I like to pick out my own fabric and the kits seem expensive. Cut in spurts and see if that helps.

Downy fabric softner has a program to make quilts for kids in need.
Here is a link to their website if you would like more info:
http://www.quiltsforkids.org/

There are pre-cut quilts and they vary in price. There are many patterns currently on the market using "pre-cuts" which are generally pre-cut 5" charm squares, 2 1/2" strips (Jelly rolls), or 5" strips pre-cut, layer cakes (10" squares pre-cut) etc.

Those patterns usually involve a minium of cutting.

The accu-quilt go is a bit pricey but if you are making charity quilts and you think you would be using similar shapes, it would probably be worth it to you. If you have a group of quilters that you stitch with, perhaps your "group" can purchase together.

The more reasonable tool for cutting squares in my opinion is the june taylor shape cut, which others have mentioned. Gosh I find that thing fast and accurate and it really speeds up the cutting process for me.

Here is a link to their instructional video on youtube. i can't seem to get it to work on their site, but the youtube version is the same thing. Any questions about it, please ask me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETsJf2nNQE

I tried an accucut at a quilt show and wasn't too impressed. After you buy the templates you have a lot invested. I'm glad to hear that you like it.

you and me both! I really do not like to cut, I am always afraid I will make a wrong cut and then not have enough fabric. I have purchased pre-cut kits and that helps but it always seems to come down to cut or not to cut. :( vs. :) Good luck!

Check out ebay. I have purchased wonderful pre-cut appliques and charm packs. They may also have some pre-cut quilts. Connecting Treads also sells kits. If you want to know particular sellers I've used send me a pm.

Quilt In A Day had the Acuquilt 30% off. Don;t think it is being lazy, the quilt machine is so accurate.

Accuquilt makes 2 cutting machines. the GO! and the studio
the GO! is available at many retailers and is what is seen at the quilt shows.I am also not impressed with this one.
But have not used it extensively or sewn a quilt cut on one.
I have a studio, much larger machine with a heavier roller,dies are much thicker. To me ,it makes better cuts that are more accurate.
Yes it was expensive and they are only available online thru Accuquilt and they don't often have sales!
But instead of spending 3 hrs cutting 1 queen size quilt I can cut 6-8.
I spend more time sewing and the sewing is more enjoyable. The fabrics are the exact size and shape they should be.
Appliques are a dream at first I always used fusible but now I just starch the fabrics, cut and sew!
and you can use trees and flowers on anything and it will look better, really spices up my borders.
My wish list is the DWR die, to use up all those tiny scraps I have!

I love 'almost' every aspect of quilting including the cutting. I don't buy pre-cut things because it narrows my options too much. I kind of create the quilt as I go for the most part. But I do know some people who love the Accu-quilt. But just think of how much fabric one could buy for the price of the Accu-quilt. Let us know what you decide.

Have you looked on ebay at the "precut" blocks that are on auction? at times, I have gotten some good prices, it all depends on when and who is selling and bidding, but worth a look.

cutting causes me a great deal of pain, so if I could ever afford a acucute, I would buy it. God bless. Penny

I spent part of my afternoon cutting strips and squares from fabric remnants...and I'll do more at a later time. I also labeled the sizes of the squares and strips for when I get at them to create something from them...by then I will have added more!

I did that on Thursday and by late afternoon my ankles were really swollen. I have to figure a way to cut sitting down!!! lol

I do that after finishing a top, using the largest pieces on the backing. I try to do this so I don't have a lot of scraps. I don't do well with scraps! :-D

I hear you! Ihave the same problem, especially if the weather is hot and humid like it's been the last two days!

I don't mind scraps, but one of my daughters doesn't think I need to keep scraps...but then she has no interest in sewing or quilting, so she doesn't understand :cry:

I don't mind scraps, but one of my daughters doesn't think I need to keep scraps...but then she has no interest in sewing or quilting, so she doesn't understand :cry:

go on E-Bay.....cheaper if you can't afford to get them at the store...plus shipping is free mostly.

If you start making quilts to enter into judged shows, some of them don't allow quilts that were made form kits, because you can not take credit for selecting the colors. If you are making quilts for gifts, for sale, or for yourself, no, is not lazy. I love the quilting part and don't mind making a whole cloth every once in a while so I don't have to do the piecing.

don't know about where you live but we have a local quilt store that will rent the machine and 3 dies for 3 days for $30. You could do a marathon cut and have some "kits" at a price where you don't have to invest in or store the stuff. We are lucky really. Within 30-45 minutes of my house there are 4 LQS's, Joann's, Hancock's, Hobby Lobby x 2, and a walmart with fabric.