Why don't people like the Accuquilt?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- In this video we're talking about why people don't like the Accuquilt machine (and why they're wrong). You don't need to like it for YOU, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fabulous tool for others to enjoy!
The following are affiliate links which provide a small commission to me if you make a purchase, but don't cost you anything:
Check out the entire line of Accuquilt Go! machines here: shrsl.com/45rcm
Learn about Accuquilt's trade-in program here: shareasale.com...
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
I’m working on this quilt now…used this die! LOVE LOVE LOVE. It makes this block so much easier!!!
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
I absolutely love all three of my machines , could not imagine not using them ,if used correctly, little or no waste.
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 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.
Love it for some blocks... and my favourite dies are the hearts, circles and stars!
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: ruclips.net/video/yjHegaxQLI0/видео.htmlsi=e4_GVVANUReXyiYz
I stopped buying the dies because the points you earned disappear if you don't use them right away. I can't imagine that people are buying dies on a regular basis. Why bother with points if you're going to take them away. It's pretty bad of accuquilt, in my opinion.
Back when they first came out, there was a lot of wasted fabric. BUT they have gotten so much better at the design of the dyes. I for one love to sew, but loathe standing and cutting a million pieces out. I've also hit that age that my hands are shot from using them for 40 years of rotary and ruler cutting.
Cutting out the quilt has never been my favorite part. I love getting it done fast. ❤️
@@CarolinaMoore right?! In fact, I'm usually designing the next project while sewing the current one. Lol.
i really didnt "see the point" AND i was actively sold *against* it by someone trying to sell me a silhouette cutter...
then i tried it.
i cut the pieces for facemasks in minutes. i cut baby bibs and burp clothes to sell so fast that i filled up two tubs with the parts, and reluctantly realized i needed to sew them together.
THEN i discovered the marvels of precision curved piece cutting....
It isn't for everyone. But if it is right for you... it is *magical.*
How do you feed 1 yard of fabric into a 5 1/2 strip cutter
Hi! I'm confused as to your question? If you're looking for information on using a specific die, I do not have all the Accuquilt dies, so I wouldn't be the best resource. But you can reach out directly to Accuquilt. ❤️
I love my big one. Got my granddaughter the next smaller as she quilts.
What a lovely gift! My first GO! was a gift from my Mother in Law. ❤️
Carolina, mention how long a die lasts versus the cost of rotary blads.
I have to several big quilt shows, like the Houston one and Hampton Roads, the dealers sell the dies, but I have yet to see anyone demonstrating them. What's wrong with Accuquilt's marketing? Their live streams just feature new dies, why not live streams on using the dies for everyday quilting use. Like taking a popular pattern and show how to cut and put together. Or how to adapt a pattern to use AQ. I do it all the time.
I find that there aren't nearly enough demos of *any* product at Quilt shoes. Every booth should be doing demos, but less than 5% do. When I was at Long Beach Quilt Festival last year, there were make and takes in the Accuquilt booth - so, hands-on demos! ❤️
And Accuquilt does more than their weekly lives. Check out their RUclips channel... lots of @accuquilt fun over there! ❤️ I know they've done sew-alongs and more...
I personally love the idea of the accu quilt machine . Trying to justify the cost?
Without fail my ruler slips when cutting strips and long cuts with a rotary cutter. That is wasting fabric! Accuquilt is so fast and accurate. Just remember the correct way to place your fabric on the dies and prepare your fabric as directed.
I wish I knew how to use the block dies that came with my Accuquilt machine.
Do you have a quilt store who sells them win reach?
Plus RUclips is your friend. Eleanor Burns does a lot and Stuart Hilliard is a favorite of mine.
within 🤪
I have an Accuquilt machine but while I thought I would use it all the time it is just so big and heavy. And yes it does waste fabric..
Love accuquilt products
Here in the UK it is way too much to buy. Buying the go big and a few dies can set you back nearly £1000 😮😮😮😮😮😮
I bought one when they were first introduced here in UK on Create and Craft, about a year later the Gemini Build a Block system was launched and I now use both systems. I prefer the AccuQuilt for ease of use, as I use the Gemini dies with my paper cutting machine so have to remember the correct plate sandwich. The Gemini dies have the advantage when fussy cutting, and cutting fabric and papers for EPP for me though.
If you read my comment, please Potter.Pardon the misspelled words.I used to speech to text.We all know how auto correct is and it wouldn't let me fix the errors.
