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How to Use the NEW GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 Die by Sue Spargo | Easy Christmas Appliqué with AccuQuilt

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Learn how to use the new AccuQuilt GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 by Sue Spargo Die to create festive appliqué designs for quilts, pillows, holiday décor and more!

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to prepare your fabric, position it on the die and quickly cut the detailed Tinsel shapes with your AccuQuilt fabric cutter. The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 Die includes 19 appliqué shapes, including two whimsical Christmas trees plus circles, stars, hearts, leaves, petals, pots and other decorative pieces that would be much more time-consuming to cut by hand. You can even cut up to four of each pre-fused appliqué shape in one pass.

The die works with a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, batiks, wool, felt, flannel, fleece and Cuddle® fabrics, making it a fun addition to both holiday and year-round projects. It is also Charm Square-friendly and works with the GO! Big, GO!, GO! Bolt, GO! Baby and GO! Me fabric cutters.

GO! Tinsel Die by Sue Spargo Brings 19 Shapes for Creating with Wool, Cotton, Felt and More

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sue Spargo is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary folk-art quilting. Known for her hand-dyed wool fabrics, intricate hand stitching and whimsical designs drawn from her childhood in South Africa and her later years in the UK, she has built a devoted following of stitchers and quilters who love her approach to making things by hand.

The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 by Sue Spargo brings her signature style directly into the AccuQuilt system. This die cuts 19 shapes from Sue’s popular Tinsel pattern book, everything from a ¼" circle to trees over 4" tall, in a fraction of the time it would take to cut by hand. Whether you work with hand stitching, machine embroidery or no-sew techniques, this die opens Sue’s world to quilters, crafters and folk-art lovers at every skill level.

Who Is Sue Spargo?

Sue Spargo is a folk-art quilter, author and educator based in the United States who grew up in South Africa and later lived in the UK before relocating to Ohio. Her work is defined by rich hand-dyed wool, layered applique and expressive hand embroidery that transforms traditional patterns into something entirely her own.

Her pattern books, including the Tinsel series, have become beloved resources for stitchers who want to work in her style. Her Creative Stitching book, now in its second edition, is an essential companion to her pattern work: a spiral-bound reference covering 50 of her favorite embroidery stitches along with her guidance on needles, fibers and materials.

The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die is AccuQuilt’s first collaboration with Sue Spargo, and it was designed to make her Tinsel pattern book projects significantly faster to begin so creatives spend more time stitching and less time cutting.

What Does the GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 Die Cut?

The die is housed on a 6” x 12” die board, which means it works with all GO! cutters, including the GO! Me. It cuts 19 shapes on a single die board, ranging from tiny embellishment shapes as small as a ¼” circle to Christmas trees over 4” tall.

Materials it cuts include:

Wool (up to 2 layers at a time)
Pre-fused cotton (up to 4 layers at a time)
Felt
Craft foam and sticky-back craft foam
Sticky-back vinyl
Card stock

Sue prefers not adding fusible to her wool when she plans to add extensive embellishments and hand stitches. For unfused wool, pin your shapes to the background and whipstitch them down using thread that matches the shape color.

Not a hand stitcher? AccuQuilt offers free downloadable machine embroidery files for this die, available in satin, blanket and motif stitch formats. Use them to do the decorative stitching by machine with the same beautiful results.

Getting Started: Tutorial Video with Sue Spargo

Sue has created a step-by-step tutorial video that walks you through cutting and assembling projects with the GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die. If you’ve never worked with wool applique or hand embroidery before, this video is the best place to start.

Three Free Tinsel Patterns by Sue Spargo

Sue designed three projects using the GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die, each showcasing a different approach. From pure hand stitching to no-sew and low-sew, these techniques are accessible to anyone.

GO! Mini Christmas Tree Skirt by Sue Spargo Pattern

This charming little tree skirt is designed for a tabletop tree. Sue kept this project simple and elegant, choosing to whipstitch all the shapes in place without additional embellishment. Both the tree shapes and the tiny decorative shapes from the die are used together, and the result is as beautiful as it is approachable.

Cutting dozens of small applique shapes by hand would be tedious work. The die handles it in a fraction of the time.

GO! Potholder Set by Sue Spargo Pattern

These potholders are almost too beautiful to use. Sue added a few simple hand stitches to the decorated trees for a touch of additional texture and interest. They work equally well as mug mats, and a few arranged together would make a lovely mini wall hanging.

