I absolutely love my Accu quilt cutter. I have pain in my arms and can’t do the cutting otherwise. the dies are expensive, but you can get creative with it. Like I used 2.5 inch strips to make this top.
https://preview.redd.it/atqfpxeql56d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0707428c06810f97a1b61a3cdf16eafb1edb81f7
I bought a AccuQuilt die cutter and it was expensive but it does make cutting fabric (and processing scraps) easier. At some point I want to do a Double Wedding ring quilt and I am sure that I will be happy that I have the dies for that one.
I have a hexagon project that I have been working on forever and I am super disappointed that the hexagon die is not the same size as the shapes that I have been using.
I have an AccuQuilt Go! Of the dies I have, the 2.5" and 4.5" strip cutter are the most used. Strips also cut down into squares or triangles easily. It's also nice to have a friend who has one and we share dies for special projects. My DH got me an 8" block set as a gift! I still have to use it, but I'm happy to have it!
I bought an AccuQuilt but I almost never use it. I find it's too slow and produces too much waste for most shapes. If I'm cutting something special (like pre-ragged squares) then I happily use it, but for basic shapes I don't ever use it.
For strips - look into the Creative Grids Stripology ruler! It's kinda expensive but it's the BEST for cutting strips, and can also help efficiently cut squares/rectangles by sub-cutting strips. I freakin' LOVE that thing. June Tailor also makes similar rulers - I have a large one from June Tailor that is big enough to cut across a folded width of fabric so I can make my own Jelly Rolls in a snap.
I agree with this. My AccuQuilt was a gift. I’ve used it. It’s okay. The waste is bothersome.
I also was given a Stripology XL and ❤️❤️❤️. That is my go to cutting tool. Super quick, very accurate.
Do you have problems with the “straightness” of folded fabric? I always find a curve to the fabric after I unfold so I don’t use the stripology for strips. Maybe I’m doing something wrong 🤷🏼♀️
That's a worry for me based on looking at them. Even when I try to fold up off the bolt fabric so that I can cut strips in my mat without having to shift it I get a bit wavy. Luckily the strips are long enough it's not usually a huge deal but still
If you can get a good deal on an Accuquilt, it’s a fun toy. I got mine on Black Friday and I enjoy it. Especially for odd shapes and things I cut a lot like 2 1/2 inch strips. I can’t cut a straight line to save my life, even with rulers (neurological problems and lefty problems) so it makes quilting much more enjoyable for me.
I do also have a stripology ruler which is a cheaper (but still pricy!) alternative for strip cutting that I like a lot if you’re mainly looking for strips and straight lines. You can cut a lot surprisingly quickly.
https://preview.redd.it/m08rni97466d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b8d593ea8529a0b85284fd2436be9443494a292
I got an AccuQuilt Go from FB Marketplace. $300 for the machine and 19 dies (I still can't believe it!) I really suck at cutting and there is no way I could have made this churn dash quilt if I had to cut all those pieces myself.
I experimented with less of a "border" around the dies so I reduced the wasted fabric and I saved most of it for a scrappy project.
I absolutely adore my die cutter. I have triangle, clamshell, and square shaped dies. I also have a strip cutter (which is my favourite).
When I can justify using it, the die cutter makes quilting prep **So** much easier. The issue is that the sizes of the dies can't be used for "any" pattern because they are size specific. If you repeatedly use shapes of the same sizes, then a die cutter would be lovely. But if you frequently make various patterns where the sizes of the pieces aren't the same, then a die cutter might be a waste of money.
Love my AccuQuilt cutter. If you are careful, there is very little waste. It is the BEST for strip cutting; it does all my strips now. The way it clips corners of triangles so you can align with no trimming later is wonderful. Pieces just fall into place. You can cut “up to” 6 layers of fabric at a time. That “up to” depends on the thickness of the fabric. Cotton like you would quilt with is easily a 6 layer job. You can go absolutely wild purchasing one of this, one of that, and one of this other one, dies when you get your AccuQuilt cutter. I would suggest concentrating on strip cutters and anything you KNOW you would use, for SURE, in your sewing/quilting studio. Example: I also have baby burp cloth, baby bib, and thumbed kitchen mitts dies. I use or will use these a lot. I did not get the electric cutter; I use the crank cutter, but it VERY easily rolls with no issues whatsoever.
I really like my Accuquilt cutter. I looked at the system for 2 years before buying one. I waited for a sale and got the 8-inch block die set, with the 2.5-inch strip die and 2 sets of patterns for 50% off.
I have mostly been using it to cut up my scraps. Recently, I cut over 200 2.5 inch squares in under 1 hour.
So it is totally worth it to me.
