Cutting machines
 

Do any of you use die cutters or other machines to cut your fabric? Which is the best?

Well there are a lot of variables to think about. Are you able to crank a handle or would you prefer an electric cutter? Are you okay with buying multiple dies with pre-set shapes and sizes, or would you rather be able to cut your own custom sizes and shapes? What is your price point?

Some people are happy with the hand-crank Accuquilt Go, it's an affordable basic machine that comes with a couple of basic dies. Extra dies are purchased separately. On the other end of the spectrum are machines such as the Brother ScanNCut, which can custom cut any shape your little heart desires, but runs about $400.

I can crank. I own a cricut explore air 2 but you have to back the fabric. I am left handed and for the life of me, even with acrylic rulers, cannot cut a perfect square. I thought maybe one of these machines would help. My budget is workable because my hubby has expensive hobbies. But if I spend the big bucks I want to know whats the best and does it work/ Do you use any of them? Thanks Debbie

I love my Sizzix Bog Shot Pro, it can take all the accuquilt dies as well as Sizzix fabric dies etc. but it doesn’t fold so takes up a lot of space and really cankt be stored away like the smaller machinesmade by Sizzix and Accuquilt.

Rob

I don't think there is any "best" cutter. It's an individual thing.
I bought an Accuquilt Go that has the hand crank. They are fine as long as you don't have any physical problems
with shoulders etc (I've been told) For me the hand crank works great.
They have electric ones as well.

Thank you.

I have been reading about the accuquilt cutters. So far my shoulders are good but I am getting older. Thanks for the input.

After doing a lot of research on cutting systems, I decided to purchase a Sizzix Big Shot Plus. The reasons I chose the Sizzix were:

1. Lower cost for the initial "machine" as well as for the cutting dies than the Accuquilt or Cricut. For example, a die to cut 2-1/2" strips is $40 for Sizzix compared to $80.45 for an Accuquilt die on Amazon.
2. I can cut through 8 layers of fabric at one time.
3. Sizzix can use a wide variety of dies, even some that are paper thin. My Sizzix can use Accuquilt dies, but Accuquilt cannot use Sizzix dies.
4. My Big Shot Plus takes up minimal space in my sewing room, and because it has a built in handle and is light weight, I can carry it downstairs to do my cutting on the kitchen table.
5. The Big Shot Plus is a manual system that does not require an electrical or computer connection so I can easily take it to a sewing bee or Quilts of Valor sew-in.
6. There are lots of Sizzix scrapbook dies available. So I can also use my Sizzix for other projects in addition to quilting.
7. The pieces cut on the Sizzix are always 100% accurate.

I absolutely my Sizzix Big Shot Plus. My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner to make my quilting projects more enjoyable with more accurate and faster cutting. You might want to check out some of the YouTube videos about the Sizzix cutting system. There are several videos showing how to use the Sizzix system and at least one video comparing Sizzix to other cutting systems.

I'm in the same camp as Rob. I love my Sizzix Big Shot Pro. I can use it with both Accuquilt and Sizzix machines. And the price was reasonable.

I love my Accuquilt Go - I would love to have the Go Big, but it wasn't out when I bought mine. Decide what you like to make look at the dies and see what will work best for you. When I started I preferred the geometric shapes but once I got my embroidery machine I have to have so many different figures. :-)
A friend of mine lives in AZ and I take it to her house when we have a personal quilt week.

Thank you all for the input.

This is exactly why I love my Sizzix!! Someone read my mind and wrote it out for me, LOL love it. It isn't carried in as many stores but dies & machines easily found online, Amazon, Walmart, etc. For some reason Accuquilt is marketed much more but I think the Sizzix has more to offer.

I have Accuquilt Go and probably 100 or more dies. I seldom cut fabric with a rotary cutter and ruler unless it is a specialty ruler. I love the BOB dies the best. One crank and I have six complete blocks ready to sew.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the accuquilt go big electric. I don’t know why I’m ignoring the Sizzix - there’s so many logical points to picking that one.

Anyway- Accuquilt has a deal on the Go Big Electric: buy it and get the go cube specialty set ($280 value)

I’ve been waiting for the best deal on this? Do you think this is the one (the best deal)?

I totally agree that the Sizzix has more to offer than Acuquilt. I love my Sizzix.

The Go Big is seldom more then $100 off so if you think you will use the dies in the qube set it is a good deal. There is a facebook group called Accuquilt and Beyond that is extremely helpful about all the die cut machines and the sales. Lots of dealers post there.

I used the Go Crank for yrs...but it is hard on your wrists and shoulder...I finally treated myself to the Electric Go and Love it...

I have the Accuquilt GoBig (the electric one) and it's a life-safer--especially if you have any shoulder, arm or wrist issues (i.e. carpel tunnel!). yes the dies are pricey, but can be so interchangeable. And there are blocks that I wouldn't even think about doing without the Blocks On Board (BOBs). Why I really like the Accuquilt system? Service--my 4yr old machine was being cranky, possible because I "overloaded"it a few times,but who knows? they had me send it back with $30 repair or replace fee---wasn't repairable, so they sent a new one with extended warranty--and free shipping! Great service.

