Accuquilt rag die
 

I have an accuquilt machine and I'm considering buying the rag die. I have heard that there is problems with it. If you have used the die, did you like it? Do you find any problems with using it.

I made a flannel rag quilt using my rag die. I used 1 layer of cotton and 2 layers of flannel. I layered the cotton and the 2 layers of flannel together and cut a set of 3. I loved how it made all the snips for me! I did find that if I placed a piece of paper (I used an old magazine page) on top of the cutting surface of the die then layered my fabrics it cut down on the fabric threads that got stuck in the die around the cutting edges. Threads do tend to get stuck down in the grooves and you will have to use your picking tool to get them out or your die won't cut all pieces of the fabric completely. Made it so nice to have all the pieces of each block cut out together!

I have the large size one. I use it a lot. I put a piece of thin paper over the die before the fabric. That keeps the strings out of the die. I put the batting (cut 1/2" or 1" smaller) between two fabric squares and cut at the same time. I just do one block at a time.

I dont use batting - instead i use three layers of flannel..

I layer an old joannes flyer over the die, then layer the three flannel pieces in this order: back, middle flannel instead of batting, and the top flannel.. and sometimes ill layer another piece of paper if it gets too static clingy... i make one 'block' at a time..

Works perfect and super fast too..

Also I have both sizes and i prefer the larger one..

I spray my cutting mat with Static Guard. The cling disappears and stays static free for a long time.

I have the rag die that I've used almost constantly on my Studio. No problems whatsover and I've not heard of any problems.. I have the die for the rag and then the separate square die for the batting ( so 2 in total).

I use it as well but i can go thru a can in two quilts... paper works fine for me..

I've had the rag die for my GO! for a few years and have never had a problem. It has been used to make many rag quilts. One of the best payback quilts for fundraisers too, as they are fast, fun, cuddly and very popular in silent auctions.

I've had many quilting friends that have experience with making rag quilts the old way and they felt that the GO! saved them 90% time making rag quilts.

I have found I get better cuts (less thread issue) when I use good quality flannel, but technically the die works well with inexpensive flannel too.

I wish the design cut the square out of the corners, but as it wasn't designed that way I manually cut it out.

If you do end up with threads getting caught in the die, you may see some of the blades sticking up after a cut, You can simply place your mat on top and gently push the blade back down inside of the die foam.

I think you'll enjoy this die. GO! for it and have fun making fast & fun rag quilts.

SewCalGal

Thank you all for your imput. I am making my first rag quilt right now. I already have all the squares cut out. I f I decide to do more rag quilts I think I will buy the die.