Accuquilt--is it hard to cut accurate squares using the strip dies?
 

I am considering buying the 3.5 inch strip die mostly for making 3.5 squares. The videos on youtube show how you can cut strips and then turn them around perpendicular (align with "registration" lines you mark yourself if the die doesn't have these lines already) to cut them into squares.

My question is, does this method result in consistent accurate cut squares?

Yes it does, if you align the fabric the correct way. You may get some miscuts along the way but overall it is a wonderful machine and saves you so much time.

I agree! Works great for squares, but better than I could cut with a ruler.

Mine drift a tad wonky once in a while, but overall I agree it's better than doing it on my own.

So, would it be better for me to buy the 3.5 inch square die? There are only 2 squares on the 3.5 square die plate so I'm not completely drawn to it (would be much better if it had 4 square to the die) but that would be the primary reason why I would buy the 3.5 strip die. The square die cost less than 1/3rd the cost of the strip die, yet the strip die would be overall more useful. I just don't want wonky squares, I want accurate squares...

I am one of those who don't actually like the Accuquilt strip dies. I always have to stop halfway through and straighten the fabric; otherwise I get a wrinkle (and miscut) in the middle of the cut. I have not tried cutting strips into squares using the strip die, as I'm pretty sure mine would not come out as accurate as I would like.

Have you tried cutting strips with a June Tailor Shape Cut Pro (or the newer Stripology ruler which has been the subject of some recent threads)? For me, it's much easier to cut accurate squares using one of these ruler; I just align the strip with the markings on the ruler, then cut through the slots.

I have the 2.5 inch die and the 1.5 inch die - and even though I know it will cut them into squares I use my June Taylor to make the strips into squares. I love my Go dies to make the strips - one time thru and I have all the strips for an entire quilt binding. I had a jelly roll that I was using for a GFG quilt and the June Taylor was perfect.

exactly. I love mine

I have all the strip dies and all the square dies for for the Studio. I find I love using the square dies if I'm just making a few (like 20 or so) squares, but if it's an entire quilts worth, I prefer using the strip die and turning the fabric. Just make sure to mark a registration line on the die to line your fabric up to in order to keep it straight.

To keep your strip from folding when you cut, I put a piece of parchment paper on the fabric and then the mat. This will keep the fabric from folding. The cut paper strips can be used again. It is the static electricity that causes the folding. This will also keep your cut pieces from sticking to the mat.

I got the new electric Accucut Go for Christmas!!

I have the GO and many dies.....I like the idea of using the die cutter along with the other tools in my/your arsenal...
If you are going to use the dies for all....I would rather have both the strip and square dies.....less chance of wonky....

Well, after some research, I decided to purchase the Stripology ruler. For my Accuquilt GO, I have only purchased one strip die so far (the 2.5 inch which will be very useful). I also have the hunter star die, log cabin die, the drunkards path die, triangle in a square and a few other shapes. Contemplating buying more strip dies, the cost would add up very quickly and just one strip die costs more than the Stripology ruler. So, after watching the youtube video of this ruler I decided it looks like a good investment and extremely multipurpose.

I noticed she didn't show this, but you could cut your strips, lift ruler, turn your mat around 90 degrees and then replace ruler and cut again for squares, super easy. I noticed she cut her strips, lifted ruler, then turned her strips around and I could see she wasn't really getting them placed straight enough for a good square.

Wow you must have been a good girl this year..lol I like your idea about the parchment paper, will have to try that..
Happy New Year everyone!

There are lots of tutorials online for using AccuQuiltGo strip dies for cutting not only squares but also diamonds, rectangles, etc. I have pieced and pressed two strips together and then placed the strips perpendicular to the cutting lines. After they are cut, they're ready for 4-patches. Do the same with three strips for 9-patches. So fun!

Angelinamaria...yes I would do it the way you describe too...just flip and cut.

Your logic is good about your decision on which item to purchase. That's the fun of gadgets.......or should I say
"helpers"

Ebony Love on YouTube has a fantastic tutorial on marking your dies for accurate cuts. I just got a Go cutter for Christmas and it was purchased second hand so it doesn't have any markings on it like the new strip dies do - even her simple geometric shapes she marks and I can see how that would make cutting more accurate and less wasteful.

I have the square die that cuts 3 1/2 inch squares to finish at 3 inches. I love my Accuquilt.

Susan

Yes, I think it works great and I've even used it to cut strip sets for four or nine patch blocks and they come out perfectly...not wonky that happens to me with a rotary cutter.

I have the Go Baby and several dies and I love it.

just remember like in cutting anything, the grain will make a difference when it comes to accuracy. The only time I had problems was cutting blocks and the grain was off so the measurments were right.