Opinions are just that, Opinions

So, I felt a little guilty about my AccuQuilt post.  There are quite a few people that love the AccuQuilt system.  I love it for applique shapes.  I have one and many dies.  What I had a hard time with was cutting square, triangles etc…  I felt that I was double cutting and there was a lot of waste.  Many people chimed in on both sides of the fence, which really was the intent, to hear form those that use it for that and those that don’t think it is for them and reasons behind their thoughts.  I truly love everyone’s opinion and that is what they are, opinions.  Some things work better for others, some are wondering about things.  Just meant to start some good dialogue and hopefully get some to try things they might not have in the past.

I truly believe that I don’t care for the AccuQuilt for cutting my traditional shapes because I also have/use every day, Alto’s Quilt cut.  I have had it for maybe 15 years.  It is a super fast and accurate way to get things cut.  You can tell by my photo, that mine is well used.

This has a base that holds a cutting mat.  You have the ability to move the ruler all around the mat.  It has something called a Speedcut (metal ruler on right).  This let’s you cut row after row without measuring.  Just move the ruler to the desired measurement.  Cut and move (to where metal ruler is at edge of previous cut).  You can cut and cut without measuring and each will be the same.  The ruler also tilts at any degree.  Super helpful.

So, what is the downfall?  It is pricey $229.95 on Amazon.  However, I use this every day.  I always cut with it.  Downfalls, well the cutting mat wears out as any cutting mat would with constant use.  It is a special size, so you can’t go buy it anywhere.  You have to buy it from them to get the right size mat.  Those are truly the only downfalls I can come up with.  I can cut things very accurately and quickly.

I am not advocating that everyone run out and buy one, just explaining why the AccuQuilt for traditional shapes is not my favorite. Does not mean that it can’t be yours 🙂

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

18 thoughts on “Opinions are just that, Opinions”

  2. Hi — just want to pipe in about the Alto’s Quilt Cut. I LOVE IT. I have had one since 2005, and have used it to death. I have replaced the mat once, although I am finding it is getting time for another one…..I believe this is one tool that is well worth the investment, and has sped up my cutting time tremendously. I don’t think I can cut with anything else anymore……..

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  3. You don’t have to buy the mat from them. I have a pink 13.5″ and a 24″ rotating cutting mats, and how to you think I got them? I bought a mat big enough, drew my circle and had hubby cut them with his band saw. I made the pink one from a a lazy susan, and got a 14×14 mat on amazon, and the 24″ one was custom built, mat also from amazon.
    but before all that I had a portable drafting table, you know, with the slidey thing? I bought a mat for that, and cut it to fit. It was all I used 10 years ago. Just saying, where there’s a will [and a broke wannabe quilter] there’s a way.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. I appreciated both both posts since I hate to cut fabric and have been considering a cutter. Perhaps I’ll hold off a little longer and stick with what I have. A stripology ruler is what I use. My current project has over 3000 pieces, both large and small. 😒

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  7. I guess I missed the first discussion. I will have to find it. How awesome to have a place to share so many opinions. Kudos to you for getting the interaction. I’ve tried to do the same on my blog but my questions to my readers often go unanswered. I’ve never heard of the mat and cutter system you are using. I think I will have to explore. Keep the conversation going.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Hi Lori, great post. I had forgotten about the Alto and never did take the time to watch a demo.
    Now that I have two new hands, am going to see how long they last this time. I do know for the last time that Accuquilt and I would not be happy campers. But I may put the Alto in my hip pocket and “think” about it. I enjoy your posts! And it is so good to obtain opinions of other quilters and get the interaction going!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. You mentioned the cost of the system, but how much is a replacement mat. I can certainly tell you DO use yours! Accuquilt machines aren’t cheap either. I don’t see myself buying one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment