Cutting Machines, Which is Best for you?

In this episode, The Opinionated Quilter compares AccuQuilt and Scan n Cut cutting machines. In addition she announces the winner of last weeks quilt top and shows you the next top she is giving away.
Alternating Squares Pattern: www.quiltersheaveninc.com/sho...
Downloadable Patterns: www.quiltersheaveninc.com/sho...

[@CopycatQuilter]

I love Accuquilt and thought I’d throw my opinion in… you can cut 6 layers at a time. If you place your fabrics carefully, you have practically no waste at all. The strip dies can also cut squares and diamonds if you lay them crossways. I have the Qubes and while they are expensive to invest in, you can put all those shapes together in so many combinations, you can make practically any geometric block there is using the dies. And, half square triangles for days with no trimming to size. They come out perfect! For the letters, you can cut small pieces to cover only the letters you want. Up to 4 layers if they have fusible ironed on.

[@simplyquiltingwithnancysanders]

❤ my Accuquilt Qube sets

[@genawalter401]

Yes! I love mine also! And like she said.....it depends on what you need it for. I use my Go! Cutter like you do and it's wonderful!

[@marinaabad4995]

What Maureen doesn't compute on the cost of AQ, the saving in rotary blades! Cutting up to 6 layers at a time and using the strip cutters, saves money on rotary cutter blades. I have used my strip dies for over 4 years and going strong. When your die doesne't cut a shape cleanly, you have to get the fibers stuck in the die and the foam. A metal dental type pick makes it easy to get the fibers out. Die then cuts as new. Use the plastic covers on the die until they are cut through, then a get a new one.

[@conniesnyder9463]

I have started using my Accuquilt. I have tried a lot of niche rulers but I don’t seem to lose Points with Accuquilt. I don’t do a lot of appliqué. As always it is what works best for the quilter.

[@taniadressler585]

I love my accucut! The strip and square dies are great for my stash management. The amaryllis quilt top is beautiful.

[@user-fk3gd8zx5p]

I love my accuquilt. I have less waste because the pieces are precisely cut.

[@denisegolding9100]

With the accuquilt you only place fabric over the part of the die you require. You don’t need to civet the whole file. You can use up your scraps

[@katrinahough290]

The Amaryllis quilt reminds me of my teaching days. We'd always grow an amaryllis before Christmas. Kids had to measure it each day, one in the morning and one before we went home. We did a lot of botany lessons, parts of the flower, parts of a bulb, Root systems, it was always so much fun right when they were more interested in the upcoming vacation than 'work'. I wonder if they ever realized how much learning they were doing!

[@mregister3945]

Attributes of a great teacher! 😊❤

[@georgiacarr5554]

Amaryllis quilt top is beautiful ! I am so glad you did this demonstration of each of the types of cutting machines. I have been wanting one for quite a while. After I retired during Covid, I began sewing again and learning how to quilt. So I’m not exactly a beginner but I am very, very slow, part of it is just being 74 years old and the other part is being part of a very busy household with three generations and half a dozen dogs. I thoroughly enjoy your shows. !

[@connie651000]

I love watching your videos. The Amaryllis flowers are so beautiful in a quilt. ❤

[@marleneshafer9460]

I have both of the cutting machines and use both. the Amarilis quilt is beautiful

[@simplyquiltingwithnancysanders]

I love my Accuquilt Qube sets fir piecing. I can cut up to 6 layers at a time. If I place my light and dark fabric right sides together, my HST's are ready to stitch when they come out of the cutter! I also bought the strip cutters, but only use them when I want extra long strips. For WOF strips, I use my stripology ruler which is faster with less waste. I bought a Scan n Cut first, but returned it after I realized it only cuts one layer at a time. Looks like it would be good for applique, though. Thanks for comparing.

[@jeane.2722]

I love my Accuquilt.

