Years ago, I thought about buying the EQ products, but I didn't. I tried another program that also helped with needlepoint, etc. I tried to use it, but too too technical. Then, computer didn't support it anymore. I stick to colored pencils, graph paper, books, patterns and my favorite RUclips instructors. More power to folks who use EQ8 and beyond! Now I think I'll go run with scissors! Take care sweet Amy! Marion.
Thank you for your honest opinion! I have EQ8 but not any add-ons at this time but in future would like to explore them more. I will definitely go back to your video and rewatch for this information you gave.
Hi Amy I have been using EQ since version 7, and I love it. As a hand quilter, I originally wanted EQ to help me visualize quilting motifs on quilts, and to resize motifs. I use EQ for so much more now. I see quilts in various situations or on Pinterest and I can design them in EQ. I love that EQ provides the fabric requirements. Also, I can scan or photograph my fabric stash, import the image into EQ and see what my fabric looks like in a quilt. This is a great feature when working with panels, or making T-shirt/memory quilts. It is a powerful tool, and I agree it takes time to learn ALL its potential. Their free online tutorials do provide enough information to get started designing quilts right away. The company has several reference book, and recently issued one about fabrics and panels, that contains a lot of information. Several years ago, I travel 5 hrs from Ontario, Canada to Ohio to attend weekend classes that EQ was conducting and I learnt a lot. I also took on-line classes with Kari Schell of On-point Quilter. She offers beginner and advanced classes, and I highly recommend her classes. She covers the full potential of EQ. I do not own a cutting system, so I will not be purchasing the Cube add on. I imagine the company is working on expanding the Cube component to allow designing 9 patch units very soon, as 9 patch blocks is very common in quilting. Thanks for the great video.
It sounds like you've become very familiar with all the features and benefits of the software. That's fantastic! I love all it CAN do and am looking forward to exploring it further. I do wish it were easier to use out of the gate. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. It’s so helpful! 😊
I am amazed at how fast you can cut your pieces - no comparison to using a rotary cutter & ruler. For people with arthritis issues the cutter is a game changer. My sister has an Accuquilt Go that she likes & uses a lot but mostly just for cutting strips. I have been using a combination of Microsoft Excel and old school Paint since Windows XP (24 years ago). I can create shapes in Excel (including triangles) and color them in Paint then paste them back into Excel & manipulate them around to get a design. Yeah my method is a bit more time consuming than E8 but I enjoy relaxing in the evening and playing with designs and auditioning colors. To this day I use Excel 003 since it still has a removable color palette tool bar (newer versions have the color palette stuck in place grr). It's always fun to see the newest revolutionary quilting tools and it would be fun to cut faster but for now I'm staying in my happy place with my ancient technology. Thanks for the demo - it was fascinating.
I love the idea of using a combination of old-school technology to create quilts! It’s a great way to design. You are so right about the Accuquilt as an accessibility tool- game changer! I will say that it disturbs me greatly that windows XP was 24 years ago 🤣🤣🤣 ♥️
I started with EQ4, then EQ5, EQ7 and then EQ8. Back in the day it was alot of fun learning EQ and creating quilts that you actually sew! Learning how to add borders that made your quilt just stand OUT!! It was fun. By the time EQ8 rolled around I could see that many things were made simpler to use. Now at 73 yrs I still use it, I see a quilt on the internet and then go straight to EQ8 to create it myself. I love that. Not much into using it for fabric or the color thing, just the designs. What I didn’t like was the add on blocks I bought along time ago on CD’s no longer work in EQ8. Very disappointing! I still love EQ8.
I’m so glad you’ve been using it for so long and still love it! Maybe contact customer service and see if they can help you update your CD purchases to downloadable add ons.
I use EQ8 for basically the same thing you do - the coloring. I know it does so much more, and the UI is unwieldy - maybe someday I'll have copious time to learn about all of it - or maybe add on an AI that can just use the bells and whistles just by asking 🤣 But yes! Being able to manipulate the die pieces individually would be awesome, and allow you to make the 3x3 gridded blocks from your Qube as well, a real win. As a start, I was happy to get the die blocks into EQ8 so I can use both tools together. Hopefully EQ8 will continue to expand the integration - I hope they're listening to your review. Thanks for your thoughtful insights!
It’s really great to be able to use the two tools together! I know that later this month they are launching more modules with more elaborate blocks on various grids. It’s still set blocks but it’s moving in a great direction. Thank you for sharing your experience I appreciate you!
