Top 5 Rotating Cutting Mats for Quilters Reviewed!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

►► BLACK FRIDAY/CHRISTMAS BUNDLE → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/blackfriday ►► FREE Workshop - How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/opt-in ►► Join the Holiday Magic Package Here! → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/12blocks ►►Join the Virtual Guild: www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/guildreopenreplay PRODUCTS IN THE VIDEO (affiliate links): Olfa 12x12 Mat: shrsl.com/4s4gd Olfa 17x17 Mat: shrsl.com/4s4gi Fiskars Mat: shrsl.com/4s4gk Creative Grids Mat: shrsl.com/4s4gm Martelli Mat: amzn.to/3VvX54M Classi Creations Mat: classicreations.com/classi-turn-table/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjvKXDxFHYSc6Mxwy0knL8B-1QNm1YFuBlx4oYvpQ0wIGefwqS

[@georgiamccroy6527]

Good morning Mary! I too have been on the rotating mat journey over the years. I have both size Olfas and the Martelli. My Martelli system also includes a round pressing mat that can sit on top of the cutting surface. In my sewing room I tend to go for the 17” Olfa for all the reasons you stated. I also like that it stores completely flat so I can store it flat on top of my fabrics on the shelf. My kids bought the Martelli system for me several years ago for Christmas. I find it bulky and a bit heavy but it works great once I have it in place. I do use this one for retreats. It is very convenient to have a small cutting surface that can quickly become a pressing surface.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for all the tips! I do have the pressing surface for my Martelli and my Classi-Creations Mats. I don't use them often - and didn't show them since they do cost extra and I was only demonstrating the cutting mats, but they are a nice addition to the set.

[@gwenthibodeaux8124]

I bought the Fiskars rotating. Haven’t used yet but bought for 40% off at hobby lobby. I’m new at sewing and haven’t started quilting yet. I’m buying my supplies as I go along. I’ve been watching your videos. You are such a wonderful instructor and so easy to understand. I will be taking your course on beginners quilting in January. Just waiting for all the Christmas holidays to be out the way so I can concentrate.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thank you so much for your kind words and I'm so happy you will be taking the course! Welcome!!! Merry Christmas!

[@debkienow8012]

You do the best comparison video's of quilting supplies I have ever seen! I appreciate the work you do to bring these to us. Over the years I have bought both size of the Olfa Mats, the Martelli Mat and I just got the Classi Creations Mat. I grab either of the two Olfa Mats If I am in a hurry to trim some blocks or don't have much trimming to do. The Martelli mat comes out when I am going to be doing lots of trimming because I like the spinning feature much better. All three of these mats I bought 15 - 16 years ago and of these 3, I really like the Martelli Mat the best, because it is much sturdier. The rotating mat I have from Martelli, is made similar to the Classi Creations Mat. In fact one of the selling features of the Martelli Mat at the time, was it could be used to decorate and put icing on cakes. It actually came with a cloth cover to place on the main surface to use for stability in keeping the cake boards from moving. It's like a pastry cloth I have for rolling out pies. I think you could do the same with the Classi Creations rotating board for rectangular cakes. I think I would like to try the Creative Grids mat and use that instead of the Olfa mats. If I could find a coupon or sale on it, I would consider it.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for your comment! I have also found that each mat has its strengths and weaknesses and you have given me even more to consider! Thank you!

[@meacadwell]

Thanks for showing this, Mary. I actually have 2 rotating mats - a green one (Omnigrid round 14") where I cut lighter colored fabrics, and a grey one (Fiskers square 14"x14") where I cut darker fabrics. The contrast helps me see the fabric better. I cut down an older cutting mat into two 18"x18" pieces and stuck them together with Nano tape (which easily comes off) then Nano'd them to the top of my Fisker's square rotating mat to get a wider cutting surface. Nano'ing the 2 older mats together makes them stiff enough to prevent the 2" that hang over on the sides of the square Fiskers's rotating mat from bowing down when pushed. Doing it this way was way less expensive than getting a new rectangular one. If a rotating mat doesn't spin as easily as you want it to, sometimes it helps to rub beeswax on the underside of the cutting mat (don't use paraffin candles though as the paraffin is petroleum based and can eventually eat through the bottom and the disc.) I looked at the Martelli rotating mats but decided against them because they are not self healing. Rhetorical question: In their line of business, knowing what they know about cutting mats, why in the heck would they make rotating mats that weren't self healing???