[@fransak2723]

I purchased a used Sizzix machine, so I don’t have a ton of money invested. I use it a lot for turning scraps into usable pieces. The Brother scan and cut looks awesome but the older I get the less I can handle learning new technology, I’m lucky I can just manage to operate my longarm. I’m in Southeastern Pennsylvania in late May and my Amaryllis is blooming!

[@nursekate6772]

My husband bought me an Accuquilt. I used it a handful of times and put it away. Mainly because I have to cut the fabric to fit anyway, and there was just so much waste. The only thing I ever used on it was the 2 1/2" strip dye. The HST dye made squares that were just too small for my everyday use. So he spent a LOT of money for something I just don't use.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Thank you for this comparison video Maureen! I have the Accuquilt Go and only purchase dies when there’s a sale! The dies I purchase have been the most common shapes a quilter would use. I do like it. BUT!!! When I purchased the Stripology ruler, I found I could use it to cut common shapes needed. It’s also no waste and faster than the Accuquilt, as you’re able to cut more layers at a time and save a lot of time finagling with fabric placement. I absolutely LOVE it! (Not to mention it stores much easier and in less space than the machine and dies!) I hope that sometime in the near future, you will be able to demonstrate the Stripology ruler for us💕 Congrats to the quilt winner🎉 The Amaryllis quilt is beautiful!!💕🧵

[@michele6708]

I probably wouldn’t have bought the Accuquilt if I had found the Stripology rulers first. That said, I love the multiples dies for HSTs and 2/2.5” squares. Accuquilt HSTs have perfect dog ears so my piecing is super accurate and I don’t have to fuss with cutting those myself. I use the Accuquilt to cut my scraps as well. I also keep a cheat sheet of the size of rough cut I need for the dies I use most often so I can speed things up. Also, you can help offset some of the waste by cutting HSTs and chisels etc. for many standard size units with sew and flip corners. I just wish the system/dies didn’t take up so much room! I probably won’t buy any new dies, unless I decide to invest in the 4’ or 12” Quebec to coordinate with the 6 and 8” qubes I have. I do find that the dies aren’t always perfect unless I starch first.

[@marinaabad4995]

Do a YT search for Stripology, lots of tutorials.

[@marinaabad4995]

@@michele6708 Experienced quilters on YT say starch before you cut, whether it's rotary or Accuquilt. I don't buy the Qubes so storage is not a problem. I love the strip dies, triangles, squares, flying geese (talk about no waste, no cut and flip corners). Accuquilt has standard sizes, so I adapt a quilt pattern to Accuquilt sizes. They have a plethora of free patterns to use with their dies. They also offer free machine embroidery patterns, weekly if you get the newsletter. They also have GO QUILT (click on the upper right hand corner of home web page) which helps you adapt/design patterns, for free. Kinda like your won EQ8! Most of the BOB dies have shapes I use instead of getting QUBES. You can cut miles of bias strips, see the demo on how to fold and use a strip die to make the bias tape. As the cost of Rotary Blades using the Stripology ruler, adds up. I have cut hundreds of strips, HST, etc, and the dies are still sharp. Of course, you have to maintain them by using a dental pick metal tool to carefully remove stuck thread fibers in the blade areas. You do this when you see fibers sticking up or the cuts aren't as cleanly sharp as before. Still, no buying rotary cutter blades.

[@beckytrella5147]

I have the 8" block set for accuquilt. While I became disenchanted due to the amount of waste, I have found it useful cutting stacks of 4.5 and 2.5 squares from scraps. Recently one applique die was so worn it will no longer cut fabric, but it does cut the heat and bond making it easier to hand cut the shape with less waste. By doing in in that way the die is still useful and bonus found it easier to fussy cut the shape. The amaryllis quilt top is lovely. Definitely like it.

[@nancysmith9545]

I, too, have been curious about cutters and thought there’d be a lot of waste compared to my rotary cutter. Good to know about the Brother machine. Great video.

