I was one of the people that thought that there was a lot of waste using AccuQuilt early on when I first started quilting. Over time I realized that there will be waste no matter how careful you cut. So I started building my collection of dies then one day my local quilt shop was closing out their dies and machines at 75% off. They had one Go Big left and I grabbed it and never looked back. It is amazing the amount of time it saves cutting.
I love my AccuQuilt! I cut 80 2 1/2" strips from yardage in less than 45 minutes and I did not have the fabric prepped first! So nice and much cheaper than buying jelly rolls!
@darlalawton7689 many public libraries have sections where you can check out all kinds of things. Mixers, lawn mowers, aewing machines - all kinds of things
I burst into tears the first time I saw the Go Big demonstrated. I started quilting back when the rotary cutter came on the scene and happily used it for years. But eventually the arthritis in my hands made it impossible to cut anything out. My daughter-in-law gave me the least expensive one to try and I couldn’t even turn the handle. I bought the Go Big, knowing I’m fortunate to be able to buy it on the spot. Over time I’ve had 4 joint replacements in my hand. I can grasp a rotary cutter and use it as needed, but it’s the GoBig that makes it possible. The discussion on fabric waste makes sense but I would have suggested that showing how to use scraps would have been useful. Showing how all the pieces for a quilt were cut out by the end of the video was a nifty idea. When I realized that I could cut out four groups of SIX layers of 2.5” continuous strips I laughed with pleasure. And you can rotate those strips 90 degrees and get perfect squares. The other thing that I love is that there are no dog ears to mess with. You can make perfect half and quarter square triangles with drawing lines, sewing on either side of the line and cutting the pieces apart.
I love all three of my Accuquilt machines! They have saved me so much time and it isn’t a waste if you place your fabrics correctly in the die! People,who think it wastes fabrics are just not placing their fabric correctly.
I, too, have a LOT of dies and I'm in the process of using them so they don't go to "waste". But also, if you don't want to put your "waste" in the garbage, take them to a recycle place or as I am lucky enough to have a gal at the quilt guild that collects them from us and she takes them to a textile recycle center. I just keep a clean kitchen can under my cutting table and when it's full I take it to the monthly meeting and don't have to "waste" gas making an extra trip. THANX for your videos Carolina!
I enjoy my AccuQuilt Go Big. I have a lot of trouble cutting straight, even with a ruler! It always slips!! I’m also a relatively new quilter as well. My AccuQuilt is a lifesaver.
I was one person that wanted this because of my cutting inability. I hate to cut out pieces for a quilt, until my daughter lifted me a Go Me. I soon saw the Go Big and DH thought it is what I needed. He bought it for me. I traded in my Go Me on the Go Big. Love, love, love it. Bought two dies with points I earned. This has made my quilting life so much easier and fun again.
I have added 1/4” tape to mark where I need to place my fabric. All I loose is 1/4” of fabric. I think that’s worth it for the accuracy of cutting. For appliqué it is invaluable.
Those little strings that are left over from cuttings of the accuquilt and rotary too I use as ribbon for gift packaging. I glue them or stitch them together and wind on a paper towel roll etc. I can also crochet or knit with them, weave them. So really no waste if they are repurposed. Twine is another purpose.
I have the hand crank Go, and it is wonderful. My five year old grand daughter loves to turn the handle to "help" me quilt. My next purchase will be a Go Big!
When you are older and have EXTREMELY sore hands, Accuquilt is a boon! My hands and arms were so sore, I actually thought I would have to give up quilting! Then I purchased my Accuquilt! I love it! so quick and easy...great for cutting up scraps too!
Thanks. Had not heard of the machine. Interesting to hear about. I learned to quilt from my mid 1930's grandmother. We quilted with scissors and needles, no circle cutters, rulers yes, not 1% of the tools and products quilters today use. I do highly value those we made the old-fashioned way. This is to say I love my gramma, mom, and many friends who have shared the craft of quilting with me, and not at all to say anything against those who do their thing their way. So, if the more recently evented tools work for you, yay-rah, and keep a happy heart. As for those issues mentioned, waste is a matter of planning, no matter the tools used. Yes, the machine is faster, but that only cuts down on the stories told a quilting circle, oh, yes, those are a thing of the past. We always found ways to include people with vision issues, dexterity issues, math issues, language issues, childcare issues, children (boys and girls), even grumpy old grandpas who needed constant supervision without sharp instruments, everyone. We even had plans and included more than one dark doom-saying preacher, who no-one 'believed.' A creative, gracious, loving heart will always find a way. Thanks.
I bought the Go Baby years ago and didn’t fully use it other than for some appliqué shapes. Time passed and at a quilt show I was drawn to the demos of all the possibilities with the Go Bog-I have arthritis, but would be massively sad if I could not quilt! This machine saves so much time and effort-I totally love it and am using it more and more. I also use it to cut my scraps down into usable pieces and keep th in labeled containers-scrap problems solved and ready to sew blocks whenever I just want to sit and sew! Love it!
I did a quilt with half-square triangles, positioned the fabric so I could just carry the die to the sewing machine, pick up two layers of fabric and sew. Such a time saver.
I made a quilt from a kit. I thought it had 110 half square triangles. When I got it home, I realized it was made with 1,100 half square triangles. My husband had gifted me the Go Big due to a shoulder injury I had the correct triangle die in one of my cubes. It made it so much easier to cut and was very fast. I did not cut all the triangles at once, instead cut some, sewed some, and squared some. Repeated this method over 5 days, and finished making the squares. Quilt turned out great and was a gift to one of our sons.
Had no idea people were hating on AccuQuilt. I see the "waste" as also usable because those strings are just that - strings to play with in a string block. Little pieces are great for using with fusible on postcards or art projects. And yes, I use the left overs from cutting in both the bird box where the birds grab the little bits for their nests and as stuffing. I do wish I had an electric because I have the pro and won't be spending the monies for electric but I do love my AccuQuilt.
@Sherry-kz5tr It may be marketing but I hear SO many people hating in AccuQuilt when I go to sew groups and talk with other quilters. I've actually had a hard time understanding how it works because when I'd ask many would say it was just a gimmick, wasted fabric, or was no better than a rotary cutter!
@@Sherry-kz5tr I guess you’ve not been in a quilting group in Facebook when someone asks about which AccuQuilt machine or dies are the most useful… Even if the person has said they can’t use rotary cutter and rulers due to sight loss or hand/ wrist/ shoulder problems people jump in saying they’re wasteful (actually they’re not as Carolina accurately described the off cuts tend to be what is cut off in squaring or big enough to cut to use in other blocks or scrap quilts); they’re expensive (yes they are but if you buy a the Go and Qube for your favourite block size you get access to 72 free blocks based on a 4 patch (downloadable from the website) and then can of course you can make 72 quilts using just the one type of block, and infinite quilts using 2, 3, 4, etc block types) and the only replenishables are the cutting mats and (which equates with blades when using a cutter).
