Alto's Quilt Cut 2 versus specialty rulers
 

I have been reading posts for the past several hours on specialty rulers and on the Alto's Quilt Cut system. And I now feel like this :confused:.

I would like to start making more intricate blocks (intricate for me would be advancing into using quarter and half square triangles, flying geese). The whole 7/8" inch math thing worries me. Along with trying to cut strips or shapes with an odd measurement. Love how easy it looks to cut with the Alto's Quilt Cut. Don't love the price. If I use the product and it makes things easier - then I can get okay with it. But to spend that and find that I don't use it - don't want that.

But then I started thinking that for the price of the quilt cut - I could buy a heck of a lot of rulers. I like the look of the Square in a Square rulers by Jodi Barrows. Is it really that easy??

Also looking at some of the Eleanor Burns rulers. Found several June Tailor rulers (I have a Shape Cut - my go to ruler for cutting strips). Found one with 1/4" slots - really like that!! But almost $50. She has one for making quarter and half square triangles. Looks interesting.

Also, I don't have a square up ruler (still looking at Eleanor Burns site). Thinking one of those would be very helpful. Not really sure how they are used. Sort of an idea, but read somewhere that you can square up HST's with one cut. Like just having one cut, though I am not picturing how it is done. Also really liked these template I found for a quilt pattern I have that I like (from Marti Mitchell, Set T templates - http://www.frommarti.com/set_t.shtml)

Just buying a few of these specialty rulers can take me easily up to the cost of the Alto's Quilt Cut 2. So am now stuck. What is more useable? Before I jump in to a purchase, I want to make sure I can use the product more than once.

And now I am just confused. What say you? What do you find more versatile? I know that one does not have to have different specialty rulers for quilting - for me it is a matter of making things easier/more accurate. I can't spend endlessly on them - but adding a new tool here and there that makes it all more enjoyable - that I can do. And if I find I can do endless things with a more expensive tool (such as the Quilt Cut) - I am ready to consider. Without experience with either - not sure which would be most beneficial. Thoughts from those of you who have used specialty rulers and/or a cutting system like Alto's?

my alto quiltcut2 will be here in a week or so. i can report back. i tend to like piecing/patchwork versus applique...so had no interest in the accu quilt stuff. and i tend to lose lots of rulers <g>.....

wow, you have some good questions and I am sure you will get many good opinions. I tend to stick with the rulers vs. the machines. I love the shape cutter - use it alot. I have some Eleanor Burns rulers, omnigrid rulers, many sizes. I would say that you might end up with some project specific rulers, not that there's anything wrong with that, and if you make that kind of project more than once you will be set. Good luck. I'll be watching here to see what everyone says.

The quiltcut 2 saves you time because you can cut more blocks at a time. sometimes I use it instead of the GO! You don't have to have as many rulers. I really like it.

I have the Quilt Cut2 and I use it if I am cutting a lot of the same thing, but if it is just a few straight cuts then I use my rulers. I don't have a place to keep it set up so I probably don't use it more for that reason. I have dropped my ruler (from Q Cut2) a few times and it isn't so perfect any more.

I can say that the Co. is super nice to deal with and will answer any questions.

My friend has the quilt cut - not sure if it's 1 or 2 - and she loves it. Uses it for ALL of her cutting. I'd love one myself. It clamps the fabric and the rulers run on rails so there's no slippage. I have very basic rulers...6x24; 6.5x24; 12.5" sq. and a 6x3.5 for small trim work. I have bought 1 or 2 speciality rulers and never used them. With the markings on my rulers I haven't run into anything yet that I haven't been able to cut. And although I'd like to do some applique at some point I don't see myself ever wanting a die cut machine either. Just me. If cutting is your problem area (me - not sure if it's cutting or sewing) then I would say the quilt cut could be a great investment for you.

I have the Alto Quilt Cut 2, the Go die cutter, and about every specialty ruler. I even have a ruler marked only in 7/8" measurements (one of my favorite rulers.) The Alto is quality made and worth the price but I still have to line up the fabric the same as using a ruler. It holds the fabric in place so no slippage. You have to have access to three sides to use the Alto so remember that when choosing a cutting space. It's very heavy and not easy to move so best if left in one place. Alto customer service is great. I use my Go more but I do use the Alto to pre cut the fabric for the Go dies.

I was able to find a gently used Alto's Quilt Cut 2 for $75 plus shipping. I was a member of a Yahoo sewing selling site and that is where I found it. I cant remember the name but if you search the groups I am sure you will be able to find some.

I would love to have the Altos, but know I don't have the space. I have seen it demoed several times and my friend has it and I have used hers -- it is a wonderful tool and there is no more waste using it than using a normal ruler and rotary cutter. I have all the rulers i could possibly need (and doubles of some) -- I use the shapecut the most, followed by the 6x24. I have several different triangle rulers of different degrees and sizes and have used all of them at different times. I have the circle things with slots -- sure makes cutting round things easier.

I think Eleanor Burns had an HST square up ruler on one of her shows -- it looked like it would be really neat but I haven't found one yet.

The Altos is the only cutting tool you will need. You can make all kinds of cuts on it. I have it, and when we redid the sewing room, I set up my cutting table to where I can use their cutting tool on it. I can't tell you how much I enjoy this tool. And the speed and accuracy. I told dh this is a tool I won't be without.lol
Tammy