[@reneegosda6851]

I have both and I must say I find the Scan and Cut (SC) the most useful. I can change the sizes I need for squares, circles, and triangles with out needing a die for each size. My current project requires many different sizes of squares from 1 inch to 3 inches. The SC can be set up to cut a 10x12 in piece of fabric in to 120 1x1 squares with minimal waste. It just meets my needs best. My Sister who quilts also, loves her Accuquilt. So to each his own I say. Both are great machines.

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Have considered buying one. Just didn't know enough about them. Thanks.

[@chickad5820]

Amaryllis, where I grew up for a couple years of my life ya'll. Just a twist on the word for this gorgeous flower, lol.😂😅😂 I love these tips. My friend passed away and her son gave me a cricut machine she used with paper. I didn't want to start a new hobby yet and hadn't wanted to pass it on. It can now be used in my applique, my favorite type of quilting. Thanks Maurine for this video. I can now use her machine in a hobby I love and she's still always with me. What a real blessing and I'm so very grateful. Babs near Tombstone AZ USA You truly are a blessing and so are your opinions!!!!

[@roadtrippingtheusa]

Amaryllis - Thanks for this video on the brother. I have been researching cutting machines and this information was just what I needed.

[@deborahstrickland3523]

Love the amaryllis quilt. I have an accuquilt and find it use it very little. But for certain patterns it is quite a life saver( e.g. a double wedding ring).

[@kathytanner9053]

Your amaryllis quilt is beautiful. I have the Accuquilt with 8" and 10" qubes. I have not used them yet.

[@caroljennings8778]

Love your videos. I'm right there with you. I would love to put my name in the hat for amaryllis. Thanks for being there for us

[@cyn4rest]

Congrats on your SnC! You’re gonna love it. Mine is on our network allowing the sending of files between any other device on our network. My large embroidery machine is also on network allowing “machine only” files to be sent directly to SnC to do cutting. Easy n convenient. It’s handy for resizing patterns. We use ours for decals, fancy text n shapes for home decor, badges for cars, HTV for fun Tshirts….the list is endless. Will also cut felt for perfect rhinestone application. Have fun!

[@Treaclepuff]

This was a very informative video! I never thought that designs could be programmed into the machine! Maybe I will acquire one at some point in my quilting. The Amaryllis quilt is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations to the winner of last week's quilt!

[@nursekate6772]

I LOVE THAT QUILT BEHIND YOU!! I absolutely love the Amaryllis quilt!

[@C123abc]

I've been interesting in knowing more about cutting machines but find it not too difficult to cut away the material in the hoop at this time. I think they're wonderful for those who can no longer cut easily and you did a great job of explaining the differences. Thank you for the video.

[@melanienicholson2834]

I was given a machine but I haven't tried it out yet. The Amaryllis quilt is darling.

[@sarahaldrich8708]

My 3 year old pink obsessed granddaughter would love the amaryllis quilt. I’m just learning to quilt in the hoop and it would be a great practice piece.

[@MsQuiltnut]

Thank you for your videos! I learn so much! The Amaryllis quilt top is beautiful!

[@stevemcmillin2737]

The Amaryllis top is beautiful. Thank goodness I don't "need" one of the cutters but one tool I use a lot is my Creative Grids Stipology XL ruler. It makes cutting straight lines a breeze. That might be a lot of help for someone who is having troubles cutting.

[@GeminiPeg]

Thank you for explaining the Scan n Cut. I have been contemplating one. The amaryllis quilt top is great, I could quilt it up pronto.

[@stineandscott]

I agree with being limited on the accuquilt. I was really hoping you would touch base on the rest of the cutting machines.

[@KnuklHed]

I love the Amaryllis quilt top. I have amaryllis in my yard that was given to me when my kids were little, from a friend’s yard. There is no telling how old it is. I’ve had mine thriving for 30 years now.

[@dorisr2832]

Oh, thanks for the idea about piecing backings to quilt multiple table runners!