Thank you for your video. It helps me in my decision making process. An easy to use and intuitive tool is something I would really like. I do however have the quiltblock encyclopaedia with 5000 blocks. It is a great book to use in combination with the accuquilt system. 😃
I bought EQ6 and over time have upgraded to EQ8. I believe it is worth the investment in time and money but I cannot work the investment of the Accuquilt dies. I think there is more fabric waste with the dies. I'm happy with my rotary cutters. Accuquilt requires too much out of my brain. LOL Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate and share your thoughts. Just watching you work with the dies confirms that I don't want to get involved in that process.
It sounds like you've found a great system that works for you! And there is some waste with Accuquilt, though not as much as many think. As an accessibility tool it is really a game changer but it is NOT the end all be all. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate you.
@@amydement. I so agree with you AccuQuilt dies are an accessibility tool. I’m by medical definition blind. The quilt block in my profile picture is made from a Missouri Star Quilt Company pattern I bought that is all sew either side of drawn lines cut on the lines then trim to size so I worked out the sizes of each of the 3 units that make up the block and which dies to use. It means I can safely and accurately cut my fabric pieces, with a seam guide I accurately machine sew the blocks and quilt top together. And I can then handquilt and machine bind my finished projects. I don’t need to engage in dangerous sports like rotary cutting with acrylic templates. I don’t get frustrated because my blocks are inaccurate from cutting or sewing. And most importantly I can sew just as well as I did 8 years after losing most of my sight as I did for the 50+ years by hand, and 44+ years by machine before my sight loss. My remaining sight is text onscreen is smudged 4 inches from my nose, people are faceless blurs beyond arm’s length and become ghostly textures in the blur between 6 and 10 feet away. 10 feet and beyond motor vehicles are no longer detected unless moving left to right across my field of vision. Driving straight at me a Bus even double decker is invisible. I’m so happy I can still enjoy colour, and texture as I sew with Tula Pink fabric (EPP for hand sewing and of course machine sewn AccuQuilt cut for the rest).
I loved the combo block with the pinks and grays! I have some Accuquilt dies, but not a cube system. I also have the larger handcrank cutter and debate internally on trading up to the electric version. I'll probably never own EQ8, but it's fun seeing it in action!
Thanks you. I did the trade up with mine as well though I debated a LONG time. EQ8 is interesting but not an investment for most folk. I do hope you play and explore the dies you have.
I wish Accuquilt would do better overall about giving fabric measurements for their blocks. An app or program to figure what you need based on the blocks you chose would be amazing.
@ Can’t you see yourself in the fabric shop using an app on your phone so you dont have to guesstimate how much fabric you need? That would be so awesome!!
It sounds like you’ve found what works best for you - that’s great! The learning curve for finding efficiency with both tools is steep - thank you so much for watching and sharing. 😊
Hello Beautiful! I do not have EQ8. I am not willing to make the investment of my time to learn new software. At my age I’m finding it’s a struggle to handle the longarm. After 2 years I still haven’t taken the time to figure out how to import designs. I do have 2 Sizzix machines, one manual one electric. I love them. I use them mostly for scrap wrangling. My favorite cutters are the basics, 1 1/2” strips, 2 1/2” strips, 5” squares and a half square triangle.
I hear ya! Sometimes the simpler methods are the best. 😉 Using the cutters (whichever brand) for basics is a real time saver and great scrap buster. Thank you for watching and sharing. ♥️
Is there another computer program like EQ8 that you recommend? Is accuquilt worth investment if you have arthritis in your hands? If so, what dies would you choose or are considered basic to have?
All good questions! I do not know of another program but I have heard of one coming soon (can’t recall the name now) so it remains to be seen. Accuquilt was the only way I could keep working when my hip arthritis was at its worst. The strip dies and the qube systems are good investments for basics. It is a hefty financial investment but if it’s in your budget it can be game changing. Think about what size block you make most often and I’d start there.
I agree about the EQ8 UI. Not very intuitive. I do use it to design and envision quilts but there are a lot of steps to get to the end line. I can’t get on board with the accuquilt system. Just seems like way too much waste of fabric. All that said, your demonstration seems very helpful to those who want to adopt both. I’m sure there are many who will find it very helpful.