Question,
I noticed you didn't pay attention to the grain of the fabric when you placed the fabric on the pad. That has nothing to do with the machine it's self. I pay close attention to the grain of the fabric when I cut out a quilt or anything. It matters not in the cutting, but it does in the construction. I would find it difficult and have problems being able to sew that drunkards block together. I know people who struggle with the blocks being out of shape and not lying flat come down to either they pull the fabric or it was cut improperly. The ease of sewing the drunkards path, the straight sides need to be on the straight of grain and the curve on the bias.
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 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 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 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, 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 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.
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 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 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 love mine!!!! Perfect cuts Everytime but the half square triangles are the real joy!
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.
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%
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 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.
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!
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! ❤️
Look I love my akique quote but there Is a major drawback and that is the price of the dyes. They're pricey, no getting around it.And some of them are repetitive and I understand it's a business and you end up looking at things going.Oh I already have that.Just in a different pattern. Also, when you buy the geometric complimentary box sets.Sometimes you realize you really didn't need to buy the Block on board. Autumn line, it's just a pricing issue that being said. I have about $4500 worth of dies and in buying more. That is my hobby and my guilty pleasure. Don't drink don't smoke. Don't party I just make stuff and it has saved me immense amount of time. And frustration not always getting the cut right and having to do it again. Plus as most women on here I have problems with my hands in my wrist not when I use this.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 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 think it would be a great addition, but as someone with very little money, they are completely out of range for me. That is sad.
Check with your local guild, library, and maker space... or even local quilty friends. You might have access to one and not know it! ❤️
I don't hate the accuquilt. I simply can't afford one. I live on a limited budget.
I could buy it but can't justify the cost plus the ongoing cost of the dies. Also I have a small sewing area and the machine and dies take up a lot of space. But each to his own.
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.
1 - I dislike the excessive fuzzies from being off grain. This applies to straight cuts - I keep my fabric on grain.
2 - The meh cutting ability where it doesn’t cut clean even on a new die with 2 layers of fabric. The 2.5” square and strip and the 5” square have been AWFUL for this. But it happens on the Double Wedding Ring die also. Which is a HUGE amount of waste because I have to recut and the fabric that was destroyed by the die is now wasted.
3 - As an RVT - please for the love of pets, do NOT use fabric scraps in dog beds for unknown dogs. They get ripped up, eaten, and then I’m in surgery assisting on a linear foreign body removal and those are MISERABLE.
1. You can still cut on grain on the accuquilt. Align your fabric with the blade, not the die edge. The die is at an angle to have it cut more cleanly. Having an entire blade parallel with the rollers means it won't cut as well.
2 - I haven't had this as a major issue - the benefits outweigh the occasional threads I snip manually.
3 - I agree, always check with any location before making donations. Some won't take these kinds of pet beds. And there are other options for small scraps - compost, fire starters, or just letting it go... ❤️
@@CarolinaMoore 1 - I’ve done that, even careful lining up a folded over layer. It winds up slipping every time.
2 It’s more than a thread or two. It’s extended chunks not cut. Which means I have to drag out tools and recut it anyway.
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?
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 use it for cutting pieces from my scraps.
Those strips would be great for rope bowl making. The end piece is great for applique. There you go - NO WASTE !
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. ❤️
To me wasting fabric is what is thrown away. Use crumbs, strips, and bits to create more fabric. Use the tiniest of scraps for stuffing. No waste❣️
Love my AccuQuilt cutter & dies, even though they are very expensive.
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 😊
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! ❤️
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.
Sold all my AccuQuilt bc my Gemini is space saving and I can fussy cut. Cost is way cheaper and the Gemini II is much better with bowing plates. Just takes up a lot of space and I just didn’t use them. But for some quilters it works.
Too much plastic, once the dies are dull there is no responsible method of recycling so you are stuck buying more. The waste is definitely more than I can achieve manually.
I was really hoping it would be a positive for me due to both Parkinson’s and Arthritis. My biggest objection will always be the gross amount of non-recyclable plastic used.
Trashie will recycle those small bits. Order a $20 Trashie bag, fill it, send it back, and get money toward lots of other high-end products. I keep a bag near my cutting table.
The system is expensive, proprietary, and cumbersome. I have other die cutting systems, and if someone would make dies that worked with multiple die cutting machines, and that were less expensive, it would be a boon to so many who sew but can’t afford “all the things”. I have PsA and only cut on days when I can manage it. I always wear a wrist brace. Being in my late 40s and unable to work the last several years due to my disability means I need to be frugal and pick my battles.
I bought an Accuquilt years ago to save time by cutting multiple layers at once. I stopped using it, because even with the mat on top, the top pieces stretched out of shape by as much as a 1/4 inch. I had to manually go back and trim the top pieces to the correct size. It was a huge disappointment because I had wanted the machine for so long and then it didn't work as advertised.
