pumpkinpatchquilter

You know what, I have a small rotating mat. I thought I'd love it, but I kind of find that it's a pain! Maybe another brand would be better? Mine is Fiscars brand - I picked it up at a quilt show for something like $12. I thought I would love it for paper piecing...for trimming small blocks with LOTS of pieces right at the machine...but to be honest I prefer just a plain old little mat. The way mine turns is it's a mat that sets into a base. It's not bulky or anything, but I think what irritates me most is it isn't fixed in the base, it pulls apart and I'm afraid with one clumsy move I'll cut my finger off because I shifted the top! LOL* I'm a clutz after all. Everyone is different though - I'd say if it sounds useful try it out. A lot of people love them!

Toni C

I have my big mat as a base and use a smaller one on top to rotate.Maybe I'm to hard a cutter but my rotating one tilts slightly when I'm cutting and messes me up. When using a small one make sure to spread fingers wide and have at least one finger on the base mat. Don't know why but that seems to keep everything still for me even though I know my pinky finger doesn't have much power LOL

quiltstringz

I agree with QuiltinNan, I think getting a small regular mat works just as well as the rotating one

quiltmom04

I DO just use a small mat and rotate it. I have tried to like rotating mats because I love a new "tool", but I don't. I have found that the ones that are smooth enough to rotate easily when you move it, will also move when you cut. If it holds right when you cut, it won't rotate easily and you might just as we'll have a stationary mat. Then again, I have friends who love them. Go figure.

QuiltingNancy

I have the Martelli rotating mat and I highly recommend it.

nygal

I feel the same. I have a big mat that almost covers my whole cutting table and then read about the rotating mats and decided to get one. I use it when I am cutting smaller pieces of fabric and it is a nice helper when needed.

BellaBoo

LOL! I have you all beat! I have a rotating mat on top of a rotating mat. I have the Elna hard base rotating mat that is 12 x 18. I use my Olfa small rotating mat on top of that. Why? I don't know but it works great. I posted pics of the mats before. The Elna isn't made anymore. It is sturdy, does't tip on the ends and the mat is easy to replace.
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Grace MooreLinker

I love the rotating one for squaring my blocks, faster and I don't have to move the fabric.

gollytwo

I have the 14" and rarely use it. I buy a 7" fiscar rotating mat at Joanns and use it daily - about $7 with a coupon.

vickig626

Because of the cost, I used to use a small mat and turn it and it worked fine. But, then ran across a good sale for a small rotating mat and thought I'd give it a try. I absolutely loved it!! It just seemed so much more convenient. So, when Joann's had the 60% off coupon, I went ahead and got the 14" Fiskars rotating mat. It has a rubber backing so it doesn't slip.