sewingpup

I got the go years ago....and now have several of the dies.....I find I use my 2.5 inch strip die the most....as I use 2.5 wide strips for all my binding.....I also have 1 inch, 1.5 inch, and 2 inch strip dies.....I like the dies that have multiples of the same size strip as that makes it fast to cut the numbers I need....I did not get the larger sized strip cutters cuz I figure I can still cut a 3.5 strip fairly accurately and you usually don't need as many of the wider sized strips anyway. I have only used the 1 inch strip cutter a few times but having the die sure saved me a few grey hairs....I also have 2, 2.5, 3.5, and 5 inch squares....these sizes are sizes I commonly use and sometimes I just pile my scraps on the die send them through...you can cut 54 2.5 inch squares with one pass...I also have picked up some of the triangle dies and a few of the specialty ones like tumbler blocks and drunkard's path....I usually try and pick up the dies and mats when there is a sail...and will sometimes add one to get the free shipping or if no dies I want...I just add in a few of the cutting mats to get to the price needed for free shipping. Cutting mats last a long time but eventually need to be replaced

juliasb

I love my Accuquilt Go. I belong to a couple of discussion group about Accuquilt. There is considerable discussion that the electrical function fails sometime. The group also says that Accuquilt stands behind the product. If you are able to turn a crank I would suggest the Accuquilt Go. If you are having problems with your hands get the Accuquilt Go! Big!. I have only had mine and it has opened a whole new world to me. One of the best investments I have made for my quilting efforts.

luvstoquilt

I have a GO and use it for strips basically. I have had it for several years and I think the accurately cut strips have more than paid for it. Personally, I wouldn’t want to buy the GO Big because I don’t mind cranking it.

Onebyone

I've had the Go crank for years. Mats are very important and very consumable. A worn mat will not allow the blades to cut the fabric through in spots. The mat will not heal itself. When you buy a die buy two mats. I think of the mat like a rotary blade. Both need replacing as soon as skips occur. I keep a good supply of mats on hand because I use my Go for 99% of the quilts I make. I buy a die to fit the size or adapt the size to fit the die.

Cattitude

Thank you for the information on the mats.....it enabled me to finally make up my mind about the Go crank that my husband purchased for my birthday this week. I figured all I would use is specialty does but had decided it would be great for curved piecing and applique. Now that I know I will need multiple mats per die I think it will be going back.

mmunchkins

I believe you can cut a bigger shape on the Go Big vs the regular Go. I have the Go BIg and love it! I mainly use my 2.5 inch strip die, as you can rotate the material and also cut squares, or diamond.

bkay

I didn't read all of the messages, but the accuquilt is not a panacea. I bought the small one a couple of years ago. I found that the dies don't last all that long, the mats wear out fairly fast, you never have the right die and the cutting is not necessarily perfect. If you don't cut on the length of the grain, the pieces will be off. My cousins and I were working on a quilt for one of the grandchildren. We used one of the cousin's GoBig! (I think, it's big but not electric.). She wanted to cut the sashing on the width of the grain. (I told her it wouldn't work, but she was sure it would.) They all had that curve in them (at the fold), so we had to make more sashing. I used to do a lot of I Spy charms (5") and my 5" die just wore out. I guess that's what it was, as I contacted Accuquilt to find out and the first thing they said was that it was no covered under warranty, which wasn't my question.

I don't use mine anymore. It could be because of their nasty retort about the warranty or it's just too much trouble. I guess I should sell it.
bkay

Rhonda K

Cat, Yes, the mats are a wear item but you don't need multiple mats per die. Use the mat until it wears out and then replace it.

Example: A 6x10 mat will work on all the 6x10 dies.

Jennifer23

I have a Go for precisely the reasons you list. You don't need multiple mats per die; in fact, I use the same mat for multiple dies. They do wear out, but not that fast - I figure I can cut at least 3 queen-sized quilts per mat, so it's about the same cost as rotary blades, and takes a fraction of the time. For me, it's definitely worth it.

juliasb

I figure when the mats wear out I will have cut several quilts with a single die. I am pretty new to my Accuquilt Go! I am finding it to to work much better than my hands can ever do. Costly but worth it. I strongly suggest you look on Marketplace to see what is available used. I also understand that the Accuquilt Go Big! is prone to electrical problems. Best bought from Accuquilt because under many circumstances it is cover by warranty. I purchased different size mats especially to have one for the longer dies. I can use the 5" mat if necessary and back up a bit and run it through to complete a single pass for a size I may not have. Several mats came with my machine that I bought used. I got 20 dies and mats and the machine for $60. Just because it says $150 doesn't mean the seller won't accept far less. That is what I did. I know this is my second comment but I have learned more since I commented last time.