#accuquilt

It’s done.  Actually, it’s been done for weeks, it’s just too big (100″ x 116″) to take a picture of in my house, so we did it tonight in my husband’s photography studio.  

The sky behind the manor is snow-dyed by hand by yours truly.  I drew and then pieced the manor and the grounds using Cynthia England’s Picture Piecing technique.  I also used that technique for the peacock’s body, and then I couched eyelash yarn for the tail (over and over and over), as well as creating flounces for the dimensional feathers (look closely!  It’s 3D!).  The bottom M, crossed wands, vines, and ivy, I drew and then appliqued.  The crest feathers of the peacock as well as the Malfoy M are embellished with Swarovski HotFix crystals.  The picture doesn’t really do it justice; they never really photograph right...but they sparkle plenty.  I like to think of them as understated bling.

I designed the blocks for the piecing in the big borders with EQ5 quilting software and yes, I had to design every single one, 12″ x 12″, 12″ x 15″ and 12″ x 18.”  The software mostly make the geometry of a quilt like this easy.  The corner blocks are called Hunter’s Star, for those of you who are not quilters, the pieces for which were cut on an Accuquilt GO!Baby.  I drafted the Edwardian script for the four Slytherin traits, cut out each, and appliqued them on using silver metallic thread (Superior--expensive, but worth every penny) using a 90/14 topstitch needle (huge needle, huge eye).  

I drafted the Old English letters for the banner, cut each of those, and appliqued them on, after I had hand dip-dyed the ends of each piece to get the illusion of depth (also used black and gray pieces in the banner to enhance that as well).  The snake was also done with the picture piecing technique and has 1,200 pieces in it.  Lastly, I quilted the entire thing on a HandiQuilter Infinity 26.  I rented time on a machine 90 minutes from my house and she was nice enough to let me close up on the last night, at 2:30 in the morning.  I got home at 4 and saw 3 opossums, 2 deer, and a raccoon on what I can only describe as a dicey ride back.

The name of the quilt?  “Bad Faith.”  It’s going to be shown next week in our local show.  I hope to show it nationally, of course, but for now it’s in our own Guild Show.  After I show it, I’m not sure what its fate will be.  More pics:

Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations recently introduced a new collection Sunflower Spice, designed by Jerry Khiev.   When she invited me to join the blog hop, I was delighted to say yes. Jennifer Thomas sent me strips from all 20 pieces in the collection, and Island Batik provided neutral Foundation fabrics for the quilt. Both were supplied to me at no cost for this blog hop. For this…

Ask almost any quilter what slows a project down before the sewing even starts, and the answer is usually cutting. Measuring strips, lining up rulers, replacing dull blades, and double-checking dimensions can take hours. Over the years, many Australian quilters have asked the same question when upgrading their setup: Fabric Cutter VS Rotary Cutter which one actually saves more time and effort?

If you have been considering the AccuQuilt GO! system but are unsure whether it can truly replace your rotary cutter, this guide breaks down the differences in a practical, honest way.

Understanding the Difference Between the Two

A rotary cutter is the traditional quilting essential. It uses a circular blade to slice fabric against a ruler and cutting mat. Many quilters searching for the Best Rotary Cutter For Quilting in Australia usually choose trusted brands like Olfa or Fiskars because they are lightweight, dependable, and easy to handle.

The AccuQuilt GO! works differently. Instead of manually measuring and cutting every piece, you use custom dies designed for specific quilting shapes. Simply layer fabric over the die, roll it through the machine, and receive perfectly accurate cuts in seconds.

Both tools are staples in modern Quilting Tools Australia collections, but they suit very different quilting styles and workloads.

Speed: Where the GO! Changes Everything

The biggest advantage in the AccuQuilt GO vs Rotary Cutter comparison is speed. Rotary cutters work well for quick strip cutting or small projects, but repetitive cutting becomes time-consuming very quickly.

The AccuQuilt GO! can cut multiple layers of fabric at once, dramatically reducing prep time for larger quilts. Whether you are making flying geese, half-square triangles, or hundreds of repeated shapes, the machine handles the repetitive work in a fraction of the time.

For Australian quilters working on king-size quilts, market stock, or quilting classes, the time savings become impossible to ignore. What once took an entire weekend can often be completed in a single afternoon.

Accuracy That Improves Every Quilt

Rotary cutting depends heavily on precision and consistency. Even experienced quilters occasionally deal with slipping rulers, uneven pressure, or blades that have lost their sharp edge. Small inaccuracies quickly affect block alignment later in the project.

That is where AccuQuilt stands out. Die cutting removes much of the human error from the process. Every cut is identical, angles stay accurate, and quilt blocks line up more cleanly during assembly.

Many quilters switching from manual cutting notice the difference immediately. Their seams match better, corners align properly, and the finished quilt looks far more polished overall.

Comfort and Ease on the Hands

Long cutting sessions can be physically exhausting. Rotary cutting places constant pressure on wrists, fingers, shoulders, and elbows. For quilters dealing with arthritis, RSI, or general hand fatigue, the repetitive motion can make quilting less enjoyable.

The AccuQuilt GO! significantly reduces strain because the blades remain enclosed beneath protective foam, while the rolling action does most of the work for you. Instead of pressing down repeatedly with a blade, the machine handles the cutting pressure.

Many Australian quilters who move to AccuQuilt after hand or wrist discomfort often say the same thing it helped them continue quilting comfortably again. For even greater ease, the GO! Big Electric model removes manual cranking entirely.

The Cost Difference: Fabric Cutter VS Rotary Cutter

The largest consideration in the Fabric Cutter VS Rotary Cutter debate is price.

A rotary cutter setup is relatively affordable. A good cutter, ruler, and self-healing mat can last years with only occasional blade replacements.

The AccuQuilt GO! system requires a larger upfront investment, especially as you expand your collection of quilting dies. However, many regular quilters find the long-term value worthwhile because of the time saved, reduced fabric waste, and improved cutting accuracy.

If you quilt occasionally, a rotary cutter may still suit your needs perfectly. But for dedicated hobbyists, quilting businesses, market sellers, or frequent project makers, the productivity benefits of AccuQuilt quickly outweigh the initial cost.

Is the AccuQuilt GO! Worth It in Australia?

For many serious quilters, absolutely.

The combination of faster cutting, consistent accuracy, and improved comfort makes AccuQuilt far more than just another quilting gadget. It becomes a tool that changes the entire quilting workflow.

That does not mean your rotary cutter disappears completely. Most quilters still keep one nearby for trimming, squaring blocks, and handling occasional custom cuts. But once they begin using the GO!, it often becomes the first tool they reach for.

If you enjoy slow, traditional cutting and mainly make simple strip quilts, a rotary cutter may continue serving you well. But if cutting time, physical strain, or accuracy issues are slowing down your quilting projects, the choice becomes much clearer.

Ultimately, the AccuQuilt GO vs Rotary Cutter comparison comes down to efficiency, comfort, and how much value you place on your quilting time.