The shapes from this die also translate beautifully to machine embellishment on ready-made items: aprons, kitchen towels, stockings, tote bags and more, either with hand stitches or the free downloadable machine embroidery files.

GO! String Pennant or Door Hanger by Sue Spargo Pattern

This whimsical garland turns the tree shapes three-dimensional. Sue used her hand-dyed wool and hand stitching to complete the look in her signature style. But this same project works beautifully as a no-sew or low-sew activity using craft foam, sticky-back craft foam or felt with glue.

Think about other embellishments you can add buttons, bells, tiny pompoms, ribbon. This garland works hanging from a fireplace mantel, woven through a table centerpiece, draped on a door or displayed anywhere that needs a handmade holiday touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About the GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 by Sue Spargo

Which GO! cutters work with the GO! Tinsel die?

The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die is on a 6" x 12" die board and is compatible with all GO! cutters, including the GO! Me, GO!, GO! Bolt and GO! Big.

How many layers can I cut at once?

You can cut up to 4 layers of pre-fused cotton at a time, or up to 2 layers of wool at a time.

Do I need to add fusible to my wool before cutting?

No. Sue Spargo herself prefers not to add fusible to her wool when she plans to add extensive hand embellishments and stitches. For unfused wool, pin the cut shapes to your background fabric and whipstitch them down using thread that matches the shape color.

Do I need to know hand embroidery to use this die?

Not at all. You have three options: hand stitch using Sue’s techniques from her Creative Stitching book, use the free downloadable machine embroidery files AccuQuilt provides in satin, blanket and motif stitch formats, or create no-sew and low-sew projects using craft foam, sticky-back craft foam or felt with glue. The die works for all three approaches.

What is the Tinsel pattern book?

Tinsel is one of Sue Spargo’s pattern books, featuring her signature holiday folk-art designs. The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die cuts shapes from the Tinsel book, allowing you to create her designs significantly faster than cutting by hand.

What is the Creative Stitching book?

Creative Stitching is Sue Spargo’s stitch reference book, now in its second edition. It’s a spiral-bound guide covering 50 of Sue’s favorite hand embroidery stitches, along with her guidance on materials including needles and fibers. It’s the essential companion to working in her style and is available on accuquilt.live.

What materials can I use with this die besides wool?

The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die cuts wool, pre-fused cotton, felt, craft foam, sticky-back craft foam, sticky-back vinyl and card stock. As a general rule: if you can cut it with scissors, you can cut it with a GO! Die.

Are there free patterns for the GO! Tinsel die?

Sue Spargo has created three free patterns for the GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 die: the GO! Mini Christmas Tree Skirt, the GO! Potholder Set and the GO! String Pennant or Door Hanger. Check accuquilt.live for current pattern availability.

Start Creating

The GO! Tinsel #4 & #9 by Sue Spargo is available at accuquilt.live and at your local AccuQuilt retailer. Pair it with Sue’s Tinsel pattern book, Creative Stitching, for the full folk-art experience or dive straight into one of her three die free patterns and discover her style from the first cut.

Share your finished projects with AccuQuilt on social media or in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group. We love seeing how quilters and crafters interpret Sue’s designs in their own colorways and materials.

GO! Curved Log Cabin AccuQuilt-Along, Part 5: The Reveal and Community Showcase

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

It’s time to celebrate. The GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging AccuQuilt-Along has wrapped up, and the community response has been everything we hoped for and more. Quilters at every stage of the project have been sharing their fabrics, blocks, tops and finished quilts in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group, and the variety of interpretations has been genuinely stunning.

Below is a look at where Erica and Pam landed, plus a few standout community projects that show just how far creative fabric choices and a single die can take you.

About This Quilt Along

The GO! Curved Log Cabin Quilt Along was inspired by the GO! Curved Log Cabin - 9" Finished die and the free wall hanging pattern designed and created by Mary Anne Fontana of Fontana Originals. Erica made a purple version early on that sparked the idea, and from there the quilt along grew into a five-part series.

The project uses three dies:

GO! Curved Log Cabin - 9" Finished die
GO! Square-3½" (3" Finished) - Shape 2 from the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Finished Block
GO! Quarter Square Triangle 3" Finished - Shape 4 from the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Finished Block

The free GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern is available to download below.

GO! Curved Log Cabin-9" Finished Die (Die to Try, July 2026)

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GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block

Special Price $249.99 Regular Price ~~$410.90~~ You Save $160.91

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GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging Pattern

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Erica and Pam’s Projects

Erica - Halloween Colorway

Erica’s wall hanging top is complete, and her binding is cut and standing by. She chose Halloween fabrics in shades ranging from a light print background to deep purple and black batiks, creating a gradient that makes the curved visual effect of the block really sing. She’s planning to quilt it in the hoop on her embroidery machine using a spooky quilting design — a perfect match for both the scale of the wall hanging and the theme of the fabric.