I use my Accuquilt studio die cutter for some part of almost every new quilt I start. The strip dies are the best. They are also great for cutting 2" or 2.5" strips out of the leftover fabric from a project, which I then use to make scrap quilts.
See if you can find a local fabric center that carries Accuquilt products and does classes/demonstrations. Quilt shows are another good place to see them in action. Love mine!
I purchased the GO! ultimate starter set for half price almost 3 years ago during a sales event in November, just before Black Friday, and got a bonus 12" square ruler - total cost was $250, I would not have been able to afford it otherwise. Since then, for birthdays and Christmas I've asked for gift certificates to buy new dies, I wait for them to go on sale. I've also purchased dies from guild member friends, and we've traded back and forth too. I use mine mostly for strip cutting, I have several widths, to me these are the handiest. I have a few applique dies too, mainly for making children's quilts or to use on totes, beach towels and the like. My local quilt store carried Accuquilt for a long time up until last year, they didn't continue with them this year, said our market was saturated and no one was buying the machines or dies anymore. I think the main reason folks seem to dislike the machines is they have not taken the time to learn how to use them properly.
Inv…don’t forget how expensive shipping is. I would purchase more die’s on sale if the shipping wasn’t as much as die. Moreover, the mats are outrageously expensive too.
@@constancepeterson6156 start talking to the local library about buying one for loan/use, and to the local quilt guild or quilts of valor group? i buy on sale and when they have free shipping...
My guild has bought quite a few dies over the years, and we now have two cutters. This is the best way, because we can share the investment. I only use it once or twice a year for example, but as a group a lot of people get to use it.
I’m one of those that don’t really like the AccuQuilt. I feel like it wastes too much fabric. And, since I don’t enjoy scrappy quilts I don’t want to cut up those small bits into usable pieces. I am keeping it in case I start having issues with my hands and can’t cut. But I honestly prefer cutting my fabric by hand. I always starch before cutting so my piecing for the most part is pretty spot on.
I had a Go Baby for years but during Covid I started using it daily then upgraded and I fell in love ❤ I also thought it wasted fabric so that’s why I didn’t use it but now I see that it really doesn’t.
I love my AccuQuilt die cutter so much. Especially for strip cutting. When a pattern calls for 144 2.5” squares for snowball corners, using the 2.5” strip die both length and width wise makes these squares so quickly. Love the precise cutting of all their dies.
Neither of my wrist function normally (they were disseminated in a horrible fall). I also teach quilting at the local High School. Often I have thought about getting something like the AccuQuilt. Now I want to action on it, not just think about it. I am writing a grant this summer for our class for a few new machines, and a few other items. I will,have to see if I can squeeze an AccuQuilt on the list. Many times I cringe giving a student a rotary cutter and others end up having to do myself. Which some days can be very painful. Thanks for the demo. I have watched you several time before, now I am subscribing!❤
I have had all three cutters but gave one to my friend. I still have the electric because of hand issues and love it and the GO! is great to take on retreats or quilting workshops.
I love my machine. I don’t have the electric one. But I do have one of the bigger ones. I have arthritis in my hands, so it helps me out tremendously. I also like the fact that it’s precision I mess up and cut and waste a lot of material because of my hands hurting me not being able to cut. All kinds of reasons get 1 million patterns with any of your dies so I’ve always got new ideas and I love the fact that they are putting out things that I do like pacing hexagon. I love doing that but cutting out everyone of those all the time is crazy, I don’t have that, but I’m going to get it. Thanks so much for your show. It was great.😊
Love my Accuquilt. I'm an art quilter, so don't make many traditional quilts. However, I still need strips, squares, triangles, and all kinds of fun shapes. Accuquilt makes the cutting go fast!
I do love mine, I think I may have the whole AccuQuilt warehouse in my sewing room. I love how you can look at someone’s quilt or quilt patterns and say oh, I have those dies, I can make it with my dies and it’s basically a no brainer because all the blocks from my cubes fit together perfectly 😊
My quilt store here in Palm Coast FL, Cut Up and Sew / Sew Fresh, hosted a 10-lesson demonstration about using the AQ. Love love love. Every project I’ve made using the AQ was perfected because of the precise cutting. Starching the fabric before cutting is paramount. This was a great investment.
Great video! The only problem I have is when I am using my 2.5 inch square die, it doesn’t cut cleanly. I have tried using the pick that came with my Go Big but there is never anything in where the blades are. Maybe I am not laying my fabric down right.
I bought and accuquilt go and cube set. I used it off and on and liked it, but I had trouble converting patterns to the dies. Then, I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist and severe arthritis with joint destruction in my left wrist. I had surgery on my right wrist and was limited in what I could do. I decided to trade in the go and got several dies. I was able to continue sewing since I didn’t need to use a rotary cutter. I am going to have my left wrist fused and will definitely need the accuquilt system.
Just wait for some really great sales - that’s how I started and I still wait for a good sale on dies. Plus each time yiu make a purchase you earn points to use when you want. I just bought a new ti me die that would have cost me about $75 - I used maybe 25% of my points and I paid about $11 total!!!
@@marinaabad4995 rotary cutter blades are used on all your projects, the dyes are limited to what you use it for so yes, the price on some of the specialty dyes is extremely high
I have an accuquilt and really enjoy it. From the class that I took right after I received it, they strongly advised to ALAWYS cut on the selvedge side at your tummy. And that the only dies to cut straight of grain were the strip dies. Were these cuts that you just made using length of grain? Wondering? Thanks so much.
Love my Go especially the 2 1/2”, 1 1/2” strip dies that I have. Thank you for this video. Any fabric “waste” that I have that cannot be cut to other usable shapes go exactly where Carolina said, into the dog beds I make for shelters and homeless dogs.
I am a longarmer and do binding for my clients. The strip die is a life changer. Cutting wider strips for borders is great.... should I keep going? .... ❤ Accuquilt
@@CarolinaMoore I’m someone who would have had to give up playing with fabric if I didn’t have my AccuQuilt and dies as I’m medically blind and not into the extreme sport of using a rotary cutter and rulers/ templates. I love I can using my dies and a guide on my machine sew simple blocks (squares, triangles, etc) and more complicated ones (drunkards paths) and I can cut appliqué (which I hand stitch down). My grandson was 3 when he chose some fabric which he cut the car appliqué for so we could quickly make a cuddle cushion when he forgot his one when he came for a sleepover. 7 years later he still has his 2 cushions on his bed.
