Jennja

I have just purchased the Accuquit and was wondering what extra dies would be best to purchase. I have added the 2 1/2 inch die and mat but not sure what other dies would be considered as essential. I am relatively new to quilting and patchwork. So far I have worked mostly with Jelly rolls (hence the 2 1/2 inch die) but would like to venture out into something slightly more complicated. I was thinking maybe triangles, rag quilt, maybe a bit of appliqué, or just some plain squares - what size would you suggest and also Dresden plate.
I realise that it will depend on what I want to do, but I really just want to see some suggestions as to what are the favourite dies.
The machine hasn't been delivered yet, can't wait for it to arrive. It will be so nice to have shapes cut to a consistent size and no more curves in the binding and sashing strips.

Thank you for any suggestions.

sweet

My silly advice (do not own one, but have used the studio at lqs) would be to go for those triangles! I love that their edges are cut to make it so easy to piece. Also since you call yourself a beginner, how about that take5 set, it's easy- peasy!

I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions!!1 Have fun when it arrives!

Cindy2201

I love the 5inch square and the tumbler dies. I think I have all the strip ones too and have used them all!

katkat1946

I try to avoid cutting and then having to sew triangles if at all possible. Sewing the bias can give you troubles. You say you are new to quilting so in case you're not aware of this there are lots of how to's on the net for creating blocks made of two or three or four triangles without ever having to cut or sew them. They are done by putting squares or rectangles face to face and stitching then cutting - you'd have to see the videos for the directions. So, having said all of that, maybe you'd want to invest in dies that cut squares, not triangles? I don't own one of these but have tried to imagine what I'd select if I did Someone recently brought hers to a retreat and really appreciated the efficiency with which she got multiples cut for her project and she had realized how to cut her fabric for the machinne so as to really minimize waste.
Pat

blanketangel

I have this cutter and find that I use the 6 1/2 and 5 dies a lot. I sew baby quilts and donate to the hospital so I tend to use a simple pattern and squares will do it. Very pleased with the results of the cutting. My 10 year old granddaughter has mastered use of the cutter and makes lots of squares for me.

elizajo

I think the answer depends on what kinds of quilts you like. I don't have an Accuquilt die cutter, but would love to have a 1.5" strip cutter to make log cabin strips and cross-cut to make 1.5" squares for nine patches or Irish chains.

BellaBoo

I buy dies when I find one on a good sale, I don't care which one it is. I may use it a lot or just once. I use the large tumbler die more then most. It's great for scraps pieces sewn together. I like the dies that are only sold on Accuquilt site. They are the try me dies. I visit the site everyday for the daily special. I keep a stash of cutting mats on hand.

Prism99

For Accuquilt cutting, I really appreciate the oddly shaped dies (tumbler, hexagon, circle) and the triangle dies. For the triangles, all corners are cut off for you so it makes matching them really easy, plus you can cut a lot of triangle pieces at a time.

I'm actually not that keen on the strip dies because I usually want to use strips in scrappy ways. The strip dies work well if you need a lot of strips in the same fabric. I usually prefer using the June Taylor Shape Cut mat for cutting strips.

Rubesgirl

Hopefully you'll find this as amusing as I did . . . when I read the title of this thread, my immediate thought was, Oh, that's too bad. Obviously, I do not have an Accuquilt and it's probably a good thing! Sorry I'm so lame, but I was going to offer condolences to Jennja . . . LOL

retrogirl02

I thought the same, Rubesgirl. lol

Anyway, Jennja, to answer your question, I'd stick to strip quilting until you find techniques you love to do. I love applique but I do needle turn/back basting so I require a seam allowance---a die wouldn't work for me. I also like hexagons but the accuquilt die is for different sizes than I use, plus I like to fussy cut complicating things further.

As a newer quilter, I would suggest looking for just basic sizes and shapes that you can use in a variety of patterns. If you'd like to learn some new techniques, do some free block of the months, follow some tutorials or choose a few off free pattern sites like quilter's casche. Once you find blocks you enjoy piecing, you can look for the best fit in more dies.