dkabasketlady

Definitely get the self-healing kind!!

craftybear

get a self healing mat

craftybear

I got mine at Joann's self healing mat and used my coupon or get them when on sale

CAROLJ

I got the self healing and I like it. Don't get plastic, it dulls your blades.

amandasgramma

I have an old cutting mat that's huge...one of the first ones out. It's more like metal. It's been used 1000s of times. I don't notice that the blades last longer or wear out faster on it. On the other hand, I have two "self-healing" mats that look terrible, have small cuts in them and are losing their markings. If June Tailor mats are like my first one, I'd buy it.

lab fairy

If you are going to buy really large, I'd get a self-healing type mat. I will go further and say that I see a lot of places that use two of the large green Olfa mats side by side. For me, that is kind of self-defeating. I want a dark mat for light material and a light mat for dark. I can't tell you how many times I have miscut when the light is not correct (even with the OTT light). I now have a sign in my sewing room that says do not cut at night. The shadows are just not good for the dark mat.

My advice, is to get two mats, one light and one dark. I haven't heard of any self-healing ones except Olfa. So anyone's suggestions would be really welcome. I really wasn't looking forward to getting that pink one that I saw online (I'm really not the pink kind).

grammyp

I have a June Taylor mat and use it only for crafting. It dulls my rotary cutter blades, fabric slips on it, and I just don't like it. Please save your money and get a self healing mat. I have an Olfa that I really like.

Cat18

I think if you go to Joann's on-line, you can get a 50% off coupon.

CoyoteQuilts

I have a large Olfa mat that I bought in the mid 90's (white). I never use the markings on the mat anyways, so even though most of they have rubbed off I still use it. It is just the correct width for my table and I can't live without it. I have not noticed if my blades are duller with that over my self healing spinning mat. I would get a new mat just because I want one, but can't find one the same size so I will continue to use what I have. I have also seen the self healing mats that have been used at shops and the 1/2 yard line area has almost been cut through.

Good luck on your search.

katier825

I have a June Tailor mat. It's ok, but I like the Olfa better. The olfa is reversable and is self healing. The June Tailor mat is not.

I bought the Olfa one a few months ago. I never noticed a bad smell. Guess I was lucky! My old Olfa mat was many years old - I think I got my money's worth out of it.