I’m a dog groomer by day and a quilter by night! I got my Accuquilt to hopefully help save my arms, wrists, and hands so I can do what I love longer! Also all the possibilities the Go Cubes give you for designing your own quilts! Plus how fast it is!! I could go on and on! I love my Go Big! ❤
You make a salient point. At age 66, wrist surgery 2 years ago, and another issue with a finger, I am not as good at the rotary cutting as I used to be. My hand is less steady and not nearly as strong, to slice through multiple layers. I have the hand crank model and am now considering a machine like yours. Thanks for the video.
I bought my AC Go when the company was still pretty new. I bought it because math isn't my strongpoint, so I thought it would be helpful being able to cut things without having to plan much. It was still a problem. Now that I've made enough quilts to be confident, I've been thinking about using again. The original dies don't cut straight anymore. Some of the plastic boards are worn out. I even bought the long strip dies, but it never cuts straight. I'm just not sure yet whether it will save me time or money. I'll give it another try.
I brought mine doing a payment plan and I love it! I have the hand crank one and only 3 dyes but just doing one hunter star quilt made me realize it was worth the payments.
My problem with the accuquilt is that I have some that are dull after only using them for 5 quilts. By then I had them for two years and could not return them%
I love my Accuquilt machine! I always wanted to organize scraps, but hated cutting with rotary cutter. Then I got Tendinitis in my dominate elbow right after I had purchased the Ready Set GO. Thankfully, I was able to upgrade to the Big Electric. So I cut 10.5 in. Biq Square x 4 layers when I buy yardage to add to my Fat Quarter color sorted bins. I then cut Tumblers, 2.5 squares, 4.5 x 8.5 rectangles, Half Hexies and Big Crazy Quilt blocks so that I will be able to build up the quantities needed to make quilts. Cutting borders + sashing on the strip cutters is massively easier, faster + more accurate than using a rotary cutter. I also Fuze animals + flowers to shirts for my grandkids. I'm cutting animals in fun foam so that my 3 yr old grand daughters can play with them in the bath tub to stick up on the wall. I use the Accuquilt almost daily! I'm so glad I heard about it last year!
I love to cut but if i physically couldn't I'm so glad this is an option. I've wondered about owning dyes that you don't use more than one quilt. The speed is impressive
I use left over pieces to baste tiny hexagons for a on the go project. Also I have a bag with everything that’s too small and donate it to a group that uses it to make dog beds.
I love all my Accuquilt machines! I don't have every die I want (yet), but hopefully they will be in my future. Thanks for a very good video, Carolina!
Very informative video, thank you, before watching this video i was totally against buying it, but i wouldbe interest in the type of quilts that require the type of blocks you just cut, would you do a book of quilt patterns using difficult blocks? I will never make the drunkards path quilt, its too hard for me to cut, thanks for giving me fuel for thought
It saves my hands- I have an arthritis at the base of my thumb. It’s also great for getting through a lot of scraps. We get scraps from a seamstress who makes uniforms and also has a shop catering to tourists. We turn these into charity quilts.
I bought my first Accuquilt machine when they first came out. That was many years ago. I also bought the Baby. This last year I finally bought the Go Big. I love the dies. I do wish they were a little less expensive. I find I waste less fabric because I get more accurate cuts.
I love my Accuquilt hand crank i actually love mine am slowly collecting die cuts because not so much piecing and on Facebook they ask if there was a die idea. I suggested a fleur-de-lis and shortly found it at Joanns store awhile back ! I am making a machine Embroidery designs hexagon quilt its going to be done in record time because i am using both methods, its quilt as you go !
I’m so glad you popped up on my feed. I have a GO Big and so many dies. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and this machine is a game changer. I wasn’t into a severe depression when I could no longer use my rotary cutter and templates. I really want to learn more and look forward to your lessons!
I started to get the small Go Me back around Christmas when they were on deep discount, but was concerned I'd be really limited on the dies I could use. Waited too long and missed the sale. I love the idea of quicker and easier cutting though, especially as I'm getting older. Maybe they'll have something similar this coming Christmas.
Sign onto the website for email notifications of their newsletters. They often have demos and sales events where both machines and dies may be discounted. There are often opportunities for winning items, too. Many free patterns are offered as well.
I enjoy my GO Big and also have a Go. Got the electric due to evolution of all kinds of arm and wrist and shoulder issues. Huge improvement in my cutting ability. As my carpal tunnel got worse, so did my ability to keep my rulers from slipping, so was losing a lot of fabric from miss-cuts and redoes. I almost didn't watch this video because of the title. I didn't feel inclined to watch someone bashing the Accuquilt. Glad I decided to see what horrid things you were going to say. Good video.
I cut my strips just a tad larger than needed for my dies. I do not waist nearly as much using the Acuuquilt go vs all the mistakes I was making trying to cut by hand. I save my large pieces for projects later.
I have a manual one and I agree, they are great for odd shapes. I found the dyes were not cutting accurately so I wasted time and fabric on blocks that didn't square up, very frustrating.
I’m using the 10 inch square die to make all my yardage that I’ve acquired over the years into useful fabric- most patterns start with a ten inch square.
I love the concept of the Accuquilt machines. I do see the advantage when these old hands can’t use a rotary cutter and rulers very well. I just wish the Accuquilt was more affordable to those of us on a limited fixed income. I have never seen Accuquilt dies on sale anywhere. Has anyone else?
I love my AccuQuilt Go Big! It’s faster than rotary cutting and I’m not that great a rotary cutter anyway. I especially love the strip dies. I have a bunch of them. Great for borders!
OKAY, I AM NOT A QUILTER. I DESIGN AND CREATE CANVAS TOTE BAGS AND ACESSORIES. DOES THIS MACHINE CUT FAUX LEATHER VINYL? AND CAN IT BE USED FOR CUTTING PATTERNS FOR BAGS? (IF IT DOES, THIS IS A TOTAL GAME CHANGER FOR ME! I WILL HAVE TO GET IT! )
It cuts through up to 6 layers of quilting cotton. And yes, I have cut vinyl for bag making on this machine. ❤️ It can be an investment - check with local libraries/maker spaces/guilds/shops/friends (and friends of friends) to see if someone has a machine you can play with to be sure it meets your purposes. Also ... check out the strip dies for making bag straps! ❤️❤️❤️
I have vision problems so I also hope to avoid the very slow process of having to line up each cut accurately. And then if I’m off or if the ruler moves, that can become a wasted piece. Plus the blades on rotary cutters are expensive! And you constantly have to put new ones on to cut easier/quicker with a rotary.
I have a couple of the dies for EPP - you can cut the papers (I use card stock) and also cut the fabric pieces! Really saves time if the sizes are what you want - I think there are 3 hexie sizes (the website can give you all the info!
I too have a Go! And I do use it at times. Using the log cabin die was amazingly fast!! But there are two issues I have. (1) The dies are very expensive. (2) if you use the same die a lot, like when using it to cut strips, you go through the cutting mat much too quickly…and they too are expensive!