I don’t hate it but the price of new dies is way too high for me anyway. 💕
Quilting is no longer a low-cost hobby. Templates cost €30 a piece. A good sewing machine will set you back €750. Fabrics can be bought cheaply, but cheap fabric also means bleeding of colors along with poor wear and tear. Second-hand shops have upped the price of shirts and jeans, forcing customers to pay more to make quilts. Then there are new gimmicks and nicknacks on every RUclips channel. It's debilitating. A quilt made from old clothes which was free now cost €400 to produce. Add another €100 to €400 for a long-armer! The end product costs a whopping €300-€1000 without a cutting machine! No wonder many quilters fall into a depression after finishing a quilt or stop mid-way through never completing their creations.
Folks used to make/repair their own clothes, then make quilts from the scraps. And, most clothes being made from woven fabrics rather than knits, they didn't need to be stabilized before sewing them together.
You still can collect worn-out woven clothes from your closet, cut them with scissors, and sew them by hand. Hand-quilting or hand-tying yourself is always an option. This will make an inexpensive quilt. However, this isn't what many people want for their quilts.
Intricate patterns may require templates. Vibrant colors means buying new fabrics rather than using worn-out clothes. Hiring a longarmer so that you can enjoy piecing rather than learning how to quilt it on your domestic machine because that isn't a skill you're interested in. Wanting to finish a quilt in a month, rather than a year, means using tools that speed up the process - a rotary cutter, sewing machine, etc. The "old ways" are still an option... while new times means access to new tools and techniques, you're under no obligation to use them.
I was surprised by your comment of quilters falling into a depression after finishing a quilt. In my 32 years of quilting, I've never come across this. I've seen quilters set aside unfinished projects in favor of new, fresh, exciting projects. But finishing is always joyful. ❤️
Hello. In Europe you pay for a yard of fabric Up to 20 or 24 Euros. So i dont want to use accuquilt. I Cut less waste by Hand ...
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 adore my Accuquilt…it saves my elbow and time!
They won't replace damaged die cuts unless you have the receipt. Totally crazy! I will never buy from them again.
Who cares what method used to cut out pieces for a quilt?! For me it’s accuracy and speed. Sorry you had to do this video. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you. Sheesh!
my problem with this system is the specialty dies, they are expensive and only used once, then to me that is waste of money. and it also storage for the system,,a box for each size of dies,,,and they arent cheap,,,other than that i love the system,,,,but space and price and uses for the dies is my issue,,,i had one, and gave it to my dtr,,,,
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!
Shouldn’t the selvedge be on the top or bottom, utilizing the length of grain, less stretch on the fabric?
Price of dies.
Price of rotary blades.
I have the small one Go Me I think, don't use it much. I wanted to make my son a pillow with the camper die on it. Well the things that go around the bottom are way to thin to sew on so disappointed.
I thought selvedge was always supposed to go on the long edge of the die so you run length of grain into the machine? The only thing that gets cut cross grain is strips?
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 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.
They are pricey but I think save way more in the long run. I am not that great at cutting just yet.
The accuracy and speed are absolutely perks! ❤️
My question is have any of these people used one to be able to say they hate Accuquilt machines? I have the Go and waiting for a great sale to buy the Go Big because my arthritis in my hands is getting worse.
I have kits and I lose fabric. When I buy my own fabric i buy extra. the waste it does have make a difference
My user is the wasted space on the dies. I see this a lot on my cube set where some of the dies are less then 50% used and instead of the 2 pieces cut and could have 4+ pieces cut on the die.
How much time does it take to precut your fabric down to size for the aquiquit?
Not long at all! I stack several layers, and they don't need to be super accurate. ❤️
I like the acuquilt BUT the dies are costly but when you order the die it does not come with the top part you need to make it work so then you have to order that separate and adds to the cost. When you order a die the top part needs to come with it.
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
Lots of waste, expensive, dies are often the wrong size, I could go on and on. I gave it away.
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!
Thankyou Carolina!
Love Love Love my Accuquilt, best thing since sliced bread!
Could you PLEASE get Accuquilt to bring back the Half Square Rectangle Triangle die! Why on earth they discontinued it I will never know. It should be a staple geomectric die. Much Appreciated, hugs from NZ :)
I'm not sure how much sway I have over there... but have you let them know? They love hearing from customers! 🥰
Its the angles of the waste that irritates me but I would never give up my machine
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 would like to buy dies, but shipping to Hawai’i is OMG!
I do noh hate AccuQuilt I just can not afford one.
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...
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!