10 AccuQuilt Myths Quilters Still Believe (And the Truth About Fabric Cutting)

Quilters often hear conflicting advice about fabric cutting tools. Some believe AccuQuilt wastes fabric, others think rotary cutting is just as fast. These rotary cutting vs AccuQuilt myths get repeated so often they start to sound like facts. Lucky for you, we’ve been collecting the most commonly repeated AccuQuilt and fabric cutting myths all year long and we’re ready to set the record straight. Ready to take a break from busting your scrap stash to bust those myths? Hold on to your fat quarters and prepare to have some opinions about what actually happens when you cut fabric with a die cutting system corrected.

Myth #1: Does AccuQuilt waste fabric?

BUSTED. Oh, the irony! The AccuQuilt Cutting System wastes less fabric than your rotary cutter ever dreamed of. Not only that, but AccuQuilt GO! dies help you get the most out of even your tiniest leftover scraps.

This myth was apparently started by someone who has never watched their hand-cut pieces turn out wonky despite measuring twice before cutting. Your AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter and GO! dies cut intricate and teeny-tiny shapes so quickly and so perfectly you’ll feel almost guilty about how efficient it is. But then you’ll remember how much money you’re saving by avoiding those little cutting mistakes and using up all those odd scraps while you’re at it. I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like winning to us!

Fabric prep? Hardly. Just rough cut your fabric 1/4" larger than the shape on the die! Even your scrappiest scraps go further with the AccuQuilt System. Meanwhile, your rotary cutter is over there crying into a pile of not-quite half square triangles and flying geese that look more like sitting ducks.

Stash buster tip: The real fabric waster is that drawer full of “this fabric was expensive! I’ll fix it later” scraps from your last rotary cutting session. Don’t worry; AccuQuilt will make sure you get use out of those oopsies yet!

Myth #2: Is rotary cutting faster than AccuQuilt?

BUSTED. Cutting with AccuQuilt is dramatically faster. We’re talking “finish-cutting-your-queen-size-quilt-top-before-lunch” faster.

Rotary cutting involves measuring, marking, re-measuring because you weren’t paying attention and then, finally, cutting… while praying that the ruler doesn’t slip. The AccuQuilt process is simpler: place fabric on the die, roll it through the cutter and do a little victory dance. Quilters regularly cut up to 10x faster with AccuQuilt! That’s not a typo. Ten times faster.

Pro tip: Stack up to six layers at once and you’ll have so many pieces cut that you’ll have to start a second quilt just to use them all.

Myth #3: Do you need a full library of AccuQuilt GO! dies to start quilting?

BUSTED. One die. One cutter. That’s it. You’re quilting.

We’re not sure where this myth came from, but we suspect it was invented by someone trying to justify not starting their project yet. AccuQuilt starter kits include everything you need to begin; Just Add Fabric. You can add more dies to your collection later, gradually, at whatever pace your budget allows. Nobody needs an extensive die collection on day one.

Myth busted: The only thing you actually need to get started is fabric. AccuQuilt loves scraps. Which you already have. We know.

Myth #4: Is using AccuQuilt “cheating” at quilting?

BUSTED. Using the right tool for the job is just smart.

Is using a sewing machine cheating? Is following a pattern cheating? Of course not. The AccuQuilt Fabric Cutting System (including four models of GO! Fabric Cutters for quilters and makers of all types) handles the cutting. You still choose every fabric, plan every layout, piece every block and finish every quilt. The artistry is entirely yours. AccuQuilt just makes sure your pieces are the right size so your artistry actually fits together.

Hot take: The real cheat is spending hours and hours on hand-trimming 400 half-square triangles when a die exists specifically for that.

Myth #5: Is AccuQuilt only for experienced quilters?

BUSTED. AccuQuilt is especially great for beginners, and that’s not an accident.