Do you rotate your cutting mats and flip them as you cut. I used a sharpie and labeled each end 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each time I cut I rotate the mat 180 degrees. After 2 cuts I flip it over, cut, rotate and rinse and repeat. When I’m done for the day I leave the mat oriented in the next position up. I happen to have space to lay the mat flat by the cutter. If you don’t have space and are anal you could jot down the starting number. I also slightly ofst the mat from the block You can cheat it left or right a bit as part of the rotation.
I have the Drunkard’s Path die, and I would never have cut that by rotary cutter. Never. I have a GO and a GO Big with several die that I share with my Mama. I love them!
I didn’t realise there were people who didn’t LOVE the Accuquilt! I absolutely LOVE mine. The accuracy and speed are my fave bits. The drunkards path you cut - check out the notches it automatically cuts - basically takes all the stress (and swearing) outta quilting. Lol!!! I love my 10” die. I basically make my own pre-cut packets! But agree, the speciality dies is where it’s probably peak performance.
Plus, there are entire sets of the same shapes in a much less expensive system from Crafter’s Companion called Build-a-block sets. They have the thin wire dies but very sturdy and you can purchase a set that makes blocks from 4 inch to 12 inch in one box for about $100.
My husband’s grandmother cut herself badly with a rotary cutter in the late 70's, she never touched one again and stuck with knitting and needlepoint. I can still use a rotary cutter, but also use my Big Shot manual die machine.
Accuquilt is the best machine for Not wasting fabric. I cut my fabric with a quarter inch more and then put it in the machine. It comes out with only a quarter inch of waste. I would never go back to cutting fabrics by hand. Accuquilt is fast, easy and accurate, so what's not to like. I have the 3 machines and I love all of them.
Like you like my accuquilt for bias strips and applique shapes. But find some if the dies are not accurate 1/4". Especially HSTs I have the 12" qube and my 3" triangles are 1/8" off when I stitch them using a 1/4" seam allowance.
I love when companies are friendly and generous when their products fail. This company absolutely has treated me and several other people like scammers when we have a faulty die. It gave me the sense that the company was struggling. Also, the BOB dies are not presented in a way where customers who own all the box sets can make the block. The company is so afraid of not getting the sale…that they refuse to throw a bone and give customers options. They are not friendly and the videos are boring. Martha Stewart knew how to demonstrate her products and make it fun to watch. I always bought the item in the end… but it didn’t feel like a hard sell.
I love mine , I have really bad arthritis in my wrist and hands, well all my body. My back ,hands, neck, and wrist, is so much easer and less pain with my cutter
Have I been using mine wrong all this time! I put the salvage along the long side of the die ? Please let me know! I see you put the selvage on the short side of the die
I sure don't think there are wasted fabrics; you still could use that chunk left and the stringy ones can be for pillow inserts vs sponges or for rug making.
I love Accuquilt, however the prices have gone through the roof since the new investment company took over and the sales of yesteryear are few and far between. Now, I can only afford to buy dies when there are clearance type of sales.
I think that prices in the world are just what things cost nowadays. I live in California, and the price of fast food for a family of 4 is wild. And housing prices are just plain unaffordable. 🤷♀️
I understand it isn't within everyone's budget, but it also doesn't make sense to get mad at a company for charging an appropriate price. They need to pay their employees a fair wage as well, and that comes from the selling price of the goods they manufacture. They do offer sales throughout the year, so if it is something you're interested in, perhaps getting on their email list and keeping an eye on the sales is worth it?
I was one of the people that thought that there was a lot of waste using AccuQuilt early on when I first started quilting. Over time I realized that there will be waste no matter how careful you cut. So I started building my collection of dies then one day my local quilt shop was closing out their dies and machines at 75% off. They had one Go Big left and I grabbed it and never looked back. It is amazing the amount of time it saves cutting.
I wish when JoAnn's cleared out Accuquilt, I'd known what it was. I'd bought all the dies.
I love my accuquilt! Waiting for the new die to try to show up today! Great video! Thanks.
I got of couple of dies when JoAnne's cleared out the Accuquilt. I love mine, and over the years, I have collected a lot of dies.
I love my AccuQuilt! I cut 80 2 1/2" strips from yardage in less than 45 minutes and I did not have the fabric prepped first! So nice and much cheaper than buying jelly rolls!
That's where I started: Joanns
@@ellenhofer3343
Our public library has a Go Big electric and lots of dies. But they were just approved to buy $3000 more!
how interesting...I have never heard of this
Lucky community!
That is fantastic! ❤️
@darlalawton7689 many public libraries have sections where you can check out all kinds of things.
Mixers, lawn mowers, aewing machines - all kinds of things
Wow. I live in a big city and barely any quilting books. Your super fortunate ❗️
I burst into tears the first time I saw the Go Big demonstrated. I started quilting back when the rotary cutter came on the scene and happily used it for years. But eventually the arthritis in my hands made it impossible to cut anything out. My daughter-in-law gave me the least expensive one to try and I couldn’t even turn the handle.
I bought the Go Big, knowing I’m fortunate to be able to buy it on the spot. Over time I’ve had 4 joint replacements in my hand. I can grasp a rotary cutter and use it as needed, but it’s the GoBig that makes it possible.
The discussion on fabric waste makes sense but I would have suggested that showing how to use scraps would have been useful. Showing how all the pieces for a quilt were cut out by the end of the video was a nifty idea.
When I realized that I could cut out four groups of SIX layers of 2.5” continuous strips I laughed with pleasure. And you can rotate those strips 90 degrees and get perfect squares.
The other thing that I love is that there are no dog ears to mess with. You can make perfect half and quarter square triangles with drawing lines, sewing on either side of the line and cutting the pieces apart.
🥰
I love all three of my Accuquilt machines! They have saved me so much time and it isn’t a waste if you place your fabrics correctly in the die! People,who think it wastes fabrics are just not placing their fabric correctly.
I, too, have a LOT of dies and I'm in the process of using them so they don't go to "waste". But also, if you don't want to put your "waste" in the garbage, take them to a recycle place or as I am lucky enough to have a gal at the quilt guild that collects them from us and she takes them to a textile recycle center. I just keep a clean kitchen can under my cutting table and when it's full I take it to the monthly meeting and don't have to "waste" gas making an extra trip. THANX for your videos Carolina!
They can also be sewn into a pillow and donated to animal shelters. Heavy weight thrifted sheets can be used for the cases. ❤
I enjoy my AccuQuilt Go Big. I have a lot of trouble cutting straight, even with a ruler! It always slips!! I’m also a relatively new quilter as well. My AccuQuilt is a lifesaver.
I was one person that wanted this because of my cutting inability. I hate to cut out pieces for a quilt, until my daughter lifted me a Go Me. I soon saw the Go Big and DH thought it is what I needed. He bought it for me. I traded in my Go Me on the Go Big. Love, love, love it. Bought two dies with points I earned. This has made my quilting life so much easier and fun again.
