Accuquilt - Big Shot - do I really need one or do I just want one

[madampolo]

Hi Susan and Lee,

I'm not sure I see the benefit in using a die cut machine for cutting basic strips of fabric because I can easily cut strips with my June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler. But I do think some of the classic quilt shapes like Dresden plates, Drunkards Path, and maybe even triangles would be fun to try with a die cut machine.

:

Yea!! Someone else likes the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler besides me! It cuts so quick and accurately. I don't have a cutting machine, but I would see it best used for cutting strange shapes and applique patterns. I think the AccuQuilt is a more familiar brand, and I wonder if that means the dies will be plentiful in the future plus new ones developed.

[Fabriclovr]

I am thinking I would like to get the GO, the cheapest online price I have found in Aust was $350 and that was a couple of months ago, I have never seen one, only heard about them, there is a large quilt show at the end of the year in Adelaide I am hoping to get to that and I hope someone as one to demonstrate that I can actually see.

Leonie, Joanns has them on sale right now for $189! That is the GO the Go Baby is $89!

[Fabriclovr]

Yea!! Someone else likes the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler besides me! It cuts so quick and accurately. I don't have a cutting machine, but I would see it best used for cutting strange shapes and applique patterns. I think the AccuQuilt is a more familiar brand, and I wonder if that means the dies will be plentiful in the future plus new ones developed.

I also use the Jun Tailor Shape Cut, but I got mine when it was called the Short Cut.. same ruler, same stock number, different name. I have been quilting for about 30 years and have almost every gadget and ruler that is made out there, some are wonderful and some never see the light of day! LOL

I bought the Go Baby.. why, I don't know, now I am thinking that I should have bought the Big Shot, but the die area is no bigger than the baby. The Accuquilt does not have to use a shim, the Sizzix does and it uses a sandwhich.. more pieces. the Go folds up, the sizzix does not. I have not tried the sizzix dies in the go, but I would think that if one fit the other, it would stand to reason that it would work both ways.. or am I off on that thought path?

Well I have it and unless someone can tell me a few good reasons why I should take it back and get the sizzix, I guess I will keep it and go on from here.. <sigh>

[Fabriclovr]

Thanks for the info Linda, I will check out the links

[Genny]

You can get the accuquilt Go at sewvacdirect .com for around $200. Don't know what your shipping would be.

[Sewbee]

The Accuquilt does not have to use a shim, the Sizzix does and it uses a sandwhich.. more pieces. the Go folds up, the sizzix does not. I have not tried the sizzix dies in the go, but I would think that if one fit the other, it would stand to reason that it would work both ways.. or am I off on that thought path?

Susan the Big Shot does not have to use a shim for its own dies, only for the thinner Accuquilt dies. Big Shot dies can NOT be used in the Accuquilt Go because the Sizzix dies are thicker and will not fit into the opening of the GO. The Big Shot CAN use its own dies PLUS the Accuquilt dies as long as the dies are no wider than 6 inches. If you want to use Accuquilt dies in the Big Shot a shim is no big deal at all. The "sandwich" or cutting pads used in the Big Shot is what makes it easier to use multiple layers of fabric and keep everything positioned correctly before cutting.

I am sure the Accuquilt is a good system, but I have never used it. If you are looking more to cut long strips, large squares, triangles etc for quilt piecing you are better off going with the Accuquilt GO or the Sizzix Big Shot PRO since they have wider beds and are designed for cutting larger fabric pieces. If you like a die machine more for cutting unique shapes and decorative accents for applique, plus have the option of cutting smaller quilt pieces like circles, stars, squares and triangles the Big Shot is a well made machine with plenty of dies at a reasonable cost.

Different strokes for different folks as they say. I'm sure both systems work well. The Big Shot works great for me. If I ever want to try some of the Accuquilt dies I have the option to do that using the Big Shot. Doesn't work the other way around though. Also I keep my Big Shot sitting out on my sewing counter all the time so I don't need it to fold up, but it is solidly made with a strong handle that can easily be picked up and moved anywhere you like.

[nurrsey]

Thanks Linda for telling about the Big Shot....I actually had never heard of it. I was going to ask for the Accuquilt Go for Christmas but after reading about the Big Shot and watching the video and looking at the prices, maybe it is the one I should ask for. Happy quilting

[AngelaLashley]

Where can I find the AQC2... I've looked on ebay and no luck?

[Fabriclovr]

@ Linda

Thanks for the explination, now maybe I will take back the go and get the big shot. something more to think about, on the other hand, I may just take it back and get the larger GO... Agggg what to do what to do LOL

[Denis]

You can buy the Sizzix systems (Big Shot, Big Kick) at Michaels. I've only seen the Big Kick here in Canada so far at Michael's selling for $129. They often have coupons for 40% or 50% off one item. This makes if much more affordable and as mentioned you can use dies for the Accuquilt systems with it.