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I know this has been discussed before but I don't remember what site was recommended.

I would like a mat that is larger than the 24x36 that I already own. With my new studio I will have a larger area for cutting fabric. We are adding a board on top of the buffet that I am going to use for cutting and ironing. The current top is only 24x54. However I really can't go wider than 30" and 6 feet is too long. Probably the max I can do length wise is 60-66".

Would I be best to buy a 18x24 mat to clip to my existing mat with the special clips Olfa makes for holding mats together? Or are there large mats that are 24x60?

Please let me know your experience and if you have a favorite brand. Olfa was what my LQS stocked when I started quilting 7 years ago or so.

Thanks,
pb

I have a blue Duraheal matt the same size that you have and I love it. On my ironing board I have a small and medium size Olfa matts that I love too. so either of those matts are okay... Chris

You can cut the mat to size and use the extra parts elsewhere. But don't get one from Salem. Mine is 72"x40" which is perfect BUT it has deep ridges in it from the blades. Cost too much to get rid of yet. Sad!

Yikes! $140 for Olfa's large one? And it's 2 pieced together!
http://www.olfa.com/MatsDetail.aspx?C=27&Id=86

Double yikes! $199.99 from JoAnns for the same thing!?
http://www.joann.com/olfa-grid...with-clips/prd37587/

I have one on top of a fold down sides cutting table that I got at -whatever the store was before Joannes-was it cloth world? maybe-anyway I have a mat to fit it which is 40x72 and I love it but it sure in getting cuts in it that don't heal anymore because I usually cut in the same spot and am too lazy to turn it around. I leave the sides of my table up all the time as I have the space to do so and would have to roll up the mat- again too lazy to do it. The size is wonderful to open large pieces of fabric on. I don't know if they make these this large anymore. The center part has a drawer where I keep my cutters and blades and a shelf where I keep my crates of thread.

Wanda

Hi PB, I have one from a Fabric store in Fl. Had to move ,have no room now to use it. You can PM me and we can talk.
nuquiltr

Evelyn don't know how old your mat is but Michaels actually let me exchange a mat that left groves from the git go,did not like heal itself????

there is a mat out there that is 12 inch squares with interlocking edges (like a puzzle or the foam floor tiles) that comes in a large size, you could make it the shape that you need it. The quilt shop in Rush City, MN has it for their cutting counter and say it lasts a long time. They might even sell them there. I asked a long time ago what the name was, but have forgotten now.

I think I found it: Cottage Mills cutting mat

This message has been edited. Last edited by: quilting wifey,

Quilting Wifey,

I googled the mat and found it on Amazon they also sell them from their website. One Amazon reviewer said the rotary cutter will jump a little when going over the bumps that occur where the mats hook together. The other thing is these mats are not self healing. Of course neither is my olfa mat in some areas that have had the most slicing over the years.

Can you tell me the name of quilt shop where you saw this mat? I would like to call them and get some feedback.

The product if it will work for me will be perfect. I could have a 24x60 mat if I want. They sell the 12" mats separately and also sell a 6"x12" puzzle mat as well.

I have the two large Olfa mats that clip together that Evelyn posted Links to...they are self healing and I love them.I've had them a few years now and find the worse thing for them is DULL blades. The clips that hold them together get in my way sometimes with my rulers but that is operator impatience/laziness on my part. I just remove the clip that is in my way...if I do not want to reposition the fabric. They are terrific for large pieces of fabric ,borders,pinning quilts....I do adore them.

I bought these at Joanns when they were 50% off and there was a 10 % coupon for all purchases including sale items and I think it was a bargain for such a critical tool in quilting. I alo have a 1/2 one of these sets...I found it on the red tag sale shelf for some ridiculous low price one day after I had gotten my set. I store it flat under my couch,perfect fit. I also store all my smaller mats under that couch.That 1/2 is a perfect size for my kitchen counter if I have other things tieing up the cutting table and need something quick.

ETA: There are no bumps or skips going over these where they join together it is smooth.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TcMay,

I did notice Joann's has them on sale for a little less than what is on the Olfa site. I'm guessing they are almost always on sale so people can't use the coupons.... Inflate the price - create a "sale" and increase sales....marketing! I never would thave thought to look at an Olfa site to price check. I think these are too big for my area but if I had room I'd seriously consider them.

Here is the info on the shop in Rush City, MN. When I was there they didn't have a problem with the mat and we cut about 6-12 pieces for me.

Fabric Fashions & More
(320) 358-3693
485 S Dana Ave # C, Rush City, MN 55069

Hope you find the one that works right for you.

Quilting Wifey,

Thank you for the info. I will give them a call.

I love the olfa mats. However I don't think I have room for a 6ft 4" length. I have a antique buffet that we are making a top for that is wider and longer. To buy another 24x36 mat plus clips is not a problem if I make it that long. I will have to ask my husband if the top will balance properly at 75" long. We are making it 30" wide.

That is why the cottage mats are appealing. I can make the cutting surface almost any length I want.