I have added 1/4” tape to mark where I need to place my fabric. All I loose is 1/4” of fabric. I think that’s worth it for the accuracy of cutting. For appliqué it is invaluable.
I Mark my dies 1/4" bigger than the blades with a Sharpie marker, clear to the width of the die.
@cathybarnes8303 clever! ❤️
GENUIS idea! Thank you 👍
Those little strings that are left over from cuttings of the accuquilt and rotary too I use as ribbon for gift packaging. I glue them or stitch them together and wind on a paper towel roll etc. I can also crochet or knit with them, weave them. So really no waste if they are repurposed. Twine is another purpose.
Oh! I love that! ❤️
What a wonderful idea!!
I have the hand crank Go, and it is wonderful. My five year old grand daughter loves to turn the handle to "help" me quilt. My next purchase will be a Go Big!
When you are older and have EXTREMELY sore hands, Accuquilt is a boon! My hands and arms were so sore, I actually thought I would have to give up quilting! Then I purchased my Accuquilt! I love it! so quick and easy...great for cutting up scraps too!
Thanks. Had not heard of the machine. Interesting to hear about. I learned to quilt from my mid 1930's grandmother. We quilted with scissors and needles, no circle cutters, rulers yes, not 1% of the tools and products quilters today use. I do highly value those we made the old-fashioned way. This is to say I love my gramma, mom, and many friends who have shared the craft of quilting with me, and not at all to say anything against those who do their thing their way. So, if the more recently evented tools work for you, yay-rah, and keep a happy heart. As for those issues mentioned, waste is a matter of planning, no matter the tools used. Yes, the machine is faster, but that only cuts down on the stories told a quilting circle, oh, yes, those are a thing of the past. We always found ways to include people with vision issues, dexterity issues, math issues, language issues, childcare issues, children (boys and girls), even grumpy old grandpas who needed constant supervision without sharp instruments, everyone. We even had plans and included more than one dark doom-saying preacher, who no-one 'believed.' A creative, gracious, loving heart will always find a way. Thanks.
I love this so much! Thanks for sharing!
I do wish we could find more ways to continue quilting as a community activity. ❤️
I’m working on this quilt now…used this die! LOVE LOVE LOVE. It makes this block so much easier!!!
I bought the Go Baby years ago and didn’t fully use it other than for some appliqué shapes. Time passed and at a quilt show I was drawn to the demos of all the possibilities with the Go Bog-I have arthritis, but would be massively sad if I could not quilt! This machine saves so much time and effort-I totally love it and am using it more and more. I also use it to cut my scraps down into usable pieces and keep th in labeled containers-scrap problems solved and ready to sew blocks whenever I just want to sit and sew! Love it!
Yay! Glad you love yours too! ❤️
I had 4 aunts that had arthritis. I bought the Accuquilt before I retired so I would have it when I couldn’t use a rotary cutter anymore.
I love mine!!!! Perfect cuts Everytime but the half square triangles are the real joy!
I did a quilt with half-square triangles, positioned the fabric so I could just carry the die to the sewing machine, pick up two layers of fabric and sew. Such a time saver.
I made a quilt from a kit. I thought it had 110 half square triangles. When I got it home, I realized it was made with 1,100 half square triangles. My husband had gifted me the Go Big due to a shoulder injury I had the correct triangle die in one of my cubes. It made it so much easier to cut and was very fast. I did not cut all the triangles at once, instead cut some, sewed some, and squared some. Repeated this method over 5 days, and finished making the squares. Quilt turned out great and was a gift to one of our sons.
Had no idea people were hating on AccuQuilt. I see the "waste" as also usable because those strings are just that - strings to play with in a string block. Little pieces are great for using with fusible on postcards or art projects. And yes, I use the left overs from cutting in both the bird box where the birds grab the little bits for their nests and as stuffing. I do wish I had an electric because I have the pro and won't be spending the monies for electric but I do love my AccuQuilt.
People aren't hating on this product... this is a common marketing, advertising campaign.
@Sherry-kz5tr It may be marketing but I hear SO many people hating in AccuQuilt when I go to sew groups and talk with other quilters. I've actually had a hard time understanding how it works because when I'd ask many would say it was just a gimmick, wasted fabric, or was no better than a rotary cutter!
@@Sherry-kz5tr I guess you’ve not been in a quilting group in Facebook when someone asks about which AccuQuilt machine or dies are the most useful…
Even if the person has said they can’t use rotary cutter and rulers due to sight loss or hand/ wrist/ shoulder problems people jump in saying they’re wasteful (actually they’re not as Carolina accurately described the off cuts tend to be what is cut off in squaring or big enough to cut to use in other blocks or scrap quilts); they’re expensive (yes they are but if you buy a the Go and Qube for your favourite block size you get access to 72 free blocks based on a 4 patch (downloadable from the website) and then can of course you can make 72 quilts using just the one type of block, and infinite quilts using 2, 3, 4, etc block types) and the only replenishables are the cutting mats and (which equates with blades when using a cutter).
I use my Accuquilt studio die cutter for some part of almost every new quilt I start. The strip dies are the best. They are also great for cutting 2" or 2.5" strips out of the leftover fabric from a project, which I then use to make scrap quilts.
I don’t have an Accuquilt, and have never used one. I think that it’s a wonderful tool for so many reasons. 😊
Maybe one day you'll get to play with one! ❤️
See if you can find a local fabric center that carries Accuquilt products and does classes/demonstrations. Quilt shows are another good place to see them in action. Love mine!
I purchased the GO! ultimate starter set for half price almost 3 years ago during a sales event in November, just before Black Friday, and got a bonus 12" square ruler - total cost was $250, I would not have been able to afford it otherwise. Since then, for birthdays and Christmas I've asked for gift certificates to buy new dies, I wait for them to go on sale. I've also purchased dies from guild member friends, and we've traded back and forth too. I use mine mostly for strip cutting, I have several widths, to me these are the handiest. I have a few applique dies too, mainly for making children's quilts or to use on totes, beach towels and the like. My local quilt store carried Accuquilt for a long time up until last year, they didn't continue with them this year, said our market was saturated and no one was buying the machines or dies anymore. I think the main reason folks seem to dislike the machines is they have not taken the time to learn how to use them properly.
I would love an accuquilt but the dies are so expensive, yes for people who want them, need them, and more importantly afford them.
I buy my dies carefully and only when they are on sale. One at a time.
I buy my dies ONLY on sale and one at a time.
Inv…don’t forget how expensive shipping is. I would purchase more die’s on sale if the shipping wasn’t as much as die. Moreover, the mats are outrageously expensive too.
