Question re: using my Accuquilt
 

If I only want to cut one of the shapes from a die-do I need to cover the other shapes on the die to protect the cutting mat from the cutters?
Sandy

Waiting for this answer. I have been wondering the same thing.

i dont have an accuquilt but was considering whether to purchase and i watched the accuquilt demo video online. the other cutters on the die mat were not covered when only one die was used. there are so many demo videos online and i didnt see anyone cover the other dies to use one shape. accuquilt suggests turning the mats often to get extended use from them.

question, do you find the accuquilt a worthy tool to have? is it's usefulness really worth the cost of the machine? would you recommend it?

Absolutely! It makes cutting so quick.

I just received mine yesterday so I really can't answer with any authority yet. However, I do find myself rotary cutting into my ruler!! And I know my cutting is not exact, I'm hoping this fixes that. Thanks, Havplenty for your answer.
Sandy

You really can't cover it with anything that will protect the mat. I just cut what I need.

You do not have to cover the 'other' cutout with fabric HOWEVER you do need to cover the blades with the mat to protect your rollers...

No matter what, the die will make a cut into the mat whether you cover with fabric or not. So of if its something you may think you will use at another time then cover with fabric and save that cutout, but not necessary to cover the whole die for just one cut out.. ..

You beat me to it!!!

I saw an intriguing tip in a video from author Sharon Pedersen. She uses a piece of old mat (obviously she uses the Accuquilt a lot more than most of us!) to cover just the portion of the die she plans to use. I'm not sure it's worth
cutting up a good mat to do this, but I thought it was a clever idea.

I don't think doing this would negatively impact the roller, because there is a "gap" between the roller and the die board. I'll have to take a look at this.

I don't. I just put down what I need and cut.