A lot of steps to the end line- that’s a great way to express it. Thank you. The Accuquilt is definitely a system not for everyone! I find the time savings worth the fabric overhead - especially since I most often work with scrap pieces. Thanks so much for watching. 😊
I find the investment in the accuquilt daunting. I would love to have the electric go. Especially with having shoulder issues. But the price and our Canadian dollar just make it not budget friendly. I had eq at one point. But I would have spent way more time just trying to learn the program and less quilting. So for now I am a graph paper girl with pencil crayons. And use my stripology ruler. But I look lovingly at an accuquilt. Lol
I had EQ7 and it was, for me a waste of money. I find I can plan a quilt with graph paper and pencil crayons just as easily. I did not upgrade to version 8
I understand. I'm not sure I'd use EQ for simple quilts either, but I find it helpful for challenging designs. I really do mostly use it as a glorified coloring program. I learned a few new things while working for this video and that’s cool but I don’t know that I will ever dive in a dig really deep into the process. Thank you so much for watching.
No. At my age I can't afford to buy more stuff to put in my already buried Sewing Room. I already have stuff I bought that I thought I needed; but, I have never used it. Tank you.
That’s awesome. I know exactly what you mean about “had to have…never used”. I am really focused on stopping that cycle in my life as well. Thanks so much for sharing. ♥️😊
No and no - still doing it all the old way, pencil paper and a rotary cutter. Both out of our budget. EQ8 requires a computer that I do not have - so for both easily $2000. Enjoy though always fun to see what you are upto
I totally understand, sometimes the old ways are the best! When people ask me what they NEED to quilt I always answer scissors and a needle and thread 🪡. Folks have done it that way for hundreds of years (probably longer) everything else is gravy!
I’m so sorry to hear that. I know it’s a big investment and that’s a real shame. If you aren’t aware the Accuquilt website has a huge fee pattern library that might be a good resource for ideas. I find the qubes most useful for the oddball shapes- like economy blocks (square in a square) or those dang tri-recs units and scraps. Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. It’s such valuable feedback. I appreciate you 😊♥️
@@megfreeth4377 hi, as someone who bought my AccuQuilt and dies due to sight loss I found it perfect otherwise I’d only be able to sew wonky cut improv quilts or using precut squares. Now I make quilts that interest me including using different sized Qubes to design my Snail Trail based quilt. I designed it using a traditional snail trail block and 2 variations blocks to use Tula Pink’s Pit Crew fabric which is snails in foliage. I’ve finally got it all cut out ready to make my Snail Keeper’s Garden quilt in memory of my first job after leaving school when I was a snail keeper in a research lab for tropical diseases (they were water snails but I prefer Tula’s land snails (though land snails can carry parasites that cause nasty diseases too). Like most things using the dies has a learning curve especially if you want to limit wastage (rough cutting strips or shapes to cover what you’re cutting helps, as does when to fan fold, when to cut and slide, and when to cut and flip all techniques to minimise waste that are also done when using acrylic templates and rotary cutters). The other thing important for accuracy is knowing your grain (warp= lengthwise grain is least stretchy so fabric that is not stabilised needs to go through the rollers as it comes off the bolt but slightly skewed to be parallel with the blades on most shapes (exception is strip dies and appliqué dies). If you send fabric through weft wise the rollers stretch the fabric a bit so a square may (depending on size) lose a thread width in one direction (on a square with cut size 2 inches finished size 1.5 inches) to half the seam allowance (8.5 inch cut 8 inch finished). No fabric was wasted in the experiment as I used the 8.5x8.25 square to cut triangles I needed on a different die. For me it’s not particularly speedy but I use my AccuQuilt to be able to sew accurately and independently… I’ll leave the speed to formula 1 drivers.
I agree with you 100% about the UI & UX not being fully intuitive. I don’t use AccuQuilt, but I do use EQ8. It’s got a substantial learning curve. They do have excellent customer support. What you want to see may come in a future update.
You are right! Their customer service is excellent. I’m hoping the updates will be beneficial to us. I know they are continually developing new features. 😊
Years ago, I thought about buying the EQ products, but I didn't. I tried another program that also helped with needlepoint, etc. I tried to use it, but too too technical. Then, computer didn't support it anymore. I stick to colored pencils, graph paper, books, patterns and my favorite RUclips instructors. More power to folks who use EQ8 and beyond! Now I think I'll go run with scissors! Take care sweet Amy! Marion.
Thank you for your honest opinion! I have EQ8 but not any add-ons at this time but in future would like to explore them more. I will definitely go back to your video and rewatch for this information you gave.
