Hi Sherri!
I use a mat and rotary cutter by Fiskars. (gray and orange)I like them just fine, and the price was within my budget. I bought the mat and cutter and a clear 24" ruler together in a pkg. at Joann's Fabrics, and used a coupon. I also bought a Fiskars larger mat (the larger the better for cutting large cuts of fabric) it is I think 22 x 36..so I can cut a whole yard at a time. I got it at Walmart for $25. (Walmart is better priced than Joann's)
I use a 45mm rotary tool, and that works fine for me for cutting cottons and denims. I would also suggest you buy the kind of rotary cutter that has a retractable blade...you press a button and the blade goes inside the cover on the cutter...I wouldn't buy one without this feature. I think they run around $10 at Walmart.
I also have some smaller mats made by Olfa, they are green. They seem a bit thicker than the Fiskars, and they work fine also.
Good luck in finding what you need.
Woodsy

I have the green Olfa cutting mat and 45 mm Olfa cutter. They have served me well for several years now. You can usually find them 30% off at Joann's.

I have 2 of the largest Olfas,and i just recently bought an even larger white mat,that fits that folding table that Joann sells,so it's 60x30 i think.I have all sizes and kinds of rotary cutters,but my favorite one is a Kai with the retractable blade that goes back in automatically,no buttons to push or anything.When you press down on it the blade comes out to cut and when you lift up,it goes back in.
Kathi

I like the Olfa mat & the Fiskars rotary cutter too. BUT, I would not cut fleece on one again. I made a couple of fleece things & the fleece gets into the cut so it won't self heal & it takes some rubbing or sticky tape to get it out. Instead I think I'd invest in some of those spring-loaded Fiskar scissors & just cut the edges & fringe with those.

Hi Sherry, welcome to our group. Right now I have the Fiskars. I just finished a fleece throw and cut a bunch of 6 inch squares It left my mat rather fuzzy and I will have to clean it before cutting cotton again. Fleece is also hard on rotary blades, but I sure would hate to cut it with scissors.

beverly

Wow! You guys have a very active forum! I couldn't find my post, it was on the third page back!

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas, Joann's has a 50% off coupon today, I need to make my decision now!

Sherri W.
SW Minnesota

Sherri... I agree with the others:

1) Olfa (the green one) is probably the best, but is a bit more costly
2) Fiskars (the gray/orange one) is what I have on my table and it's served me well for 10 years, though it's a bit stiff now and I can "crack" it along the edge if I "want" to...
3) Those scissors are ideal for cutting the fringe on fleece
4) If you DO invest in the cutter and mat (I use Olfa old-fashioned cutter...have all 3 sizes) just turn it over and cut fleece on the back!
5) Easiest way to clean the mat if you did cut fleece (or some batting) on the front is to wipe it down WITH THE BATTING or a dryer sheet (smells good too :-)))))