the other side. I've been tempted to buy a rotating mat, but I think it's just because I'm addicted to quilting tools.

I have a 17" x17" Olfa one that I like a lot. I don't use it often but when I need it it's a big help. It was a gift from my DD & she used a coupon to get it for me.

I have a square 12 x12 Olfa bought with a coupon from JA a few years ago - the mat is thick and rotates easily. I haven't used it much but when I do I really like it - I should use it more often.

It makes cutting easier and I don't have to move or realign the fabric. My cuts are smooth and accurate :)

I have considered getting a larger one - maybe in the New Year :)

Oh, I think I have that addiction, too, but I have really tried to curtail it...the only reason I consider this is I sometimes bump the smaller mat into something when turning it.

I just read the replies to this...I am still so undecided. I know I like gadgets, but I do try to really think things through any more. So, I may just put this on the back burner for a while.

I did not know this...this is one of the reasons I am just going to put it on the back burner for a while. That much money would buy a lot of fabric, or buy a couple nice battings.

My son got me one for Christmas last year. I was excited because it was a neat new toy. But honestly, I have not used it hardly at all. Maybe I need to get in the habit of using it more??? or maybe the way I have been working is just fine. I know I am no help, but I would probably put that money on some nice fabric or thread :)

Mine is an old Elna one. I can replace the mat. It's heavy and doesn't tilt or move unless I want it to. The mat fits in the turntable with no lip. It's a big rectangle one so I can cut strips. I was expensive a the time but I've had it for many years. I have two of the square Olfa ones. I have one in my travel sewing supplies and one on my ironing board.

I have a 12" one and really like it. No lips to smack if I get upset but has helped me a lot.

I have two rotating ones but tend to forget that! STill they can come in handy.

I have a 12" Olfa which it really hard to turn. I use it, but just turn the whole thing in the direction I need.

I have one and don't use it often. I got it as a gift. If what you are doing is working for you, why change it. I would think turning a small mat would be just as easy as turning a small mat on a turntable...

I have one of the Olfa rotating mats. I use it when squaring blocks.
Is it worth the cost? Not really. A small mat would do just fine and
a lot cheaper.

I just found a mat that fit a lazy susan and I use that. Works for me!

I have the Martelli rotating mat and love it! I use it frequently. It turns on ball bearings, so the turn is very smooth and it does come apart when I am trying to turn it like I have experienced with my square one. I also have the top for it that you can iron on. I know it is expensive, but I really recommend it. And this one does not have a lip around the edge - it is even all around.

I have two one is 12" the other 18" or thereabouts.

Love them and use them a lot.

I tend to cut big and trim, especially when making hst.

Perfect for squaring up.

I've been looking for a lazy Susan for this purpose whenever I visit thrift shops.

I don't use mine except when I am working on small pieces like 2 to 3"...I am doing Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt and have really used my rotating mat to square the blocks...I really find it helps just to turn the mat instead of having to lift it up and replace it on a table.

Ditto! I had purchased a 12-inch rotating mat about a year ago but had tucked it away... now that I am working on Bonnie's mystery quilt and had to trim 290 HST's and then 80 decapitated flying geese... it is getting a lot of use and we're bonding beautifully. :p

I have the square one also....love it. Just flipping it around saves save me time instead of having to lift it and reposition it again.

I have had one for several years. Remembered it yesterday when I was squaring up a lot of blocks. Only problem was that I found myself still moving the fabric rather than the mat. LOL

Peckish, this is a great idea....thanks!!

My rotating cutting mat is a Fiskers 13 inch. There are 13 inches marked on the top and it has a border around that of about one half inch. I don't know why anyone would buy one smaller than that. You can trim a 12.5 inch block on it, and it can be used for smaller blocks, too.

These mats are not meant to be used to make long cuts. Use your regular flat mats for that. But they work slick for trimming any size block from 12.5 on down.

My only problem with it is: I need to keep enough room around it to turn it around. Sometimes my area is so "junky" that I have to clear a few things away in order to use it.

Same here. I use a small one fairly often on my ironing table where I sit to press blocks and cake small cuts.


QUOTE=mawluv;7415556]I have a small 8" one, got it at Walmart a few years ago. Got it just to try it out to see if I wanted to invest in a large one. I love it and use it all the time. Never saw the need for a larger one. Start with a small one like I did and for $6-8, you'll know whether you like the rotating ones better![/QUOTE]

I have a small one that's 6 1/2 inches. I use it when I'm squaring up 1/2 square triangles and love it for that purpose.

I have both the large square and the round Martelli. Use them both and love them.