Help with cutting rag quilt squares and quilting squares
 

I am really new to quilting and have found my niche in Rag Quilts. However, the ability to cut squares with precision is difficult for me. I have been looking at options using cutting machines. The Accuquilt is not great with rag quilting as it only cuts 2 layers of flannel material at a time. My Question is what else is available. I have looked at Cricut Maker and Brother Scan and Cut but the expense is a factor. I have seen some results with BIG SHOT Sizzix . So please if any one has any insight and would love to direct me I would appreciate the pros and cons of any machines or if any one has a great favorite . Thank you for your help.

I don't have any "cutting" machines, but have you thought about the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler? It's my go to ruler.

I personally use the 12" square ruler. It has grippers on the bottom. After squaring your material and cutting off the selvage on both sides, I would cut (example) 10" x width of fabric. Then cut 10" squares. That way you are cutting with it folded in half. It goes quick. Have fun.

with all the little snips required around each rag square, the accuquilt cutter would be a g r e a t help even if it cut only 2 at a time. I'll never do one by hand again.

I have the little snip scissors, love them makes it go faster

I us3d the Accuquilt cant remember it only cutting two layers but still quick easy and accurate .

My late sister made rag quilts all the time and was good at it. All I remember is that the fabric is cut one size and the batting was cut smaller. Seems to be that she used templates that were cut from acrylic from the hardware store and used a rotary cutter. I'm no help at all....sorry.

I use the Go Accuquilt. I cut four layers of flannel at a time. I use dies to cut the squares, already have the rag edges cut for me. I can cut and sew a large size rag quilt in a day. It is my instant gratification quilt to make. I have rag snips on front and back.

Wait a minute. This may seem like a dumb question but I'm gonna ask it anyway, since you're a new quilter.

Are you cutting your squares with scissors or a rotary cutter?

Uneven edges shouldn't matter on a rag quilt should it?

I use my QuiltCut2. Does a wonderful job. Most people can cut multiple layers. Due to arthritis I only cut 2 layers at a time. It keeps the fabric in place while I cut with my rotary cutter.

I make my rag quilts with alternating 3 and 6 inch strips cut the width of the fabric. They look adorable and go together very fast. You can find pictures on Pinterest.

I only keep my Accuquilt cutter because of the rag die. I love it and can do about 4. You need to make sure its kept clean. I had to get the first one replaced because it wouldn't cut all the way but ever since then, its great. I haven't done one in years but I don't see me ever doing one if I had to do it by hand.

Juniper has not come back to post on the thread.

I have used scissors and a rotary cutter to cut the squares for rag quilts. Scissors when I was using old jeans to have denim on one side. I had my local glass shop cut acrylic templates in various sized squares for me. They are not as precise as rulers, but it does not matter for rag quilts. I have also ripped the fabric for rag quilts, as it does not matter if it is distorted. Rip along the cross grain, then rotary cut to make the squares.

For snipping I have two different pairs of spring loaded snips. I alternate between them as it helps my hands to have a change.

"I use dies to cut the squares" I cut with a rotary cutter and hand quilt. How do you use dies to cut the squares? Is it a cutting machine?

Actually, rag quilts are very forgiving. You don't have to have perfect squares in making this quilt, you would never know the difference when done since all the edges are cut and ragged. No precision necessary when making a rag quilt.

I use the rotating mat and a square template the size that I want the squares to be.