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching, Mea - and for the suggesetions! As for the Martelli Mats, from what I understand (and I may be wrong) they feel that if you use their cutters and blades, they last longer and work with the non-self healing mats...but I agree...I use a variety of cutters and would prefer self healing.

[@BrandiHaire]

I’m a new sewist that eventually wants to get into quilting. I didn’t even know these existed! lol I will probably try the Fiskers or Olfa. Thanks so much for this video!!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're so welcome Brandi! If you're interested, we have a free workshop (How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time) that is great for quilters - especially those just starting out. If you go to www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com and click on Watch Free Workshop. It's a great way to learn a few of the basics. Thanks for watching!

[@MarthaEast]

Thank you for this! I have struggled with how to put my may together, and you went over that.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're welcome Martha! Thanks for watching!

[@ChristiannaGrinter]

I have the Olfa rotating mat that is circular with the scalloped edges - it is my favorite!!!! This is the main mat that I use for trimming when piecing blocks. I have tried a few other rotating mats that were square and the circular style is far superior. The square mats you have to 'find' the edge of the top layer to turn but with the scalloped edges it is very easy to turn without having to think about it. I also have not had an issue with the mat moving at all while cutting - at the beginning you could see the Martelli / lazy susan style mat moving a little while cutting.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for the information and thanks for watching!

[@teresaallen4933]

I have a fiskars mat and really like it. As a beginner quilter, this is my go to mat.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I love mine!

[@dianneholcombe3468]

I got a round mat by Sue Daily when I was at Quiltcon. It was offered by my local quilt shop's booth, so I wanted to support them. It's 10" in diameter and spins like a dream. I don't remember if it's self-healing or not, but it's pink for Breast Cancer. It has 1/4" markings, but they are not labeled. So, some good, and some not so good!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Each one seems to have it's own plusses and minuses. Either way, as long as they turn smoothly, I'm pretty happy! Thanks for sharing Dianne!

[@kimlytle9510]

I recently replaced my very old Olfa 12" rotating matt with the 14" Creative Grids matt. I chose this option because I can trim 12.5" blocks and the markings are great. I've been very pleased with this choice.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I agree - I love mine as well! I use it all the time! Thanks for sharing, Kim!

[@suepuckett5088]

Thanks Mary, I have a rotating mat on my Christmas list. If I don't get it, I will buy one after Christmas. I do have a small mat I use on top of a larger mat.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnupperman524]

I have the olfa scalloped round mat. It works well but is limited when squaring larger squares. Looking to get a square one. Thanks for the info.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're welcome! Good to know!

[@mary-annebosward1081]

I have the grey Friskars mat, and like the Creative Grids mat, you can turn the fabric and “Quilters Select” ruler without rotating the whole mat. Great analysis…thank you!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@lizwarnke4689]

Very interesting information. I've learned something! I've got a couple of turning mats but found them tough to turn. Both are square ones. I just ordered a different one that is round from Soft Squares and I'm looking forward to seeing how that works.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I have not heard of that brand. I would be curious to know what you think! Thanks for watching.

[@annroberson8890]

Great info.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching!

[@Marydavis-p9o]

I love my martelli turn table

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I do too. I like the way it turns so easily!

[@michellerobbins8133]

I purchased a rotating mat called Calibre Art a couple of years ago. It was about $50, but I had a coupon. It has worked well for me, I’m a relatively new quilter, just 3 1/2 years.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing, Michelle. I'm not familiar with that brand but I will check it out.

[@christinemow6017]

I have the Martelli mats and they also come with an ironing mat. I love the Classy Creations one and they are from the Martelli family. Their products are very innovative. Go to quilt shows to get the best prices

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching, Christine and thanks for the information!

[@marilynbook4211]

I think they look great but I still find a small cutting mat without the turntable is just as easy to swing around and a lot cheaper. I have mats that are 7.5x9, 8x11 and 11x17 that were cheap at the discount and dollar stores that are easy to swing/slide around without moving the blocks and rulers. I actually use these smaller mats on top of my big mat and usually only cut width of fabric or trimming quilts before binding on my big mat which helps it last longer.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for your feedback! It's always great to hear other quilters' preferences.

