Accuquilt rag die vs. rag snips
 

I recently made a rag quilt with the Accuquilt rag die cut by my LQS then later made one with rag snips that I cut on my own. The one cut with the die was nice since I didn't have to do it but I kept sewing small bits of fringe in the seam which I later had to rip out and resew. I also keep worrying that I would not incorporate the cuts outside of the seam which would unravel later. The rag snips took more time but was pieced together more easily. Anyone have a preference for one vs. the other or any suggestions on how to make the die work better.

I have never used the snips but I did make a quilt using the Accuquilt Go Rag die. When I cut my squares, I cut 2 of flannel and one of cotton at the same time so my squares were already sandwiched and I didn't have to put them together. I also put a page from a magazine on the die before I put my 3 layers of fabric on. It seemed to lessen the amount of threads that got caught in the die. When I sewed them together, I just placed the outside edge of my pressure foot at the inside edge of the cuts. I did have a couple of the snips that got caught up in the seam but I didn't worry about them. It still ragged nicely and by placing the sewing seam where I did, I don't have any fear of them loosening or coming out from fraying. I have nerve issues in my hands so cutting the snips by hand with scissors isn't an option for me.

After using my rag die, I would never take the time to cut all those little snips myself! I have done 2 that were cut with the die and had no problems at all catching the fringe in the seams--I make sure everything is nice and smooth before I start sewing them together and sew away.

I put pre cut batting and both sides of the rag at the same time with my Go. I put a thin sheet of paper over the die before the fabric. Batting is cut to fit the squares not the fringe, so the blade never cuts the batting. The strands stay together when sewing and I use a twin needle so I have two rows of stitching next to the 'rag' edge.

I didn't have any problems with sewing the die cut ones. You could always use blue painters tape to hold it down while you sew if that is the problem. I would never make on it I had to snip all those squares by myself.

Love the snips best..rag quilts dont require precision like piecing so i rather snip afterward now that they have spring loaded snips..easier on the hands.

Looks like I am going to have to watch for the sale coupons at JoAnns!! You all have answered a question (again) that I have been tossing around in my head, if I could use an Accuquilt for cutting a rag quilt quilt. Thanks again for all of the knowledge you have and the questions you answer.

Thanks for all the ideas. Good to know about the paper on the die before cutting. I think I also separated the two layers after they were cut which probably allowed them to not lie flat and get in the seam. Definitely easier on the hands with the Go!

Has anyone tried sewing the "x" then cutting on the die? Do you think that would work?

Great idea Mathteacher. I don't see why that won't work to save all the snipping by hand.