Pam - Bright Expanded Throw

Pam took the pattern in a bigger direction. She added an extra row all around to turn the wall hanging into a throw quilt size, mapping the expanded layout by hand on her printed pattern before cutting a thing. Her fabric palette is bright and sunny with a touch of sparkle, using Seasons by FIGO Fabrics for the background and Glisten by Patrice Lose for her graduating colors. She’s planning a scrappy binding using her leftover project fabric, cut with the GO! Scrappy Binding die and will most likely send her top to her local longarm quilter for finishing.

Community Showcase

Some of the most inspiring, finished projects in this quilt along came from the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group. Here are a few that stood out.

Janice - First Finish

One of the earliest finishes in the quilt along came from Janice, who managed to complete her top, quilt and bind it before Erica and Pam had even finished their tops. She chose a modern palette of teals with gold and peach accents, and her quilting design perfectly complements the geometric structure of the blocks. The result feels fresh and contemporary while honoring the classic log cabin tradition.

Liz - Winter Colorway

Liz chose a range of frosty blue to white prints featuring snowflakes, creating a wall hanging that will be right at home during the cold months of the year. The way she arranged the blocks seems to give the snowflakes a sense of movement and a flurry of wonderful wintry blocks that look even better in person than they do in photos.

Laurie - Making It Work with Different Dies

Laurie’s project is a great example of how quilters can adapt a pattern to the dies they already own. She used the GO! LeMoyne Star – 9” Finished die for her start blocks and the GO! Log Cabin – 12” Finished by Leslie Main die for her log cabin blocks. She used just enough logs from that die to create 9” finished blocks that matched perfectly with the LeMoyne Star blocks. The same finished size, a completely different die combination.

The scrappy red and white fabric choices make Laurie’s wall hanging work for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any season. A genuinely versatile piece she’ll reach for year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still join this quilt along?

Absolutely. Download the free GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern, work through the series blog posts at your own pace and join the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group to share your progress and see what others have made. Every AccuQuilt Live: Unscripted episode from the series is recorded and available to watch anytime on accuquilt.live and the AccuQuilt YouTube channel.

Where can I find the free pattern?

The GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern is a free download at accuquilt.live. Search the pattern title directly in the site search bar or visit the free patterns section under Discover.

Can I make this quilt using the GO! Log Cabin by Leslie Main instead?

Yes, with some adaptation. The GO! Log Cabin - 12" Finished by Leslie Main has uniform-width logs, so you won’t get the curved visual effect that comes from the two different log widths on the GO! Curved Log Cabin - 9" Finished die. However, by using fewer logs from the Leslie Main die, you can create a 9" finished log cabin block that will set correctly alongside 9" Ohio Star blocks, as Laurie’s community project demonstrates beautifully.

What dies do I need for this project?

The standard pattern calls for three dies: the GO! Curved Log Cabin - 9" Finished die, the GO! Square-3½" (3" Finished) and the GO! Quarter Square Triangle 3" Finished. The square and QST shapes are both available as shapes in the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Finished Block, and the QST is also included with the GO! Me cutter.

How do I share my finished project?

Post your photos in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group and tag AccuQuilt on social media. We love seeing every version including finished tops, works in progress and creative adaptions!

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined this quilt along and especially to Janice, Liz and Laurie for sharing their beautiful, finished projects. Every colorway, every creative adaptation, every photo shared made this quilt along what it was.

Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bags | Take Your GO! Cutter Anywhere!

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Taking your AccuQuilt cutter on the GO! just got easier!

Meet the new AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag and GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag, designed to help protect your cutter and make traveling to quilt retreats, classes, sew days and more easier than ever.

In this video, we’re giving you a closer look at both new carrying bags, including their features, storage and how they make transporting your AccuQuilt fabric cutter simple and convenient.

Whether you’re packing up for your next quilting retreat or just want an easy way to store and protect your cutter at home, these bags are made with quilters on the GO! in mind.

AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag

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GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag

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GO! Big Cutter & Carry Bag Bundle

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Ready. Set. GO! Big® Ultimate Fabric Cutting System + Travel Totes

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GO! Smart Start™ Dies: The Best AccuQuilt Dies to Get Started With

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The most common question from quilters who discover AccuQuilt is: which die should I get first? The GO! system includes hundreds of dies, and the freedom of choice that makes it so powerful can also make getting started feel overwhelming. GO! Smart Start™ Dies are AccuQuilt’s answer.

accuquilt.livebed through the die library and identified 11 of the most versatile, most-used shapes in quilting chosen as the best everyday value in the die library. These are the dies that will get you cutting right away, build your skills, and keep delivering creative value long after your first project is finished.

Why These Dies?

GO! Smart Start Dies are basics in the best sense. These shapes show up in pattern after pattern, project after project. They’re the dies that quilters reach for most, the ones that help you use your fabric stash and scraps efficiently, and the ones that make the learning curve of fabric die cutting feel like a straight line.

A GO! Qube Mix & Match Block is still a great way to get started with eight shapes that work together to make over 72 different quilt blocks, but the investment and the range of choices can give some quilters pause. GO! Smart Start Dies let you pick one shape you know you’ll use, start cutting, finish a project and build from there.

The GO! Smart Start Dies

Here’s a look at each Smart Start die and why it earns its place on the list.

GO! Square-5" (4½" Finished)
The essential pre-cut size. This die cuts the same size as a charm square and is one of the most versatile dies in the GO! library. Use it for making your own charm squares, scrap busting and a wide range of quilt block designs.

GO! Square-6" (6½" Finished)
A generous working size that’s particularly friendly for quilters just getting comfortable with the GO! system. Compatible with the dies included with GO! Me and GO! Big starter sets.

GO! Square-8 1/2" (8" Finished)
An excellent choice for finishing projects quickly. Larger blocks mean fewer seams and faster assembly which is a great confidence builder for a first quilt.

GO! Circle-2", 3", 5"
Three circle sizes on one die. Cuts perfect circles from quilting cotton, felt, wool, craft foam and more - ideal for applique, no-sew projects and craft projects of all kinds.

GO! Ohio Star-12" Finished
The one Block on Board® (BOB®) die in the Smart Start lineup. It includes all the shapes needed to cut a complete 12" Ohio Star block in one pass - no separate triangle or square dies required. Works with all GO! cutters.

GO! Square-5½" (5" Finished)
A great starter die for 10" finished four-patch blocks. Four 5" finished squares sewn together produce a 10" finished block. A simple, satisfying construction that’s ideal for a first project.

GO! Hexagon-1", 1½", 2½" Sides
Three hexagon sizes on one die. Cut one size at a time or layer different sizes together - only where fabric and a mat overlap will cut, giving you flexible options from a single die.

GO! Flying Geese-3½" x 6½" (3" x 6" Finished)
One of quilting’s most popular units, cut perfectly and consistently every time. Flying geese appear in hundreds of quilt patterns and this die makes them fast, accurate and approachable.

GO! Heart-2", 3", 4"
Three heart sizes on one die. A natural crafting die for no-sew projects, applique, gifts and seasonal decorations. One of the most versatile dies for sewists and crafters of all skill levels.

GO! Square-1" (1½" Finished)
The easiest way to cut small squares for mini quilts, pixel quilts and scrap projects. Also cuts 5" charm squares down to workable small pieces efficiently.

GO! Small Strip Cutter-2½" (2" Finished)
Cuts scraps and popular pre-cuts into perfect 2½" strips, squares or even diamonds using the angled guidelines printed on the die. One of the most versatile dies in the GO! library and a natural companion to any strip-based quilt pattern.

Most Popular Next Picks

Once you’ve cut your first project and are ready to expand, these six dies are AccuQuilt’s recommended next step. They include full-sized strip cutters and high-yield square dies that give you more creative range and more pieces per pass - each at an accessible price point.

The GO! Square-2½" (2" Finished) Multiples Die is a standout in this set: it cuts 9 squares at once, and with six layers of fabric on the cutter that’s up to 54 squares in a single pass.

The GO! Rag Square-8½" is a favorite for quilt-as-you-go projects - a fast, satisfying way to finish a quilt without a separate quilting step.

Frequently Asked Questions About GO! Smart Start Dies

What are GO! Smart Start Dies?
GO! Smart Start Dies are a curated selection of 11 AccuQuilt GO! dies - chosen for everyday value from the full GO! die library as the most versatile, most frequently used shapes in quilting, making them the best starting point for anyone getting into the GO! system.

How much does it cost to get started with AccuQuilt GO! and Smart Start Dies?
The most economical GO! cutter is the GO! Me. Pair it with one GO! Smart Start Die and a cutting mat, and you can get into the full GO! system for a very manageable investment.