I hope that helps you decide what you might want to try next! It’s such a fun journey! Thanks you so much for your kind words.
Hi Amy
I have been using EQ since version 7, and I love it. As a hand quilter, I originally wanted EQ to help me visualize quilting motifs on quilts, and to resize motifs. I use EQ for so much more now. I see quilts in various situations or on Pinterest and I can design them in EQ. I love that EQ provides the fabric requirements. Also, I can scan or photograph my fabric stash, import the image into EQ and see what my fabric looks like in a quilt. This is a great feature when working with panels, or making T-shirt/memory quilts. It is a powerful tool, and I agree it takes time to learn ALL its potential. Their free online tutorials do provide enough information to get started designing quilts right away. The company has several reference book, and recently issued one about fabrics and panels, that contains a lot of information. Several years ago, I travel 5 hrs from Ontario, Canada to Ohio to attend weekend classes that EQ was conducting and I learnt a lot. I also took on-line classes with Kari Schell of On-point Quilter. She offers beginner and advanced classes, and I highly recommend her classes. She covers the full potential of EQ. I do not own a cutting system, so I will not be purchasing the Cube add on. I imagine the company is working on expanding the Cube component to allow designing 9 patch units very soon, as 9 patch blocks is very common in quilting. Thanks for the great video.
It sounds like you've become very familiar with all the features and benefits of the software. That's fantastic! I love all it CAN do and am looking forward to exploring it further. I do wish it were easier to use out of the gate. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. It’s so helpful! 😊
I am amazed at how fast you can cut your pieces - no comparison to using a rotary cutter & ruler. For people with arthritis issues the cutter is a game changer. My sister has an Accuquilt Go that she likes & uses a lot but mostly just for cutting strips. I have been using a combination of Microsoft Excel and old school Paint since Windows XP (24 years ago). I can create shapes in Excel (including triangles) and color them in Paint then paste them back into Excel & manipulate them around to get a design. Yeah my method is a bit more time consuming than E8 but I enjoy relaxing in the evening and playing with designs and auditioning colors. To this day I use Excel 003 since it still has a removable color palette tool bar (newer versions have the color palette stuck in place grr).
It's always fun to see the newest revolutionary quilting tools and it would be fun to cut faster but for now I'm staying in my happy place with my ancient technology. Thanks for the demo - it was fascinating.
I love the idea of using a combination of old-school technology to create quilts! It’s a great way to design. You are so right about the Accuquilt as an accessibility tool- game changer! I will say that it disturbs me greatly that windows XP was 24 years ago 🤣🤣🤣 ♥️
I started with EQ4, then EQ5, EQ7 and then EQ8. Back in the day it was alot of fun learning EQ and creating quilts that you actually sew! Learning how to add borders that made your quilt just stand OUT!! It was fun. By the time EQ8 rolled around I could see that many things were made simpler to use. Now at 73 yrs I still use it, I see a quilt on the internet and then go straight to EQ8 to create it myself. I love that. Not much into using it for fabric or the color thing, just the designs. What I didn’t like was the add on blocks I bought along time ago on CD’s no longer work in EQ8. Very disappointing! I still love EQ8.
I’m so glad you’ve been using it for so long and still love it! Maybe contact customer service and see if they can help you update your CD purchases to downloadable add ons.
I use EQ8 for basically the same thing you do - the coloring. I know it does so much more, and the UI is unwieldy - maybe someday I'll have copious time to learn about all of it - or maybe add on an AI that can just use the bells and whistles just by asking 🤣 But yes! Being able to manipulate the die pieces individually would be awesome, and allow you to make the 3x3 gridded blocks from your Qube as well, a real win. As a start, I was happy to get the die blocks into EQ8 so I can use both tools together. Hopefully EQ8 will continue to expand the integration - I hope they're listening to your review. Thanks for your thoughtful insights!
It’s really great to be able to use the two tools together! I know that later this month they are launching more modules with more elaborate blocks on various grids. It’s still set blocks but it’s moving in a great direction. Thank you for sharing your experience I appreciate you!
Thank you for your video. It helps me in my decision making process. An easy to use and intuitive tool is something I would really like.
I do however have the quiltblock encyclopaedia with 5000 blocks. It is a great book to use in combination with the accuquilt system.
😃
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much. That’s a great tip for the quilt book encyclopedia - thank you for sharing.
This is so cool and I have both EQ8 and Accuquilt
Oh fun then you have some playtime ahead of you friend!
