Accuquilt Go Big
 

I am seriously considering buying the Accuquilt Go Big because in almost 20 years of quilting, my cutting accuracy has not improved. Right now, I can purchase a new one on sale for $449 with possible free shipping. I say possible because they say free shipping with the exception of oversized/overweight and I don't know if the Go Big falls in one of those categories but I bet it does. My question to y'all is this, is it worth it? I browsed pages and pages of dies and, unless I am wanting to make a special quilt, none of the dies, such as squares and HSTs are sizes I ever use. And horribly expensive. And there are multiple mats available in different sizes. Why would you need mats of different sizes? So again I ask, is it worth it? TIA

It was for me. I couldn't turn the hand crank one so I sold it to a friend.
Yes the dies are expensive so I got some from family for Christmas gifts etc. I bought the strip ones like 2 1/2 etc. I also have some of the circle ones 1/2 sq etc.
I shopped on Amazon and other places and compared prices. My actual Go! Big was purchased on Amazon by Elanor Burns offered it for around $350 and I think shipping was free.
The reason for the various mats is to fit each die. You have to have enough to cover the sharp blades in the dies so it doesn't ruin the roller or too much might hinder it going through.
I heard Accuquilt has specials around Christmas time, but I found mine on sale way before.
Good luck and if I can help you further please send me a private email if you like.

I have the regular accuquilt go. I would say that was worth it, but i would not be able to justify the cost of the larger one (I still have the capability of managing the crank, so that is not an issue for me). i find the cost of the dies most prohibitive, as you do have to find the right size for each cut. I got mine with a package that included multiple dies that also had an eleanor burns book full of patterns made only from that selection of dies, so that was helpful and made it feel more versatile. but honestly, I have only cut fabric for one quilt with it. while I have intention of using it more, i jsut haven't. but for some reason, I am still happy to have it.

I purchased mine with the idea of only purchasing the basic dies and making adjustments to the sizes to make everything work together. I mainly make scrappy quilts. I also make quilts that are to be used and wore out. I guess you would say probably utility quilts. I have enjoyed mine so far. I researched this item for years before buying one I got it for 300 dollars and one die it had cut one quilt previously so it was used. It was a big decision for me. Hope this helps a little.

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I have the Accuquilt Go and love it. I have quite a few dies - you need different size mats for the different size dies- you don’t want to try to use a 6” x 24” mat on an 8” square die.....
I use most often my strip dies- can cut r (5) 1 1/2” x width of fabric x (2) at one time- so, (I) run through and I have (10) 1 1/2” x 40” perfect strips. I also have some applique dies I definitely use the strips & squares most. It’s so nice to be able to cut multiples perfectly and quickly. I cut all the 1 1/2” strips needed for a king size log cabin quilt in less than an hour. By hand it probably would have taken me a week.

I bought the Go a couple of years ago and really like it. My accuracy has improved a lot. I paid a lot for it, in fact right after I bought it they had a sale. But I still love it.
I don't have problems with the crank. That depends on the individual.
If you buy from the site I think shipping would be free, wouldn't it? I don't buy unless they offer it. They always have some sale going on.

Sounds like a money hole to me.

I have had my Go cutter (the manual one) for only a few months, but I have made a number of things with it. They have strip does for finished sizes of 1/2” to 6” and the standard half square, quarter square triangle, and flying geese dies in pretty much all the same sizes. And then there are the more unusual dies that are the devil to cut by hand such as angled wedges and such. What shapes do you quilt that they don’t have?

What dies would you use for your quilts?

I have the electric-big and the baby cutters. I love the convenience of cutting multiple pieces quickly. Plus it limits my exposure to the rotary cutter and cuts off the points for easier piecing so quite "worth" it.

My first purchase was 8 dies that make 72 different blocks before the qubes were available. Over the years, I have added the different sized qubes when they are on sale. The strip dies are time-savers for making cuts and then cross cuts of pieces. Easy bias binding too.

Yes, mats match the size of the die and they need to be replaced with use. I twist, turn, and flip the mat to get a few more cuts from them. You can use a smaller mat if you are only cutting one shape on a die. The die area won't cut without a mat over it. Example would be applique shapes or multi-shape dies.