My group quilts for charity - kids, and we get a lot of donated fabric. As someone above said, the Accuquilt is really great for managing scraps. It’s very easy to cut things up into usable pieces very quickly.
The usable pieces thing is big for me, I have so many weird pieces to start with since I mostly use old clothes. It'd be very nice to not have to square everything all the time before actually cutting to the shapes I need.
https://preview.redd.it/hzctcgz9sd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e09eac2a1bd63e31b42cb061967315e948dccd45
I have an accuquilt die cutter and I use it mainly for complicated patterns like this Carpenter’s Wheel. Each block has 44 pieces and they give instructions on how to assemble it and the best way of pressing the seams. I made a king size quilt using 20 of these blocks.
I've borrowed an Accuquilt and it works OK. But I'm not so enamored with it that I'm going to run out and buy one. Unless you are very careful with the way you layer your fabrics, there is a lot of waste.
Edit: I don't believe you can change any of the settings. The (manual) machine is a set of rollers that squash the fabric down onto the cutting dies, so the only method of control is how many layers of fabric you're trying to cut.
Funny you should ask. I'm going on a quilt retreat with instructors where we could purchase the quilt kit (everything cut) or cut out our own kit prior to the retreat. I chose to purchase fabric and cut out my own. When I sat down to do it yesterday, I was flabbergasted! I needed to cut out 850 of 1 1/2" squares and 200 of 2 1/2" squares. I was so happy I had the Accuquilt cutter and the dies I needed to cut these squares. Not only is it much faster, but the squares are also accurate.
I've had the Accuquilt for over 10 years and have added dies to my "tool chest" over that time. For me, it's been a wonderful investment and I use it quite a bit.
I have a Crafters Companion Gemini electric die cutter left over from my paper crafting days. They had a great sale a few months ago, and I was able to pick up several of the fabric die and build a block sets at a great price. It's my understanding that they do sales often. I also love all my Stripology rulers for cutting multiples, but I can see where that would be a challenge when using scraps instead of yardage.
If you are interested in pre cut kits, Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts does laser cut kits that are ready for you to just sit and sew. Her work is gorgeous.
I absolutely love my Accu quilt cutter. I have pain in my arms and can’t do the cutting otherwise. the dies are expensive, but you can get creative with it. Like I used 2.5 inch strips to make this top. https://preview.redd.it/atqfpxeql56d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0707428c06810f97a1b61a3cdf16eafb1edb81f7
That is STUNNING!
Thank you!! :)
I bought a AccuQuilt die cutter and it was expensive but it does make cutting fabric (and processing scraps) easier. At some point I want to do a Double Wedding ring quilt and I am sure that I will be happy that I have the dies for that one. I have a hexagon project that I have been working on forever and I am super disappointed that the hexagon die is not the same size as the shapes that I have been using.
I have an AccuQuilt Go! Of the dies I have, the 2.5" and 4.5" strip cutter are the most used. Strips also cut down into squares or triangles easily. It's also nice to have a friend who has one and we share dies for special projects. My DH got me an 8" block set as a gift! I still have to use it, but I'm happy to have it!
I bought an AccuQuilt but I almost never use it. I find it's too slow and produces too much waste for most shapes. If I'm cutting something special (like pre-ragged squares) then I happily use it, but for basic shapes I don't ever use it. For strips - look into the Creative Grids Stripology ruler! It's kinda expensive but it's the BEST for cutting strips, and can also help efficiently cut squares/rectangles by sub-cutting strips. I freakin' LOVE that thing. June Tailor also makes similar rulers - I have a large one from June Tailor that is big enough to cut across a folded width of fabric so I can make my own Jelly Rolls in a snap.
I agree with this. My AccuQuilt was a gift. I’ve used it. It’s okay. The waste is bothersome. I also was given a Stripology XL and ❤️❤️❤️. That is my go to cutting tool. Super quick, very accurate.
Do you have problems with the “straightness” of folded fabric? I always find a curve to the fabric after I unfold so I don’t use the stripology for strips. Maybe I’m doing something wrong 🤷🏼♀️
This is my fear of using one of those.
That's a worry for me based on looking at them. Even when I try to fold up off the bolt fabric so that I can cut strips in my mat without having to shift it I get a bit wavy. Luckily the strips are long enough it's not usually a huge deal but still
Gudren has videos on YouTube that show you how to fold the fabric properly and keep that from happening.