[@valeriehofmann2615]

Yes i have a cheap square i use, i just rotate it. I dont like that the rotating one moves while cutting

[@LindaODea-zz8kh]

I buy the little mats from dollar tree and put them on my lazy Susan. It's a good sturdy one that my dad made, and since I do the trimming on a slightly low table the extra few Inches in height is ideal for back comfort. And $1.25 is affordable, I get about 3 quilts worth of trimming out of each and it saves my good mat😊

[@jenniferkihano486]

I have two turn table mats 1 is by cutterpillar to be used with my light box which is a nice feature but very temperamental. The other is a martelli which turns smoothly every time, I have have an ironing board? From martelli that is for use on the turn table, great for applique! I'm not completely sure but I believe you can buy a replacement mat for the martelli separately if mine gets too worn out. Love my martelli

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for the info and thanks for watching, Jennifer!

[@BJ7481]

I own the large Olfa mat, and I love it. I also own the "Matilda's Own Rotating Cutting Mat 15 Inch" round, that has a sealed ball bearing rotating system, it's priced @ $79.95, I love the Matilda's Own the most. I also own the small Fiskar's 8 inch rotating mat.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't heard of the Matilda's Rotating Mat. Thanks for sharing!

[@MsPenske]

I watched a you tube video on rag quilts. The commentator had a cutting mat the seemed to fit surround the sewing foot, throat and area in front and back. This is my most active work area, pinning, trimming guiding materials. Do you know about this type of cutting board or where I could find out more regarding the product!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

I've never heard of that type of mat. You may want to comment on the video and ask the creator what the name is. It could also be in the video description below the video.

[@frandennis9440]

Mary, I hadn't heard about a beginners class being offered in January. Is there still room and how much does it cost? Can you give me the details for this? Thank you so much 😂😂

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

The class is available for you to take at any time - there are handouts and videos that you can access at your convenience. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/beginner. There's a detailed video that explains what is offered - watch for the link to click to see the price and register if you're interested. I'd love to have you join in!

[@NightowlBB842]

I have the 17" Olfa. It is too big and unwieldy and I never use it. I recommend thinking through the size of blocks you would normally use a rotating mat for. I actually need it more for small blocks and should have bought a smaller one. I bought the larger one thinking I wanted the flexibility for a bigger block. But my cutting table is not large and there just isn't room to keep it handy and rotate it. I have to sit it on top of my regular 35x25 cutting mat. One of my most regretted purchases, even though I got at a discount.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for the tips! I agree - it's so important that we think about each purchase we make and what would work best for our particular quilting agendas. That certainly would save us a lot of money as well as products that we just don't end up using! Thank you!

[@frandennis9440]

Mary, thank you so much!!! I'm going to watch that video and see what's up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Do I sound like Elvis?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Ha! Ha! Thanks Fran!!! :-)

[@CindyVanHoy]

🎅Dear Santa…please watch this video for ideas!❤This was so helpful because the world of rotating cutting mats can be confusing (and expensive)!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching Cindy!!!

[@annemariekammler6991]

I have 2; fiskars and olfa. My fiskars came slightly bent. It never ever has worked properly so that is the one I bring on travel. I have tried everything to flatten the mat but have not had success. If you think your mat is even slightly bent, return it and try again. It will be worth your time. My olfa works great!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Oh my - that would be so inconvenient to have a bent mat. I'm glad you have one that does work for you. Thanks for sharing!

[@dianneholcombe3468]

I had the same experience with my Fiskars. I took it back to JoAnn Fabrics and they replaced it without any trouble. They must be used to that problem!

[@mdmcpresentz]

My Martinelli spinning mat also came with a pressing pad. It turns so much better than the others that I use it a lot, but the feel of my blade on the non-healing surface feels uncomfortable. I feel like it doesn’t grip my fabric and things are going to shift. Anyone else have this issue? How do you handle it?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Yes - I do wish the mat was self-healing. I have not found it to slip or move, however, and I like the way that it spins.

[@karenwerts2331]

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for watching!

[@Marydavis-p9o]

Mary every time I watch you cut it scared the baggbbs out of me. I have had 3 very serious accidents with the rotary cutter. Please compare cutting gloves

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks for caring about me...I have the gloves...don't like using them. I'll try to be extra careful!