@@constancepeterson6156 start talking to the local library about buying one for loan/use, and to the local quilt guild or quilts of valor group?
i buy on sale and when they have free shipping...
My guild has bought quite a few dies over the years, and we now have two cutters. This is the best way, because we can share the investment. I only use it once or twice a year for example, but as a group a lot of people get to use it.
I love my Accuquilt. I totally don’t feel like I waste fabric. I do eliminate huge amounts of frustration and miss cut or ill cut pieces.
Too expensive and limiting. Would never buy
@virginialegault4699 you don't have to... but lots of people do, and love it. ❤️
I’m one of those that don’t really like the AccuQuilt. I feel like it wastes too much fabric. And, since I don’t enjoy scrappy quilts I don’t want to cut up those small bits into usable pieces. I am keeping it in case I start having issues with my hands and can’t cut. But I honestly prefer cutting my fabric by hand. I always starch before cutting so my piecing for the most part is pretty spot on.
I had a Go Baby for years but during Covid I started using it daily then upgraded and I fell in love ❤ I also thought it wasted fabric so that’s why I didn’t use it but now I see that it really doesn’t.
I love my AccuQuilt die cutter so much. Especially for strip cutting. When a pattern calls for 144 2.5” squares for snowball corners, using the 2.5” strip die both length and width wise makes these squares so quickly. Love the precise cutting of all their dies.
Yes!! Cutting lots of the same unit is a breeze with the Accuquilt! ❤️
Neither of my wrist function normally (they were disseminated in a horrible fall). I also teach quilting at the local High School. Often I have thought about getting something like the AccuQuilt. Now I want to action on it, not just think about it. I am writing a grant this summer for our class for a few new machines, and a few other items. I will,have to see if I can squeeze an AccuQuilt on the list. Many times I cringe giving a student a rotary cutter and others end up having to do myself. Which some days can be very painful. Thanks for the demo. I have watched you several time before, now I am subscribing!❤
Oh! I hope your grant is able to get you an Accuquilt! They really are so useful, especially when teaching kiddos!
I have had all three cutters but gave one to my friend. I still have the electric because of hand issues and love it and the GO! is great to take on retreats or quilting workshops.
I have all 3 sizes as well, and the electric is also my favorite! ❤️
I love my machine. I don’t have the electric one. But I do have one of the bigger ones. I have arthritis in my hands, so it helps me out tremendously. I also like the fact that it’s precision I mess up and cut and waste a lot of material because of my hands hurting me not being able to cut. All kinds of reasons get 1 million patterns with any of your dies so I’ve always got new ideas and I love the fact that they are putting out things that I do like pacing hexagon. I love doing that but cutting out everyone of those all the time is crazy, I don’t have that, but I’m going to get it. Thanks so much for your show. It was great.😊
Sounds like you love your accuquilt as much as I do! ❤️
Love my Accuquilt. I'm an art quilter, so don't make many traditional quilts. However, I still need strips, squares, triangles, and all kinds of fun shapes. Accuquilt makes the cutting go fast!
I would love to see your work! Don’t post on social media at all?
@@Robin-px9rc I'm Sew Bewitching across all social media 😁
As some one with arthritis in my hands, I love my Accuquilt. Cutting time is now a fraction of what it was as well as very accurate.
I do love mine, I think I may have the whole AccuQuilt warehouse in my sewing room. I love how you can look at someone’s quilt or quilt patterns and say oh, I have those dies, I can make it with my dies and it’s basically a no brainer because all the blocks from my cubes fit together perfectly 😊
Thank, I love all 3 of my Accuquilt cutters. May I ask why your selvage was not at your belly? Does it not matter for drunkard path? Just curious.
My quilt store here in Palm Coast FL, Cut Up and Sew / Sew Fresh, hosted a 10-lesson demonstration about using the AQ. Love love love. Every project I’ve made using the AQ was perfected because of the precise cutting. Starching the fabric before cutting is paramount. This was a great investment.
Love that! ❤️
Great video! The only problem I have is when I am using my 2.5 inch square die, it doesn’t cut cleanly. I have tried using the pick that came with my Go Big but there is never anything in where the blades are. Maybe I am not laying my fabric down right.
I had that problem with a die. The quilt shop replaced it. Caveat: it was fairly new and I had the receipt.
I am so glad I bought one. I have used it for making strips out of my pile of scraps. It definitely helps my wrists and shoulders
I bought and accuquilt go and cube set. I used it off and on and liked it, but I had trouble converting patterns to the dies. Then, I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist and severe arthritis with joint destruction in my left wrist. I had surgery on my right wrist and was limited in what I could do. I decided to trade in the go and got several dies. I was able to continue sewing since I didn’t need to use a rotary cutter. I am going to have my left wrist fused and will definitely need the accuquilt system.
I am diasbled and havent quilted in 3 years and am so excited I just bought the Go Me
Oh my goodness! I'm so excited for you! I hope you love it! ❤️
The price of the machine and dies is the problem.
Just wait for some really great sales - that’s how I started and I still wait for a good sale on dies. Plus each time yiu make a purchase you earn points to use when you want. I just bought a new ti me die that would have cost me about $75 - I used maybe 25% of my points and I paid about $11 total!!!
How much do you spend on rotary blades? The dies last for a long time before they wear out.
@@marinaabad4995 rotary cutter blades are used on all your projects, the dyes are limited to what you use it for so yes, the price on some of the specialty dyes is extremely high
I understand what you’re saying. But how much is your time worth? We do what we need to do and being mindful of our budgets is very important.
I have an accuquilt and really enjoy it. From the class that I took right after I received it, they strongly advised to ALAWYS cut on the selvedge side at your tummy. And that the only dies to cut straight of grain were the strip dies. Were these cuts that you just made using length of grain? Wondering? Thanks so much.
Love my Go especially the 2 1/2”, 1 1/2” strip dies that I have. Thank you for this video.
Any fabric “waste” that I have that cannot be cut to other usable shapes go exactly where Carolina said, into the dog beds I make for shelters and homeless dogs.
I am a longarmer and do binding for my clients. The strip die is a life changer. Cutting wider strips for borders is great.... should I keep going? .... ❤ Accuquilt
This is really helpful to hear. Thank you!
This was the very best explanation of the Accu Quilt system that I've ever heard (including an AccuQuilt sales person at a quilt show!!). Thank you!!
Oh wow, high praise! ❤️
@@CarolinaMoore I’m someone who would have had to give up playing with fabric if I didn’t have my AccuQuilt and dies as I’m medically blind and not into the extreme sport of using a rotary cutter and rulers/ templates.
I love I can using my dies and a guide on my machine sew simple blocks (squares, triangles, etc) and more complicated ones (drunkards paths) and I can cut appliqué (which I hand stitch down).