Always cut with the die label facing you as you put it through the machine. Good luck!

My current project calls for 6 3/4 squares, 3 3/4 HSTs and 2 1/2 strips sub cut into 2 1/2 squares. I think they did have the 2 1/2 dies. Thank you everyone for your comments. Very helpful.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

??Some of my dies are decades old. They still cut like new. Strip dies only get the curve if the fabric is not on the die correctly, doesn't matter what grain is cut. I think some video tutorials on using the Accuquilt system will help you a lot with the strip dies.

Only the Go Big is electric. The Go and Go Me (Baby) are manual. The die will stop cutting correctly if the mat is worn or cracked. I agree that sometimes I get a snarky customer rep from Accuquilt. I hang up and call back later or the next day until i get a nice one which seems to be few and far between. I always get the names of the reps and email accuquilt with names of how I felt I was treated good or bad. I don't let bad customer service get me down, I get bad right back.[QUOTE]

yes--I have the GoBig and it's worth it for me---I have some shoulder issues and carpel tunnel developing some and it sure helps. I have the 12" Qube (I mostly make 12" blocks) and the strip die bundle (I use the 2.5" strip die all the time) and several Blocks On Board (BOB) which have allowed me to make more complex blocks that I otherwise would probably not attempt. I suggest that once you order it, go onto their site and look at the tutorials--they really make it easier and you'll be successful.

Big Go
 

I have the Big Go, Go and baby go. I love them all. The Big go is my favorite and it can cut other size blocks if you use the strip cutter. If you want a 2 x 2 squareand you don't have a die, you can cut a 2 inch strip, then turn your fabric and cut again for a 2 inch square. I use all my strip cutter the most. I have also use the heart and circle die a lot. I take the baby go to classes if we are doing a lot of cutting and it's small. Your arm can get tired turning the Go, but if I am only wanting a couple hearts, stars or circle, it's easier to get out as it weights a lot less. I think my Big Go was $449. plus free shipping. Dies are expensives, but they stay sharp and last a long time if you take care of them.

I have had the GO Big for a couple of years - hand and arm issues mean I can't turn the crank. I it and find myself adapting patterns to the size dies I have. I got the Go Big on sale before Christmas, then waited until the cubes went on sale and bought the 6' and 12' as well as the companion sets in the same sizes. I am thankful I have the Go Big -- I couldn't cut fabric for larger quilts without it.

Here are some hints:
-- I starch my fabric almost board stiff before cutting so my pieces are accurate and have no issues when I piece.
-- I draw on my dies - I have found that if I extend the edges of the dies so I can check placement of the fabric it saves a lot of time.
-- I am also a fabric miser and I experimented until I found the minimum amount of extra fabric I need past the blades and I marked that on the dies as well (if you don't leave some fabric past the edge of the blades you get the fabric stuffed between the blade and the sponge and you get a bad cut). I leave a least a quarter inch around but my fabric is stiff.
-- Clean out any threads that get stuck as you get them - otherwise they are a bugger to get out
-- for my square mats, I rotate the mat 90 degrees every time I cut, then turn it over and rotate 90 degrees after each cut. The next time I offset the cut by a hair (as long as the mat covers the blades you are OK to move it around and rotate it). When I declare a mat dead it is well and truly dead. For the non-square mats I turn them 180degrees and move them as I can. The idea is to no continually cut in the same place.
-- If I use a block with several shapes and I want to cut several fabrics side by side I try to but the fabrics against each other (I draw a line halfway between the shapes) so I don't have to count the over lap as one of the 8 layers

Hope this helps.

Quilt Lady,

Just wondering if you cut 8 layers on the dies?

I only cut 6 layers at a time. Fabrics with fusible product on the back can be stacked to cut cut 4 layers. Yes, I have to be careful not to overlap fabrics on dies with multiple cut shapes.

One of my guild members bought a Go and complained about it constantly. She brought it to a sew day so the members that had one could help her. She watched a demo but never followed the instructions, nor read the instructions on the die packages. All she did was say how awful the Go was and not worth the money. Ignorance is everywhere, even at guild.

QuiltnLady1 thanks so much for the great tips. I have the Go Big, I am fairly new at it and still learning.