[@lynnlockardquilting]

Thanks for the info. I have often wondered about the Scan and Go. Your Amaryllis quilt is very pretty. I too sew backings together and line up baby quilts. Have a wonderful day 😊

[@user-og6rz3mx7s]

I'm loving the Amaryllis quilt. Thank you for your videos!

[@nancyketterman5153]

Love the quilt behind you and would love to have one of those I'm 70 years old so it's hard for me to cut by hand

[@nancyketterman5153]

Amaryllis

[@abeullah03]

Another informative video, my husband bought me the brother scan and cut the first year it came out. Not a fan, it seemed better for paper craft imo.

[@leonanowland3017]

I use my accuquilt much less that I thought I would. My sister-in-law has hand issues so my brother cuts tons with her accuquilt. I make lots of children's applique quilts for my church and cut the pieces the old fashioned way - reverse the design and draw on an old, hot light box. I like to do the machine applique by sight on my Bernina 880. Maybe I should try the scan-n-cut and my Bernina software sometime in the future. Thank you always for you opinions.

[@janrichardson8331]

Thanks for the info about the different cutting machines. Very informative. ❤

[@marilynbook4211]

I have looked at all the machines. If you want a lot of pieces the Go is better, for applique the Brother or Cricut is better. The problem with the Go is that you have to not only buy the dies you have to find a place to store them. For me the stripology ruler was the answer.

[@charlenemorris6391]

Amaryllis quilt is lovely. I do not own either machine but have been shown, in the past, how they work. I think I am a bit old fashion or not gadget friendly. I tend to stick with basics but many people like the most updated methods and that is fine. That is why we are all different.

[@karenbrunette6314]

Thanks for going over cutting machines the amaryllis quilt is beautiful

[@user-ln6vb9tl6m]

you can use the unused parts for reversible applique

[@jenniferreinke9898]

Love the Amaryllis colors! Thanks for your opinions on the cutting machines.

[@dorisr2832]

I love the bright pink fabric for the Amaryllis quilt!

[@suesweeney5952]

Amaryllis. Our public library has a Collaboratory where there is a Cricut (pronounced cricket) machine that you can use to cut applique. I used it for a Sarah Vedeler quilt, but I brought my own rotary cutter blade for the Cricut. There is a learning curve in using those machines, because of the software needed (like Design Space for the Cricut).

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

I use my accuquilt with very little waste…I am not an appliqué person. Storing the dies is a bit of a pain.

[@ccreel64]

Thank you Maureen for an informative video!🤗

[@charlotte316]

Accuquilt for me!

[@kimthompson2391]

Enjoyed the video.

[@pam1894]

Love the pink of the Amaryllis, they are just beautiful. I have a question about the Brother cut and sew. Do you have to do the applique in the hoop or can you use a traditional method of sewing the applique down?

[@lucilegubbins4433]

I love the Amaryllis top!

[@sweetibbies]

I love the Brother Scan N Cut SDX 325

[@wandawalker4191]

I don't have a cutting machine but enjoyed the video anyway. Amaryllis!!!

[@patfargis6802]

Amaryllis, I love this one!

[@Larry-qw3rp]

Maybe Amy Bradshaw would do a quilt with famous flowers with a nice red amyrillus

[@jylromain6439]

My only issue with machines and specialty rulers is that new quilters buy all the gadgets, piece the fabric which may have even been precut in a kit, send it out to be quilted and then claim to have made a quilt. I totally support anyone who wants to quilt and isn't able to cut on their own.

[@marywiggins7411]

Wow

[@kathy2951]

Amarillas. I like the review. It seems there is a new machine in the pipeline every year. It is possible to do the same in Cricut et al. thanks

[@sweetibbies]

I love the Amaryllis flowers

[@ciaobella8151]

Love,love, love the Amaryllis quilt.

[@kristywilliams9181]

Pretty Amaryllis quilt.

