FabQuilter

I too have several brands and my favorite is the Salem brand. Had s big one purchased years ago. Purchased a small and medium size one at Houston Quilt fest last month.

Enjoy the contrast of the light mat against my fabrics - find it more inviting to use for some reason.

Sewnoma

I use Alvin mats, purchased from Amazon. I think they're just as good as (and VERY similar to) an Olfa mat, but less expensive.

Don't forget to hydrate your mat periodically! Take it into the shower with you! Mine is too big to fit into my tub, so I lay warm damp cloths over it a few times a year to rehydrate it. That will help keep your mat pliant and self-healing longer.

Jeanne S

I love my green Olfa mats, wouldn't us any other. Both of them did have a strong chemical/rubber smell at first, but I just slid them under the couch for a few weeks and it dissipated before I started using them.

MadQuilter

I got one that is light blue on one side and pink on the other. Can't remember the brand. It really isn't working for me as the blue fabrics blend too much with the mat and they are really hard to align for cutting. Going back to the old green Olfa mat.

saperry

Have tried the Friskars and the Olfa. Much prefer the Olfa!!! Self healing always

Aurora

I like my Fiskars. I keep mine in the box it came in in my van. My long rulers are in the same box. Since I change my rotary cutter blades at the first sign of dulling, my mats last a long time. I frequently have two sewing days a week outside my own sewing room, so keeping a mat in my vehicle is very convenient.

jmoore

I have both Olfa and Fiskars...I use my Olfa mostly. You can usually get them on sale somewhere. I have recently watched YouTube videos on Martelli but if price is no object, I would consider one.

quilttiger

I have used the Big Mat for 4 years now (obtained as a special at a quilt expo). A little pricey but there is a warranty for 5 years and you can order from several sizes. The website is www.sewingemporium.com. The rotary cutting blades last longer.

MaggieLou

I've had two of the hard white mats. Don't get one. They are not self-healing and don't last very long. I got them because they fit the top of my cutting table. The next one I get will be self-healing. I really want the Martelli mat but it's out of my price range right now.

Sheep Farmer

I use Olfa and Martelli cutting mats and like them both.
Although I detest the Martelli ergo cutters, they do make a great mat.
I like the feel of how my Olfa rotary cutter glides across the Martelli mat.

If I could only have ONE mat, I'd probably choose the Martelli.