I have the Go Big (electric) and a go baby. I love the using the system for cutting. Nice and easy along with limited exposure to a rotary blade. We have two presentations each month at our LQS by a national educator.I'm really missing those right now.

If you have an embroidery machine, many of the designs are free with the applique dies.

I got the Accuquilt Go! a week ago, and I am in love. I have arthritis in my hands and a bad shoulder, so I was a bit worried about the cranking, but I have no trouble at all. They were running a special with a Qube set and a strip die cutters, and it was a good price. I chose the Accuquilt because that is what my LQS handles, and they do all kinds of classes using it. I finished my first quilt a couple of days ago. I never thought I was a bad rotary cutter, but the accuracy of the Go! made everything fit perfectly. No tugging, no easing. Both the blocks and the rows went together easily. I have only used the four patch, square, and strip does so far. I have to finish quilting my current quilts before I will allow myself to piece any others, but I am going to do something with half and quarter square triangles next.

There are things to learn about using the die cut machines. Knowing how to put the fabric on the die according to the grain line, how to fan fold the fabric for long cuts, when to use two layers, four, or six, why the fabric may shift when cutting, shapes with bias, etc. Watch the videos and read the instructions on the die package. Some may have special cutting layouts. Everyone that I have heard complain about the machines not cutting accurately has been user error. I go to most of the dealer classes and there is always someone bringing in a die and saying this does not cut through or not right. The dealer will have the person use the die and yes there are misscuts. Then the dealer will use the die and have perfect cuts. The exact way she used the die is on the die package instructions. A few dies maybe flawed and she will replace them right there on the spot if she has one, bought from her or not. That's why she is a profitable high seller dealer in this area. No one leaves unhappy.

I looked at several different machines and decided on the Accuquilt. I don't have any real reason on why I chose Accuquilt. DH got me the GoMe for Christmas and I loved it right away! It was only early Feb. that I knew I want the larger machine so I started first looking on Marketplace for one and found a slightly used one that I purchased with 8 dies for a great price far under the price of a new one. Around $100. Heck I have already forgot what I paid! The machine and dies added to my growing supply of dies. I then sold the GoMe and got back what I originally paid for it. I would suggest you look for a used one just to save money there are different brands that may interest you a great deal I am in love with my Accuquilt Go. I don't mind cranking the fabrics through and I love the exacting cuts. Do your research and then decide what is best for your needs. I love my Accuquilt!

I’m a huge fan of buying used. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for an Accuquilt.
So, I’m a little disappointed with Accuquilt right now for selling their mask dies for the price they’re asking. Yes, a portion of the proceeds go to feeding children with COVID. I don’t know how much they’re donating, but some companies will only donate a fraction just to say they’re donating. If all proceeds went to a good cause, I’d think differently. Maybe it’s just me.

I agree the custom dies are very expensive to have made but that is the buyer's decision to make. If a company doesn't say how much they are donating from the profit made then I tend to think it is very little.

I did a lot of research and though I wanted the Sizzix but I needed to have an electric because of hand and shoulder issues. I got the GO Big and love it. I buy the dies as I need them and I mark the dies so I have guidelines for where the cutting blades are and also lines for the minimum extra fabric that is needed. I can cut so very many pieces at a time and they are so accurate. Love it. It's pricy, but I got a good deal when I bought it and usually try to buy the dies on sale. The biggest issue I have is making sure I have enough room for some of the longer dies (the dining room table works best and the Go Big is easy to fold up and carry.

I have the electric Go and like it a lot but the dies are very expensive.

Sizzix also makes an electric cutting machine. It's called the Vagabond and sells for about $140.

I have a Sizzix Big Shot Plus and I love it! I use it all the time, I just used my 4.5" x 8.5" rectangular die (finishes at 4x8) to make a lovely patchwork for a friend, it took less than an hour to cut out, then when it was time for binding I used my 2.5" strip die for that. No wrist, arm, or shoulder pain, I'll never go back to doing all my own cutting.

pros: no pain, easy to use, no electricity needed, Sizzix dies are available on Amazon and on their own website and very reasonably priced., super accurate cutting (you do need to make sure to use the dies correctly), you can use Accuquilt branded dies with an adapter which I have
cons: Big Shot Plus doesn't fold, uses more fabric than rotary cutting, the plastic that goes under and above the die does get used up and need replacing (I went to a plastics company rather than buy them from Sizzix), have to find a place to store the cutter and the dies, and like I mentioned, you need to lay the fabric the correct way or you'll get super stretchy bias edges.

I have the Big Shot Plus too. I saw a YouTube where someone replaced the Sizzix clear acrylic pad (the one that winds up so scratched) with a self healing cutting mat. I bought an oversize (24" x 36") self healing mat and my husband cut it down to size for me. The self healing cutting mat cost $28 and will give me 3 self healing "pads". I can use both sides just like the Sizzix acrylic pads, but the mat self heals and should last a lot longer than the Sizzix acrylic pads that get scratched with each cut. You do have to layer the pieces a little differently though. I found the best cuts were made when I stacked my pieces as follows (starting from the bottom up):

1. cardboard
2. Sizzix die
3. fabric to be cut
4. self healing mat
5. old (very scratched) acrylic pad