[@charlottedesroches6734]

I love my accuquilt! Love your videos too! Wow, the amaryllis is so pretty!

[@debragiles2890]

Amaryllis is a beautiful flower.

[@suekelly840]

Amaryllis makes a great Easter plant

[@colettesorrells9015]

❤❤

[@catslikewitches1332]

My SIL is very crafty and makes paper silhouettes. She uses a curved nail scissor for her art. I "copied" that tip and details are easier to get ... Take care - Europe

[@cindysparks8209]

I have both the Accuquilt and ScanNCut. I find the dies so expensive with Accu quilt and there is some waist. I’m not sure what software to use to get my scanned patterns where I can use them in my embroidery machine.

[@user-vb5dn1ow9c]

Amaryllis. Beautiful!

[@vickiewagner3530]

Great video!Amaryllis

[@jeannettekight7371]

Amaryllis.

[@Badwolf555]

Accuquilt is awesome.

[@santiagoadori]

Amaryllis

[@jeanballiro5818]

I've been recovering from a broken wrist on my dominate hand. Now I am interested in the Accuquilt cutting machine as the way to cut my pieces because I think my cutting with a rotary cutter is going to be a long journey.

[@SandraHickey-hc3qb]

amaryllis

[@merrilynblackmore6962]

Have to disagree. I have an Accuquilt cutter and have very little waste when I am using the strip die. Love my Accuquilt!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

True, not too much waste on the strips. There are patterns that there can be substantial waste depending on your fabric choices for specific pattern pieces.

[@peggygunderson5578]

Thanks for the information but have no interest in buying one yet.

[@judyfargo8162]

Accuquilt dies seem expensive to me, and the amount of prep and waste don't interest me. A lot of people seem to like them though.

[@marinaabad4995]

I have heard tales of past quilters only using hand sewing, then machine piecing but hand quilting, then only using scissors and templates for cutting pieces and not using a rotary cutter. Tales of juried quilt shows that only accepted hand pieced and quilted quilts. Things began to change in the 80's, when GASP!!! home longarm machines became available, along with computerized machines, and rotary cutters. Most quilters saw the value and adapted. Clearly understand, using an Accuquilt die, that one does not, NOT have to cover the entire die with fabric. Of course, that's wasteful! Only cover with just enough fabric for the piece or shape you want. The AQ alphabet die explanation, was just shameful. You only put fabric on the letters you want. Also shameless, was stating that for a two colored quilt, the shapes all had to be covered with fabric, so you have double the pieces, so forced to make two quilts. Come on, Maureen! If one followed your advice, using the AQ Gnome die, you have to cover the entire die, with all the fabric colors, to get one gnome, the rest is waste. Please, PLEASE, Maureen get some quality Accuquilt use education from the Accuquilt people. If used intelligently, there is minimal fabric waste, and no oversize cutting of pieces to trim down to size. If you sew 1/4 inch seam accurately, it all fits well, like a jigsaw puzzle. I have seen the demos and reviews of the various scan n' cut devices. They are great for specialized shapes but manipulating the software and cutting a bit at a time, plus the materials to use the matching adds up. The blades don't last for many cuts, and the cutting is so...so....so...slow. For those appliques, the old school way. Trace shapes with a light box, you can place the shapes very close together on the fusing material. The slopppy cut the shapes and fuse onto the appropriate fabric colors. Use an Exacto knife on a cutting mat for precision on cutting the shapes over scissors. But using micro-serrated applique small scissors are wonderful for precision, not fabric shears. This is the way to professional applique people do it.

[@drtammiharris]

Your comment was very well articulated!

[@glome1124]

NEVER use my accuquilt total WASTE OF MONEY

[@normatulloch376]

Amaryllis

[@ingehoward3908]

Amaryllis

[@beverlyakins2374]

Amaryllis

[@kimmcgowan1349]

Amaryllis

[@cynthiadana2424]

Amaryllis