My grandson was 3 when he chose some fabric which he cut the car appliqué for so we could quickly make a cuddle cushion when he forgot his one when he came for a sleepover. 7 years later he still has his 2 cushions on his bed.
I love that! I believe that the Accuquilt is a fantastic accessibility tool. ❤️
I’m a dog groomer by day and a quilter by night! I got my Accuquilt to hopefully help save my arms, wrists, and hands so I can do what I love longer! Also all the possibilities the Go Cubes give you for designing your own quilts! Plus how fast it is!! I could go on and on! I love my Go Big! ❤
You make a salient point. At age 66, wrist surgery 2 years ago, and another issue with a finger, I am not as good at the rotary cutting as I used to be. My hand is less steady and not nearly as strong, to slice through multiple layers. I have the hand crank model and am now considering a machine like yours. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful! ❤️
I just got the Accuquilt Go, because after a day of cutting fabric my hand and arm hurts for about 3 weeks. I can't wait to use it.
I'm so excited for you! Hopefully it will make cutting easier, faster, and pain-free! ❤️
I bought my AC Go when the company was still pretty new. I bought it because math isn't my strongpoint, so I thought it would be helpful being able to cut things without having to plan much. It was still a problem. Now that I've made enough quilts to be confident, I've been thinking about using again. The original dies don't cut straight anymore. Some of the plastic boards are worn out. I even bought the long strip dies, but it never cuts straight. I'm just not sure yet whether it will save me time or money. I'll give it another try.
Very helpful video. Thank you. I don’t have an accuquilt because of the cost, unfortunately.
I brought mine doing a payment plan and I love it! I have the hand crank one and only 3 dyes but just doing one hunter star quilt made me realize it was worth the payments.
My problem with the accuquilt is that I have some that are dull after only using them for 5 quilts. By then I had them for two years and could not return them%
I love my Accuquilt machine! I always wanted to organize scraps, but hated cutting with rotary cutter.
Then I got Tendinitis in my dominate elbow right after I had purchased the Ready Set GO. Thankfully, I was able to upgrade to the Big Electric.
So I cut 10.5 in. Biq Square x 4 layers when I buy yardage to add to my Fat Quarter color sorted bins.
I then cut Tumblers, 2.5 squares, 4.5 x 8.5 rectangles, Half Hexies and Big Crazy Quilt blocks so that I will be able to build up the quantities needed to make quilts.
Cutting borders + sashing on the strip cutters is massively easier, faster + more accurate than using a rotary cutter.
I also Fuze animals + flowers to shirts for my grandkids.
I'm cutting animals in fun foam so that my 3 yr old grand daughters can play with them in the bath tub to stick up on the wall.
I use the Accuquilt almost daily!
I'm so glad I heard about it last year!
It is expensive to buy a bunch of dies but buying slowly helps! I think it’s fun!
Yup... and get on their email list so that you know when there are sales! ❤️
I love to cut but if i physically couldn't I'm so glad this is an option. I've wondered about owning dyes that you don't use more than one quilt. The speed is impressive
I have had my Studio cutter for about 15 years. It is a wonderful tool.
I absolutely love all three of my machines , could not imagine not using them ,if used correctly, little or no waste.
I use left over pieces to baste tiny hexagons for a on the go project. Also I have a bag with everything that’s too small and donate it to a group that uses it to make dog beds.
I love all my Accuquilt machines! I don't have every die I want (yet), but hopefully they will be in my future. Thanks for a very good video, Carolina!
They keep adding more dies, too!
Very informative video, thank you, before watching this video i was totally against buying it, but i wouldbe interest in the type of quilts that require the type of blocks you just
cut, would you do a book of quilt patterns using difficult blocks?
I will never make the drunkards path quilt, its too hard for me to cut, thanks for giving me fuel for thought
It saves my hands- I have an arthritis at the base of my thumb. It’s also great for getting through a lot of scraps. We get scraps from a seamstress who makes uniforms and also has a shop catering to tourists. We turn these into charity quilts.
Love it for some blocks... and my favourite dies are the hearts, circles and stars!
I bought my first Accuquilt machine when they first came out. That was many years ago. I also bought the Baby. This last year I finally bought the Go Big. I love the dies. I do wish they were a little less expensive. I find I waste less fabric because I get more accurate cuts.
I love my Accuquilt hand crank i actually love mine am slowly collecting die cuts because not so much piecing and on Facebook they ask if there was a die idea. I suggested a fleur-de-lis and shortly found it at Joanns store awhile back ! I am making a machine Embroidery designs hexagon quilt its going to be done in record time because i am using both methods, its quilt as you go !
I’m so glad you popped up on my feed. I have a GO Big and so many dies. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and this machine is a game changer. I wasn’t into a severe depression when I could no longer use my rotary cutter and templates. I really want to learn more and look forward to your lessons!
I started to get the small Go Me back around Christmas when they were on deep discount, but was concerned I'd be really limited on the dies I could use. Waited too long and missed the sale. I love the idea of quicker and easier cutting though, especially as I'm getting older. Maybe they'll have something similar this coming Christmas.
Sign onto the website for email notifications of their newsletters. They often have demos and sales events where both machines and dies may be discounted. There are often opportunities for winning items, too. Many free patterns are offered as well.
I have had my Accuquilt machine for 7 years. I like the speed of cutting out a quilt and accurate cuts.
Really like the hint with taping the 1/4 inch to use less fabric, that is a hard part, making sure you are on the blades correctly
I enjoy my GO Big and also have a Go. Got the electric due to evolution of all kinds of arm and wrist and shoulder issues. Huge improvement in my cutting ability. As my carpal tunnel got worse, so did my ability to keep my rulers from slipping, so was losing a lot of fabric from miss-cuts and redoes. I almost didn't watch this video because of the title. I didn't feel inclined to watch someone bashing the Accuquilt. Glad I decided to see what horrid things you were going to say. Good video.
I cut my strips just a tad larger than needed for my dies. I do not waist nearly as much using the Acuuquilt go vs all the mistakes I was making trying to cut by hand.
I save my large pieces for projects later.
I have a manual one and I agree, they are great for odd shapes. I found the dyes were not cutting accurately so I wasted time and fabric on blocks that didn't square up, very frustrating.
I’m using the 10 inch square die to make all my yardage that I’ve acquired over the years into useful fabric- most patterns start with a ten inch square.
I love the concept of the Accuquilt machines. I do see the advantage when these old hands can’t use a rotary cutter and rulers very well. I just wish the Accuquilt was more affordable to those of us on a limited fixed income. I have never seen Accuquilt dies on sale anywhere. Has anyone else?
Its so great for lots of the same shape. Singles I rotary cut.
I adore my Accuquilt…it saves my elbow and time!
I have the Go and I'm going to purchase the GoBig.Thank you AccQuilt.