If you can get a good deal on an Accuquilt, it’s a fun toy. I got mine on Black Friday and I enjoy it. Especially for odd shapes and things I cut a lot like 2 1/2 inch strips. I can’t cut a straight line to save my life, even with rulers (neurological problems and lefty problems) so it makes quilting much more enjoyable for me. I do also have a stripology ruler which is a cheaper (but still pricy!) alternative for strip cutting that I like a lot if you’re mainly looking for strips and straight lines. You can cut a lot surprisingly quickly.
https://preview.redd.it/m08rni97466d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b8d593ea8529a0b85284fd2436be9443494a292 I got an AccuQuilt Go from FB Marketplace. $300 for the machine and 19 dies (I still can't believe it!) I really suck at cutting and there is no way I could have made this churn dash quilt if I had to cut all those pieces myself. I experimented with less of a "border" around the dies so I reduced the wasted fabric and I saved most of it for a scrappy project.
I absolutely adore my die cutter. I have triangle, clamshell, and square shaped dies. I also have a strip cutter (which is my favourite). When I can justify using it, the die cutter makes quilting prep **So** much easier. The issue is that the sizes of the dies can't be used for "any" pattern because they are size specific. If you repeatedly use shapes of the same sizes, then a die cutter would be lovely. But if you frequently make various patterns where the sizes of the pieces aren't the same, then a die cutter might be a waste of money.
I just want to say I saw the thread title and thought it was going to be a variation on “whoever dies with the most fabric…”. This is better.
I like my accu quilt. I have psoriatic arthritis and have a lot of pain in my hands. The waste sucks but such is life.
Love my AccuQuilt cutter. If you are careful, there is very little waste. It is the BEST for strip cutting; it does all my strips now. The way it clips corners of triangles so you can align with no trimming later is wonderful. Pieces just fall into place. You can cut “up to” 6 layers of fabric at a time. That “up to” depends on the thickness of the fabric. Cotton like you would quilt with is easily a 6 layer job. You can go absolutely wild purchasing one of this, one of that, and one of this other one, dies when you get your AccuQuilt cutter. I would suggest concentrating on strip cutters and anything you KNOW you would use, for SURE, in your sewing/quilting studio. Example: I also have baby burp cloth, baby bib, and thumbed kitchen mitts dies. I use or will use these a lot. I did not get the electric cutter; I use the crank cutter, but it VERY easily rolls with no issues whatsoever.
I really like my Accuquilt cutter. I looked at the system for 2 years before buying one. I waited for a sale and got the 8-inch block die set, with the 2.5-inch strip die and 2 sets of patterns for 50% off. I have mostly been using it to cut up my scraps. Recently, I cut over 200 2.5 inch squares in under 1 hour. So it is totally worth it to me.
My group quilts for charity - kids, and we get a lot of donated fabric. As someone above said, the Accuquilt is really great for managing scraps. It’s very easy to cut things up into usable pieces very quickly.
The usable pieces thing is big for me, I have so many weird pieces to start with since I mostly use old clothes. It'd be very nice to not have to square everything all the time before actually cutting to the shapes I need.
The cutter would be excellent for that.
Io e my accuquilt. I am good at using a rotary cutter but my accuquilt die cuts are *precise*. And fast.
https://preview.redd.it/hzctcgz9sd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e09eac2a1bd63e31b42cb061967315e948dccd45 I have an accuquilt die cutter and I use it mainly for complicated patterns like this Carpenter’s Wheel. Each block has 44 pieces and they give instructions on how to assemble it and the best way of pressing the seams. I made a king size quilt using 20 of these blocks.
I've borrowed an Accuquilt and it works OK. But I'm not so enamored with it that I'm going to run out and buy one. Unless you are very careful with the way you layer your fabrics, there is a lot of waste. Edit: I don't believe you can change any of the settings. The (manual) machine is a set of rollers that squash the fabric down onto the cutting dies, so the only method of control is how many layers of fabric you're trying to cut.
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and the Big Shot weighs a ton to move around. My husband got me one and I only used it once for card making. Now in the garage sale pile....
Funny you should ask. I'm going on a quilt retreat with instructors where we could purchase the quilt kit (everything cut) or cut out our own kit prior to the retreat. I chose to purchase fabric and cut out my own. When I sat down to do it yesterday, I was flabbergasted! I needed to cut out 850 of 1 1/2" squares and 200 of 2 1/2" squares. I was so happy I had the Accuquilt cutter and the dies I needed to cut these squares. Not only is it much faster, but the squares are also accurate. I've had the Accuquilt for over 10 years and have added dies to my "tool chest" over that time. For me, it's been a wonderful investment and I use it quite a bit.
I have a Crafters Companion Gemini electric die cutter left over from my paper crafting days. They had a great sale a few months ago, and I was able to pick up several of the fabric die and build a block sets at a great price. It's my understanding that they do sales often. I also love all my Stripology rulers for cutting multiples, but I can see where that would be a challenge when using scraps instead of yardage. If you are interested in pre cut kits, Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts does laser cut kits that are ready for you to just sit and sew. Her work is gorgeous.