@amydement. Girl I need more time for all my Squirrely moments
Thank you for the review. How does it work for writing out your pattern?
Honestly I do not know. I mainly use the diagrams. I do know there is a ton of information on the EQ website with lots of detailled tutorials. 😊
I bought EQ6 and over time have upgraded to EQ8. I believe it is worth the investment in time and money but I cannot work the investment of the Accuquilt dies. I think there is more fabric waste with the dies. I'm happy with my rotary cutters. Accuquilt requires too much out of my brain. LOL Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate and share your thoughts. Just watching you work with the dies confirms that I don't want to get involved in that process.
It sounds like you've found a great system that works for you! And there is some waste with Accuquilt, though not as much as many think. As an accessibility tool it is really a game changer but it is NOT the end all be all. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate you.
@@amydement. I so agree with you AccuQuilt dies are an accessibility tool. I’m by medical definition blind. The quilt block in my profile picture is made from a Missouri Star Quilt Company pattern I bought that is all sew either side of drawn lines cut on the lines then trim to size so I worked out the sizes of each of the 3 units that make up the block and which dies to use.
It means I can safely and accurately cut my fabric pieces, with a seam guide I accurately machine sew the blocks and quilt top together. And I can then handquilt and machine bind my finished projects.
I don’t need to engage in dangerous sports like rotary cutting with acrylic templates. I don’t get frustrated because my blocks are inaccurate from cutting or sewing. And most importantly I can sew just as well as I did 8 years after losing most of my sight as I did for the 50+ years by hand, and 44+ years by machine before my sight loss.
My remaining sight is text onscreen is smudged 4 inches from my nose, people are faceless blurs beyond arm’s length and become ghostly textures in the blur between 6 and 10 feet away. 10 feet and beyond motor vehicles are no longer detected unless moving left to right across my field of vision. Driving straight at me a Bus even double decker is invisible.
I’m so happy I can still enjoy colour, and texture as I sew with Tula Pink fabric (EPP for hand sewing and of course machine sewn AccuQuilt cut for the rest).
I loved the combo block with the pinks and grays! I have some Accuquilt dies, but not a cube system. I also have the larger handcrank cutter and debate internally on trading up to the electric version. I'll probably never own EQ8, but it's fun seeing it in action!
Thanks you. I did the trade up with mine as well though I debated a LONG time. EQ8 is interesting but not an investment for most folk. I do hope you play and explore the dies you have.
Have an awesome week. Thanks for the video.
You too! Thank you. 😊
I wish Accuquilt would do better overall about giving fabric measurements for their blocks. An app or program to figure what you need based on the blocks you chose would be amazing.
Oh an app…. That would be amazing for both of these products/concepts!
@ Can’t you see yourself in the fabric shop using an app on your phone so you dont have to guesstimate how much fabric you need? That would be so awesome!!
😍😍😍
I sold all my accuQuilt I tried to love it but it just wasn’t for me. I find EQ8 hard to use but I do use it. Thanks for this video
It sounds like you’ve found what works best for you - that’s great! The learning curve for finding efficiency with both tools is steep - thank you so much for watching and sharing. 😊
Thank you for the great info!
😊♥️
Hello Beautiful! I do not have EQ8. I am not willing to make the investment of my time to learn new software. At my age I’m finding it’s a struggle to handle the longarm. After 2 years I still haven’t taken the time to figure out how to import designs. I do have 2 Sizzix machines, one manual one electric. I love them. I use them mostly for scrap wrangling. My favorite cutters are the basics, 1 1/2” strips, 2 1/2” strips, 5” squares and a half square triangle.
I hear ya! Sometimes the simpler methods are the best. 😉 Using the cutters (whichever brand) for basics is a real time saver and great scrap buster. Thank you for watching and sharing. ♥️
Is there another computer program like EQ8 that you recommend? Is accuquilt worth investment if you have arthritis in your hands? If so, what dies would you choose or are considered basic to have?
All good questions! I do not know of another program but I have heard of one coming soon (can’t recall the name now) so it remains to be seen. Accuquilt was the only way I could keep working when my hip arthritis was at its worst. The strip dies and the qube systems are good investments for basics. It is a hefty financial investment but if it’s in your budget it can be game changing. Think about what size block you make most often and I’d start there.
