Everything You Need to Know About Rotating Cutting Mats for Quilters
If you’re an avid quilter, a rotating cutting mat is a handy tool that can make your fabric cutting process much smoother. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics on these mats so you know whether one is right for your quilting projects. From sizes and brands to maintenance tips and real-life uses, I’ll try to answer any questions you may have!
What is a Rotating Cutting Mat?
For those who haven’t used one before, a rotating cutting mat is essentially a circular cutting surface that spins freely on its base. This lets you rotate the fabric underneath your ruler or rotary cutter for precision cuts each time. Traditional rectangular mats can make lining things up for multiple cuts a bit tricky since the fabric has to be repositioned each time. Rotating mats solve that issue.
Sizes to Choose From
Rotating cutting mats come in a few standard sizes. The most common are 12 inches, 15 inches, and 18 inches in diameter. For occasional cutting of small quilt pieces, the 12-inch size works well since it doesn’t take up too much space on your work table. If you make larger quilts often, the 15-inch or 18-inch options give you more room to cut larger rectangles and strips. From my experience, the 15-inch mat is a nice middle ground that lets you cut most standard quilt block pieces with ease.
Popular Brands
There are a few main brands that quilters recommend for high-quality rotating cutting mats. Olfa was really the pioneer in this space and their mats are bombproof – I’ve had the same Olfa mat for years with no wear. Another favorite is Fiskars, known for their ultra-sharp rotary cutters. For the budget-conscious quilter, Clover makes reliable, no-frills mats at affordable prices too. No matter the brand, look for mats with non-slip bases to keep them steady as you work.
Maintaining Your Mat
To keep your mat cutting cleanly for a long time, give it some TLC. Wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove lint and dust bunnies. You can also use a lightweight household oil like mineral or baby oil to condition the mat’s surface – just wipe off any excess. Rotating mats need to spin smoothly, so check for grit or debris inside the hub area and clean it out as needed. With regular cleaning, these mats should last for years of heavy quilting use!
Putting It To Use
Now that you know the ins and outs of rotating mats, here are some specific ways they can benefit your quilting projects:
- Cutting multiple strips of the same width fabric becomes a total breeze. Just line up your first cut and spin for each subsequent cut.
- Perfectly squared quilt blocks are easier to achieve when you can rotate the fabric under the ruler for each cut. No more wonky edges!
- Rotating lets you cut multiple shapes from one template piece, like half-square triangles. Really saves on template plastic over time.
In one of my quilt guild classes, I watched a newbie quilter struggle with an armload of strips to cut on a traditional mat. When I showed her my rotating mat hack, her mind was basically blown – it made the job so much less tedious. Some folks also like using them for embroidery or paper crafts too when extra precise cutting is needed. So in short, they kind of rule for any project needing repeat cuts of any kind.
Choosing the Right Size for You
As I mentioned before, rotating mats come in different diameters that suit various needs. Here’s a quick rundown of pros and cons to help you pick the perfect size:

12-inch mat:
Great for occasional use or small tasks. Fits easily on any workspace. However, smaller cutting surface limits larger projects.
15-inch mat:
Most versatile size – plenty big without taking up tons of room. Can cut standard quilt blocks with ease. A great everyday mat for serious quilters.
18-inch mat:
Best for frequent, large-scale cutting of quilts or other projects. However, it’s bulky to store or transport. Only worth it if you regularly work on extra big designs.
So in summary, if space is tight go 12 inches. The reliable 15-inch size suits most people’s needs. Only opt for an 18-incher if you do a lot of cutting for extra large quilts or other crafts.
Other Tips and Tricks
Here are some other handy tips I’ve picked up from experience using rotating cutting mats:

