Best self healing cutting mat--large????
 

I am looking at purchasing a 40x60 inch self healing cutting mat. I know that Martelli has them on sale now, but their large one isn't a 40x60 inch one. What are your favorite mats and where did you get them?

I bought a larger one through Blick Art Supply, and while it works well as far as cutting, I stopped using it because it does not have different markings for 1" increments (it is a grid at 1/2" with no differentiation). I had not realized how much I use those inch marks, since I never use the markings on my mat for cutting.

Following this thread.. due to the martelli sale I, too, am curious about large, self healing cutting mats and have been reading through many previous threads on the subject this morning. I'm hopeful we will have some updates from those who have purchased/used the Rhino, Magic, Alvin, etc.. I'm also loooking for either 40x60 or maybe a custom cut mat.

Macybaby - I agree with clear 1" markings - necessary for my aging eyes

I purchased a large Fiskars mat from Joann's with a coupon, and have used it steadily for several years. I like it a lot, but don't have anything else to compare it to. So I am really curious. What makes one mat better than the others? What makes the Martelli so good? The only thing I can think of is the markings. Other than if you bought a very inferior product that didn't self heal.

I have the 36 x 59 Sullivans cutting mat that fits my cutting table. I don't use it as my primary cutting mat as I have a Quilter's Select large mat on top of it at one end. It great to line the cutting table and I have it when I need to cut or measure long lengths. I have the Martelli Roundabout at one end and the mat on it is very good.

Just a heads up concerning Martelli mats. They only recommend using their cutters with their mat. I bought the Martelli mat several years back ($$) and it has not held up as well as less expensive mats I have owned. It has serious worn groove problems so I will be replacing it soon. So I will be following this thread. Seriuosly the best mat I have ever used is the Gingher mat but they are no longer available.

Our LQS uses and sells the Martelli mat. We noticed deep grooves in the mat at the cutting table.

sometimes it isn't the mat, it is the worn blade in the cutter that causes the problems

I bought the largest green mat about 20 years ago, because I had a cutting table to fit it. Much of that acreage is wasted space. 36" on the longest side is more than enough for me, I can't cut steadily at that distance anyway and that is the longest ruler I have. I do far better precision cutting with the fabric folded in half which is more in the 20" range and cutting goes much faster.

What I've ended up doing is sliding the sides around because the space I've been cutting on is worn, looking for a new clear space. I've got two more moves then it is out of here and I'll never buy one that big again. I'd prefer smaller and replace them when needed. Our differences are what make us interesting, right?

I have seen so many quilters at retreats that put so much pressure on the cutter that it goes into the mat. Some say they want to make sure it cuts all the way through. Some say the blade is skipping so they have to press to get it to cut. No wonder their hand and shoulder hurts. I use a weighted cutter so I don't have to push it through the fabric.

I use and like Olfa mat, 24" x 36" it works great for me.