cutting mats
 

Interested in getting a new cutting mat. What is your favorite and why?

I don't have a favorite, but I can tell you that you should not get one of those big translucent white ones from JoAnn fabrics. At least, not for rotary cutting on. It'll dull your blades practically in an instant. They're good for covering the surface of your cutting table, though, and will allow you to straighten up your yardage for cutting with scissors.

My favorite is Olfa...the ones I have had have lasted many years. I also have a June Tailor mat that isn't as "self healing" as the Olfa ones. My rotating mat is by Fiskars (I couldn't afford the large Olfa rotating and the small was too small). The Fiskars is 14" I think. It was a good price and I figured if the mat part needed replacing, I'd glue an Olfa to it. But it's not showing any signs of wear and I've had it a few years.

I've had best results with the Olfa mats. Especially considering the price at Joanne's with the coupon.

I'm wanting to get one that isn't green... I must use more green fabric than any other color and I'm having a hard time seeing it well. Mine are all olfa - has anyone had good luck with one of the yellow mats?

I like both my Olfa and my Fiskars. I do not like my June Taylor, it is a hard surface.

Haven't found one yet. For me, Olfa seems to wear out too quickly. I have a Fiskars, only a small one that I haven't used enough to know if it would last.

I like my yellow 12" rotating mat, green is hard for me to too.

I like both olfa and fiskers.

I like my Olfa ones and have noticed that most quilt shops use Olfa. I have one small June Taylor and it is a harder surface.

Interesting note: My LQS people try to vary where they cut their yardage - not always on the 18", 9" etc. I asked why and she said they are trying to make their mats last longer. If you always cut on just 9/18/27/36" etc - then those lines wear out after a while.