Thread: Using the Accuquilt Go to cut strips

I purchased an Accuquilt Go 5-6 years ago. At the time, I used the dies to make a couple of quilts. I ended up not really liking the Accuquilt; I felt that the rotary cutter was sufficient for me. So I stuck the Accuquilt on a shelf in the basement and kind of forgot about it.

Now, though, I've fallen in love with making Bonnie Hunter quilts. Her quilts are mostly made with strips. I still just use a rotary cutter for making her quilts.

BUT, I just now found out that you can cut strips with the Accuquilt. (I'm apparently behind the times). :-)

For those of you who use the Accuquilt to cut strips, do you like it? The strip dies are about $75.00, and I would be willing to probably buy the 2 inch and 2.5 inch dies if it really was fast and accurate.

If you use these particular dies, do you also cut squares from the strips?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

I have the 2.5 strip cutter, I can't say anything negative, I love it, just my opinion x

I have the 2.5' and I love it. I also have a variety of other strip cutters. I use the strips far more often than any other shape.

Have several strip dies and love them!!! I just wait until I find a sale....if possible. I have the 2.5, multi size, and log cabin. Used the multi size and 2.5 to cut for a bargello..just right!

I have the strip dies for my Go! but actually prefer to cut strips with my June Tailor Shape Cut mat and a Quilter's Slidelock ruler on top to keep it from moving. Here is a link to the Quilter's Slidelock: http://quiltersslidelock.com/ . (I also have some Grip Strips on the underside of my Shape Cut mat which I think help to keep the mat from slipping, although it wasn't until I added the Slidelock that I got complete stability.)

When cutting strips with the Go!, I find that I have to stop once or twice while rolling the die through -- to lift up the mat and straighten the fabric. If I don't do that, I get ripples "ironed" into the strips and/or little jagged cuts here and there in the strips. This is caused by the fabric stretching as it is rolled through the machine. I get this even with fabric that is rolled through on the lengthwise grain (which has less stretch than the crosswise grain). Maybe it's user error. I just prefer the Shape Cut for strips. I do *love* the Go! for cutting applique shapes out of freezer paper, for cutting triangles (makes them very easy to match up), for odd shapes such as hexagons, and for complete blocks such as Hunter's Star.

[QUOTE=Prism99;7325872]
When cutting strips with the Go!, I find that I have to stop once or twice while rolling the die through -- to lift up the mat and straighten the fabric. If I don't do that, I get ripples "ironed" into the strips and/or little jagged cuts here and there in the strips. This is caused by the fabric stretching as it is rolled through the machine. I get this even with fabric that is rolled through on the lengthwise grain (which has less stretch than the crosswise grain). Maybe it's user error.

Go info suggests putting a sheet of paper btw the fabric and rollers to prevent this problem. It works for me. The main thing to remember when cutting strips is to fold the fabric very carefully, so it is absolutely straight on the ends, or you will get the dreaded angles instead of nice straight strips.

Originally Posted by JoanneS

Go info suggests putting a sheet of paper btw the fabric and rollers to prevent this problem. It works for me. The main thing to remember when cutting strips is to fold the fabric very carefully, so it is absolutely straight on the ends, or you will get the dreaded angles instead of nice straight strips.

Do you mean between the fabric and the mat? It would be in the middle of the die, then? Because the die is considerably longer than a piece of typing paper, and the problem always seemed to be right in that area.

Bonnie uses the Studio Accuquilt to cut her strips. I have most of the strip dies and can't imagine having to cut a lot of strips any other way. The Bonnie Hunter group on Facebook lists all the dies used to make Bonnie's patterns.

June Tailor for me, too. I just finished cutting 700 2-1/2 inch squares and 100 4-1/2 X 2-1/2 inch strips in about an hour. I haven't had a problem with slippage. I cut from right to left using my left hand to steady the Shape Cut.