Maureen

I don't use the lines either, I was taught just to use the ruler. That being said, I have seen mats in lighter colors. I think JoAnn has a white with black lines. It's a big one so you might want to get a coupon.

Freaky_Quilts_Dragon

I've used a June Talor mat for lots of cutting and am quite happy with it. They are much tougher and harder than most, the big one I have is great for cutting strips or other long straight lines but I wouldn't recommend them for cutting a lot of curves as their harder surface would wear out blades fast.

Here's an idea: darken your cutting mat with a permanent. I'd suggest colloring an inch or so of one corner in a dark color, let it dry for a couple days, then try cutting on it and rub fabric on it to see if the ink transfers, also turn it over and rub it on your work table to check for ink transfer. If it all comes away clean color the rest of the board. If not, just sandpaper it off and move to the next solution.

Did you know that flexable cutting boards are basically thinner cutting mats? You could get a pack of brightly colored ones at the store and use them until you can afford a sturdier mat.

MadQuilter

I switched to a blue one and find that I am having a hard time seeing fabrics in blue and grey tones. I just muddle through.

madamekelly

Yes, I used a big one for about twenty years, since it was the first one I bought. When it finally was beyond using, I went looking for another, and decided to treat myself to one of the more expensive "self healing" type that I ordered from Amazon. What a difference the type of mat made! The fabric doesn't try to shift around as much, my cuts are now accurate enough that my corners nearly always match. Will the ridgid June Taylor mat work? Yes, but if you can afford to spend a little more, I would recommend it.