sval

Is it safe to cut a kit using Accuquilt Cutter? I'm afraid of running out since it seems there is more waste when I cut with my Studio.
No way to get more fabric.
The pattern involves ALOT of 2" strips. I have a cutter that size. Then the strips are cut into various sized rectangles. That step I would need to do with my rotary cutter.

Anyone have experience with this?

Geri B

"Waste" is a relevant term.........I think the studio and the GO work on the same principal....meaning how you set your fabric on the die determines the amount of "waste". The lilttle bit produced when I use GO is irrelevant to me in so far as the accuracy and speed of the process. But if you are really concerned because of limited amount of fabric, I would work the math out on paper....cutting strips manually vs. die cutter.......and see, maybe you have enough to make it with cutter. Second choice might be a strip cutter template/ruler...like June Taylor, and I know there's another....this way you could cut your strips, then flip the ruler and cut your recs......just a thought......let us know the outcome

Weezy Rider

Go check the Accuquilt sites.

There are markings on all the strip cutters to cut various squares, diamonds, what have you.

There are videos showing how to do this and videos and tutorials are free.

I'm not sure about a kit, but I did cut out a top from Accuquilt's patterns and the recommended usage was close. I had more left over.

The quilt was a Drunkard's Path. I had the smaller die and a regular rotary cutting die for the large pieces. Cutting used just about the same amount of fabric on either

PaperPrincess

I have a studio, with lots of strip cutters. Often the dies are offered in 2 widths, the narrower one cuts fewer strips, but I always get that one. This way, I don't sub cut my fabric first. The narrower die allows the excess fabric to ride along in the tray. I don't have any more waste than when I cut with a ruler. See if you can position the fabric so that you don't need to sub cut it first, with the excess fabric laying over the edge of the die.

Lady Diana

DO NOT USE YOUR ACCUQUILT FOR A KIT. Kits sometimes do not contain all the yardage needed in the first place. Kits are precise down to the inch. I have had two Craftsy kits either shorted me fabric, or I got down to the last strip and it was a eight of an inch short. I HAD TO TIGHTEN MY STITCH on my machine and sew an eighth of an inch seam rather than my quarter inch. There is no room for errors or "wasted" fabric in a kit. Since you cannot get more fabric if needed, I would recommend not using your ACCUQUILT for a kit.

Cari-in-Oly

Yes using a cutter will use more fabric, how much more depends on your skill with using it. And some places are more generous than others when it comes to putting kits together. If the kit is from Connecting Threads, I wouldn't hesitate to use my Go! if I had the right dies. From Craftsy or a few other places? They're squeaky tight in the amount of fabric they give you so no I would cut by hand.

Cari

Peckish

I think if all you're cutting with your Accuquilt is 2" strips, you'll probably be fine. I don't have much waste with my Go Baby as long as they're straight cuts or simple shapes. However, once I get into curves, like an apple core or clamshell, there's plenty of waste. (Although I did take the waste pieces from the clamshell and turned them into leaves. Design opportunity!! )

I will say that I don't often buy kits, so I can't speak to that. Connecting Threads IS generous in their fabric cuts.

Jennifer23

There's really no waste with strip dies. I would use the Accuquilt to cut the strips; just be careful that you're not leaving a lot of overhang at the side of the die.

Jane Quilter

Kits are scary, especially when there is no access to extra fabric. I would follow instructions and not use the dies. You are at the mercy of the kit maker, with no idea how much wiggle room there is in the kit.

sval

Since the cutting was only with the 2" strip cutter, my DH was able to do some voodoo math and assured me there was enough fabric.
So fortunately he was right. There was even a little left over. Which is good because I changed a 2" square to a 2.5 for more coverage. One place the square was cut on the diagonal. The resulting triangle was too close for comfort. So I was able to recut 60 squares to accomodate the change.
I find I only use my Studio for cutting strips. Most everything else there is a better way to make the unit. ie: flying geese units.
Why cut them individually when you can make 4 at a time oversized and then trim?
I like buying kits because I lack the design gene. But for several reasons they are a problem. I like to prewash. Sometimes one or two of the fabrics doesn't suit me. And there's no "oops" factor built in.
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