I agree about the EQ8 UI. Not very intuitive. I do use it to design and envision quilts but there are a lot of steps to get to the end line. I can’t get on board with the accuquilt system. Just seems like way too much waste of fabric. All that said, your demonstration seems very helpful to those who want to adopt both. I’m sure there are many who will find it very helpful.
A lot of steps to the end line- that’s a great way to express it. Thank you. The Accuquilt is definitely a system not for everyone! I find the time savings worth the fabric overhead - especially since I most often work with scrap pieces. Thanks so much for watching. 😊
I find the investment in the accuquilt daunting. I would love to have the electric go. Especially with having shoulder issues. But the price and our Canadian dollar just make it not budget friendly. I had eq at one point. But I would have spent way more time just trying to learn the program and less quilting. So for now I am a graph paper girl with pencil crayons. And use my stripology ruler. But I look lovingly at an accuquilt. Lol
I hear ya - the prices are steep, especially outside the US. The stripology ruler is amazing!
I had EQ7 and it was, for me a waste of money. I find I can plan a quilt with graph paper and pencil crayons just as easily. I did not upgrade to version 8
I understand. I'm not sure I'd use EQ for simple quilts either, but I find it helpful for challenging designs. I really do mostly use it as a glorified coloring program. I learned a few new things while working for this video and that’s cool but I don’t know that I will ever dive in a dig really deep into the process. Thank you so much for watching.
No. At my age I can't afford to buy more stuff to put in my already buried Sewing Room. I already have stuff I bought that I thought I needed; but, I have never used it. Tank you.
That’s awesome. I know exactly what you mean about “had to have…never used”. I am really focused on stopping that cycle in my life as well. Thanks so much for sharing. ♥️😊
No and no - still doing it all the old way, pencil paper and a rotary cutter. Both out of our budget. EQ8 requires a computer that I do not have - so for both easily $2000. Enjoy though always fun to see what you are upto
I totally understand, sometimes the old ways are the best! When people ask me what they NEED to quilt I always answer scissors and a needle and thread 🪡. Folks have done it that way for hundreds of years (probably longer) everything else is gravy!
I’ve got accuquilt system had it years got the cubes too hardly use it was a waste of money for me.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I know it’s a big investment and that’s a real shame. If you aren’t aware the Accuquilt website has a huge fee pattern library that might be a good resource for ideas. I find the qubes most useful for the oddball shapes- like economy blocks (square in a square) or those dang tri-recs units and scraps.
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. It’s such valuable feedback. I appreciate you 😊♥️
Might have a look at the website and give it another go. I appreciate you too xx❤
@@megfreeth4377 hi, as someone who bought my AccuQuilt and dies due to sight loss I found it perfect otherwise I’d only be able to sew wonky cut improv quilts or using precut squares.
Now I make quilts that interest me including using different sized Qubes to design my Snail Trail based quilt. I designed it using a traditional snail trail block and 2 variations blocks to use Tula Pink’s Pit Crew fabric which is snails in foliage. I’ve finally got it all cut out ready to make my Snail Keeper’s Garden quilt in memory of my first job after leaving school when I was a snail keeper in a research lab for tropical diseases (they were water snails but I prefer Tula’s land snails (though land snails can carry parasites that cause nasty diseases too).
Like most things using the dies has a learning curve especially if you want to limit wastage (rough cutting strips or shapes to cover what you’re cutting helps, as does when to fan fold, when to cut and slide, and when to cut and flip all techniques to minimise waste that are also done when using acrylic templates and rotary cutters). The other thing important for accuracy is knowing your grain (warp= lengthwise grain is least stretchy so fabric that is not stabilised needs to go through the rollers as it comes off the bolt but slightly skewed to be parallel with the blades on most shapes (exception is strip dies and appliqué dies). If you send fabric through weft wise the rollers stretch the fabric a bit so a square may (depending on size) lose a thread width in one direction (on a square with cut size 2 inches finished size 1.5 inches) to half the seam allowance (8.5 inch cut 8 inch finished). No fabric was wasted in the experiment as I used the 8.5x8.25 square to cut triangles I needed on a different die.
For me it’s not particularly speedy but I use my AccuQuilt to be able to sew accurately and independently… I’ll leave the speed to formula 1 drivers.
I agree with you 100% about the UI & UX not being fully intuitive. I don’t use AccuQuilt, but I do use EQ8. It’s got a substantial learning curve. They do have excellent customer support. What you want to see may come in a future update.
You are right! Their customer service is excellent. I’m hoping the updates will be beneficial to us. I know they are continually developing new features. 😊