I love my AccuQuilt Go Big! It’s faster than rotary cutting and I’m not that great a rotary cutter anyway. I especially love the strip dies. I have a bunch of them. Great for borders!
OKAY, I AM NOT A QUILTER. I DESIGN AND CREATE CANVAS TOTE BAGS AND ACESSORIES. DOES THIS MACHINE CUT FAUX LEATHER VINYL? AND CAN IT BE USED FOR CUTTING PATTERNS FOR BAGS? (IF IT DOES, THIS IS A TOTAL GAME CHANGER FOR ME! I WILL HAVE TO GET IT! )
It cuts through up to 6 layers of quilting cotton. And yes, I have cut vinyl for bag making on this machine. ❤️
It can be an investment - check with local libraries/maker spaces/guilds/shops/friends (and friends of friends) to see if someone has a machine you can play with to be sure it meets your purposes.
Also ... check out the strip dies for making bag straps! ❤️❤️❤️
Which machine do you recommend for an advanced beginner?
Those strips would be great for rope bowl making. The end piece is great for applique. There you go - NO WASTE !
I have vision problems so I also hope to avoid the very slow process of having to line up each cut accurately. And then if I’m off or if the ruler moves, that can become a wasted piece. Plus the blades on rotary cutters are expensive! And you constantly have to put new ones on to cut easier/quicker with a rotary.
Now I want to learn more about these. The English piecing comment you said has me curious.
I have a couple of the dies for EPP - you can cut the papers (I use card stock) and also cut the fabric pieces! Really saves time if the sizes are what you want - I think there are 3 hexie sizes (the website can give you all the info!
I love the EPP dies. They cut both the fabric and the paper/card stock for the templates. So fast and easy..
I love the Accuquilt. I've had one since 2009.
Cool,, friction rub and slide.. I did not know that. I have a Go big.. it is fantastic .
I too have a Go! And I do use it at times. Using the log cabin die was amazingly fast!! But there are two issues I have. (1) The dies are very expensive. (2) if you use the same die a lot, like when using it to cut strips, you go through the cutting mat much too quickly…and they too are expensive!
Do you rotate your cutting mats and flip them as you cut. I used a sharpie and labeled each end 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Each time I cut I rotate the mat 180 degrees. After 2 cuts I flip it over, cut, rotate and rinse and repeat. When I’m done for the day I leave the mat oriented in the next position up. I happen to have space to lay the mat flat by the cutter. If you don’t have space and are anal you could jot down the starting number.
I also slightly ofst the mat from the block You can cheat it left or right a bit as part of the rotation.
I love my Accuquilt, but I am very curious about the very sparkly sewing machine you have? did you do that yourself?
I did! You can get the full story here: th-cam.com/video/yjHegaxQLI0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=e4_GVVANUReXyiYz
I use those narrow strips left over to wrap on rope to make bowls/baskets!
I have the Drunkard’s Path die, and I would never have cut that by rotary cutter. Never. I have a GO and a GO Big with several die that I share with my Mama. I love them!
Yes - curves and applique are so much easier with the GO!
I didn’t realise there were people who didn’t LOVE the Accuquilt!
I absolutely LOVE mine. The accuracy and speed are my fave bits.
The drunkards path you cut - check out the notches it automatically cuts - basically takes all the stress (and swearing) outta quilting. Lol!!!
I love my 10” die. I basically make my own pre-cut packets! But agree, the speciality dies is where it’s probably peak performance.
I know, right?? But they like to leave comments on my other Accuquilt videos... so I made this video just for them. ❤️😆
Plus, there are entire sets of the same shapes in a much less expensive system from Crafter’s Companion called Build-a-block sets. They have the thin wire dies but very sturdy and you can purchase a set that makes blocks from 4 inch to 12 inch in one box for about $100.
My husband’s grandmother cut herself badly with a rotary cutter in the late 70's, she never touched one again and stuck with knitting and needlepoint. I can still use a rotary cutter, but also use my Big Shot manual die machine.
I cut myself in the early 90s and needed 2 stitches in my finger! Still have the scar...
Accuquilt is the best machine for Not wasting fabric. I cut my fabric with a quarter inch more and then put it in the machine. It comes out with only a quarter inch of waste. I would never go back to cutting fabrics by hand. Accuquilt is fast, easy and accurate, so what's not to like. I have the 3 machines and I love all of them.
Carolina - I just noticed you didn’t give the die (after cutting) a few hand slides across the die - and remember to slide the mat off not lift.
Sometimes I'm impatient. 😉
Like you like my accuquilt for bias strips and applique shapes. But find some if the dies are not accurate 1/4". Especially HSTs I have the 12" qube and my 3" triangles are 1/8" off when I stitch them using a 1/4" seam allowance.
I love when companies are friendly and generous when their products fail. This company absolutely has treated me and several other people like scammers when we have a faulty die. It gave me the sense that the company was struggling. Also, the BOB dies are not presented in a way where customers who own all the box sets can make the block. The company is so afraid of not getting the sale…that they refuse to throw a bone and give customers options. They are not friendly and the videos are boring. Martha Stewart knew how to demonstrate her products and make it fun to watch. I always bought the item in the end… but it didn’t feel like a hard sell.
This is the first time I’ve ever heard people hate accuquilt. I like mine. I don’t use it very often, but it’s nice to have when I need it.
I get several hate comments every time I share about my Accuquilt. People just can't keep negative opinions to themselves. 🤷♀️
I love mine , I have really bad arthritis in my wrist and hands, well all my body. My back ,hands, neck, and wrist, is so much easer and less pain with my cutter
I have a Go machine and love it.
I use it for cutting pieces from my scraps.
I wouldn't quilt, near as much as a I do, without my Accuquilt! I love it!
Have I been using mine wrong all this time! I put the salvage along the long side of the die ? Please let me know! I see you put the selvage on the short side of the die
Hmmmm... this is the way I've always done it? 🤷♀️
But if your way works, I see nothing wrong with it?
I sure don't think there are wasted fabrics; you still could use that chunk left and the stringy ones can be for pillow inserts vs sponges or for rug making.
I love Accuquilt, however the prices have gone through the roof since the new investment company took over and the sales of yesteryear are few and far between. Now, I can only afford to buy dies when there are clearance type of sales.
I think that prices in the world are just what things cost nowadays. I live in California, and the price of fast food for a family of 4 is wild. And housing prices are just plain unaffordable. 🤷♀️
@CarolinaMoore well yes... a reason why paying the extraordinarily, if not shockingly, high price for this product isn't feasible.
I understand it isn't within everyone's budget, but it also doesn't make sense to get mad at a company for charging an appropriate price. They need to pay their employees a fair wage as well, and that comes from the selling price of the goods they manufacture.
They do offer sales throughout the year, so if it is something you're interested in, perhaps getting on their email list and keeping an eye on the sales is worth it?