Cutting accurately by hand is genuinely hard, and it’s one of the first places new quilters run into trouble. AccuQuilt removes that obstacle entirely. Every cut comes out precise, every time, no ruler skills or advanced math degree required. Beginners get better results faster and spend less time unstitching blocks that didn’t quite line up. Experience level: irrelevant.

Did you know? The number one frustration and deterrent for new quilters is confusion and angst over imprecisely cut pieces that don’t fit together well. AccuQuilt removes that frustration.

Myth #6: Can AccuQuilt only be used for quilts?

BUSTED. AccuQuilt cuts fabric (and paper, vinyl, craft foam, cork and more!) for apparel, home decor, applique, crafts and more. Anything you can cut with scissors, you can cut on AccuQuilt GO! Dies. 

The name says “quilt” but makers everywhere say otherwise. AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutters handle cutting shapes for so many different types of projects, like holiday decorations, home decor projects, wallets and bags, paper crafting. If your project needs precise, repeatable cuts, AccuQuilt can handle it.

Fun fact: Some makers use the AccuQuilt Cutting System exclusively for non-quilt projects and feel pretty great about how their projects turn out.

Myth #7: Is the AccuQuilt fabric die cutting system complicated to learn?

BUSTED. The learning curve is roughly five minutes, and that includes choosing fabric.

  1. Place fabric on the die and cover with the mat.
  2. Roll it through your cutter.
  3. Collect your perfectly cut pieces.

That is the entire process. AccuQuilt also provides tutorials, guides and support for every step. If you have ever turned a crank or pressed a button, you have the technical skills required to be an AccuQuilt maker.

Fact: The most complicated part is deciding which die to use first, and AccuQuilt makes that easy too with curated starter sets and free patterns.

Myth #8: Do AccuQuilt dies dull quickly?

BUSTED. With basic care, AccuQuilt dies hold their edge through thousands of cuts.

AccuQuilt steel-rule dies are built to last. They are designed to stay sharp through thousands of cuts with normal use.

Cut quality issues are often tied to mat wear, not the die itself. Repeatedly cutting in the same spot can wear down the mat in that area. As the mat compresses, pressure becomes less even and cuts may not come out as clean.

Tip: Rotate your cutting mat 180 degrees every few cuts and alternate which side is up. This helps your mats wear evenly and keeps your cuts clean and accurate.

Myth #9: Do AccuQuilt cutting mats wear out quickly?

BUSTED. AccuQuilt GO! Die Cutting Mats are durable and designed to last through hundreds of cuts.

Cutting mats are a consumable part of the AccuQuilt system. They are made to handle hundreds of cuts before needing replacement.

A cutting mat that wears out fast is almost always a cutting mat that never gets rotated. Repeated use in the same position creates uneven wear and shortens the mat’s usable life.

Rotate your mat with each use, flip it over periodically and store it flat away from heat. Sun, heaters and a determined refusal to rotate the mat are the only real enemies here.

Real talk: Your dies are built for thousands of cuts, but your mats are doing the heavy lifting. Move them around a little and they will hold up just fine.

Myth #10: Do AccuQuilt cutters require a lot of maintenance?

BUSTED. There are no exposed blades and no blade-on-blade friction to dull the cutting edge. There is almost nothing to maintain.

AccuQuilt GO! Cutters are straightforward. The dies have no exposed blades to sharpen, replace or accidentally nick yourself on. Keeping it clean and storing it properly is genuinely all the maintenance it needs. It’s one of the lowest-maintenance tools in your sewing room.

Final word: The only thing AccuQuilt requires from you is scrappy fabric. Preferably a lot of it.

Is the AccuQuilt Cutting System the most precise, fastest way to cut fabric?

CONFIRMED. AccuQuilt fabric cutters are fast, beginner-friendly, low-maintenance and absolutely not cheating. If someone told you otherwise, they were pulling your binding strip.

Time to see what AccuQuilt can actually do. Compare GO! Fabric Cutters to find your perfect match, then head to AccuQuiltable for patterns and projects that put your cutter to work right away.