- Invest in a quality rotary cutter to get the most precision out of your mat. Olfa and Fiskars blades stay sharp for ages.
- Cover the mat with a self-healing cutting mat when doing detailed work for better visibility. Peels right off when done.
- Save your mat! Store it flat or rolled, not scrunched up, to prevent creases in the material over time.
- You can even use a mini rotating mat for trimming loose threads and fraying edges of seams for a super neat finish.
- Occasionally rotate the direction you cut in to avoid wearing down the mat surface unevenly in one spot.
Hope this overview has given you a full picture of what rotating cutting mats are about and whether one may help step up your quilting game. As you can see, they’re kind of awesome for ensuring repeatable cuts again and again. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
Before wrapping things up, here are answers to some common questions folks have about rotating mats:
Are they really worth it?
If you do a lot of repeated cutting for quilts or other crafts, yes absolutely. They save så much time versus repositioning fabric on a regular mat. A quality one is an investment that’ll serve you for years.
What if I have limited space?
Go with a 12-inch mini size. You can also mount a larger mat atop a cutting board for easy storage when not in use.
Will they work on my table?
As long as your work surface is flat and sturdy, a rotating mat should work great on a table. Just make sure the base lays flat without wobbling.
Can I use them for other crafts?
Yep, rotating mats are great for any project needing multiple precise cuts like paper crafts, fabric zipper inserts, or embroidery. Superior accuracy for repeated cuts.
Any tips for left-handed use?
Just be mindful to spin the mat counterclockwise as you cut if you’re left-handed. May take some getting used to at first but no different really.
I hope this questionary helped provide even more insights into using rotating cutting mats for quilting and textile crafts. Let me know if any other questions pop up!

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Rotating Cutting Mat for Quilting
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Size | Larger mats provide more work space but are heavier and more difficult to maneuver. |
Material | Hard plastic mats are durable but can damage blades. Soft surfaces like silicone are gentler on blades but may wear down faster. |
Gripper dots | Textured non-slip surfaces on the bottom help prevent slipping and sliding while cutting fabrics. |
Rotating mechanism | Look for smooth rotation with a locking mechanism to keep the mat in position as you cut different angles and curves. |
Blade storage | Built-in storage for fabric scissors or blades prevents losing tools and keeps a tidy, organized work area. |
FAQ
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What type of cutting mat is best for quilting?
You’ll want a rotating cutting mat for quilting. Rotating mats let you spin fabrics easily as you cut to get precise shapes and straight lines. They basically make cutting way more accurate.
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How big should a quilting cutting mat be?
Most quilters say that the regular size rotating mats which are around 18 by 24 inches do the job well for most projects. However, if you do a lot of big quilts, maybe look at larger mats that are 24 by 36 inches. They give you more space to cut big pieces of fabric without issues. Either way, the important thing is getting a mat that spins!
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What material is best for quilting cutting mats?
Most rotating cutting mats for quilting are made of a thick, durable plastic called polyethylene. This strong material stands up to repeated cuts without getting worn down. It also has just the right amount of drag to hold fabrics in place while you cut but not tear them. Plastic mats seem to last for years with regular use, unlike the old self-healing rubber mats.
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Do I need a special quilting ruler?
While you can technically use any ruler for cutting fabric, a clear quilting ruler makes the job way easier. See-through rulers allow you to line up patterns and markings precisely under the fabric. Look forulers with 1/4 inch markings and a 45-degree angle guide for making triangles and half-square triangles. Rulers 12 inches or larger work well for most quilt pieces.
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How do I keep my cutting mat clean?
Over time, cutting mats collect bits of thread and stray fibers stuck in the surface. To keep it cutting sharp, wipe off your mat periodically with a dryer sheet. The antistatic properties lift off lint like magic. You can also use isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel for a deeper clean. Just be sure to dry the mat completely before storing to protect the surface.
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Can I get more than one cutting mat?
Having additional cutting mats is sort of a quilter’s luxury. It allows you to spread out multiple projects at once without rearranging fabrics. Nevertheless, one high-quality rotating mat can take you far if you don’t have huge space. At the same time, swapping between surfaces extends the lifespan of each mat. On the other hand, quilting rarely follows a straight linear path, so extra mats give flexibility.
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How long will a cutting mat last?
Good rotating cutting mats typically last several years with regular use if cared for properly. However, their lifespan depends somewhat on the materials, your cutting pressure, and storage conditions in between projects. The plastic surface may show deep cuts after dozens of quilt tops. Amazingly, some die-hard quilters claim their original mats are still going strong after a stunning ten years or more. But sooner or later, even the toughest mats need replacing. With proper cleaning and storage, most quilters can get a few hundred hours of cutting time from a single mat.