Is this a better value than the Ready. Set. GO! system?
Ready. Set. GO! is always the best overall value because it includes a cutter, multiple dies and a mat together in a single package. GO! Smart Start Dies are designed for quilters who want to start with a smaller investment—one die at a time—and build their collection from there.

Do GO! Smart Start Dies work with all GO! cutters?
Most GO! Smart Start Dies are compatible with all GO! cutters. Check the product page for each die for full cutter compatibility details.

Where can I buy GO! Smart Start Dies?
GO! Smart Start Dies are available at accuquilt.live and through authorized AccuQuilt retailers. Use the store locator to find a retailer near you.

Start Cutting. Build from There.

GO! Smart Start Dies make the decision easy: pick one die, cut one project, discover what the GO! system can do. Every die on the list is one you’ll reach for again and again, long after your first project is finished.

Shop GO! Smart Start Dies Now

Your Guide to AccuQuilt's Cutter & Carry and GO! Big Bags

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Do you always sew in the same place? Most quilters love the social side of the craft like classes, retreats, guild events, and sew-alongs, but moving all your essential supplies can be enough to keep you home. The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag and the GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag are built to change that. Together they make up a complete, coordinated carrying system for your GO! cutter, dies and accessories, so packing up and heading out is less of a project and more of a habit.

See both bags in action before you pack your first project. The video below walks through the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag and the GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag together, showing how they work as a system and just how much you can fit inside.

AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag is a four-wheel rolling tote designed to carry your complete GO! system comfortably and securely. It holds a GO! Big Electric Cutter, GO! Big Die Catcher, GO! Qube and GO! dies-including strip cutters-and doubles as a standard-size sewing machine carrier when you need it to.

Features

Works with: Ready. Set. GO!® Sets, GO! Big®, GO!®, GO! Bolt™, and GO! Me®
Four-wheel upright tote with side handles for easy lifting
Telescoping handle adjusts to a comfortable height for easy rolling
Two interior straps in the side pockets to secure 6”x24” and 10”x24” die boards
Large front pocket for dies, notions and fabric
Top opening for easy access
Padded, foldable construction - folds flat for storage under a bed, on a shelf or in a closet
Compatible with the GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag

GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag

The GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag is a lightweight padded bag designed specifically for the GO! Big Fabric Cutter. Use it on its own to keep your cutter clean, protected and dust-free-or pair it with the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag (57132) for a complete dual-layer carrying system.

It can also double as a carrier for other GO! cutters, dies and accessories, making it a versatile piece for any quilter on the go.

Features

Top opening for easy access
Side carrying handles for easy lifting
Padded construction keeps your cutter protected and dust-free
Compatible with the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag

Using Both Bags Together

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag and the GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag are designed to work as a system. Load the GO! Big Cutter into the carrying bag for a protective inner layer, then place the whole thing into the rolling tote alongside your dies, notions and fabric. Everything travels together in one organized, easy-to-move setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of each bag?

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag measures 25″W x 16″L x 21″H, with an interior of 22″W x 14″L x 15¾″H. The GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag measures 20″W x 7″L x 12″H.

Which GO! cutters work with the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag?

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag works with Ready. Set. GO! sets, GO! Big, GO!, GO! Bolt and GO! Me. It also doubles as a standard-size sewing machine carrier.

Can I bring my strip cutters?

Yes. The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag includes two interior straps-located in the side pockets-designed to hold 6”x24” and 10”x24” long die boards securely during transport.

Do the bags come in other colors?

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag is available in classic black with GO! lime green accents. The GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag is available in classic black.

How do I clean the bags?

Spot cleaning is easy with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not machine wash.

Does the rolling bag fold down for storage?

Yes. The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag folds flat for easy storage under a bed, on a shelf or in a closet.

Will my sewing machine fit in the rolling bag?

Yes. The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag doubles as a standard-size sewing machine carrier when you’re not using it for your GO! system.

Can I use both bags together?

Yes. They’re designed to work as a system. Place your GO! Big cutter in the GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag for an inner protective layer, then load the whole thing into the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag for transport.

How much does each bag weigh?

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag weighs 16.3 lbs. (7.4 kg). The GO! Big Cutter Carrying Bag weighs 1.6 lbs. (0.7 kg).

Can I check the AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag at the airport?

The AccuQuilt Cutter & Carry Bag is not recommended for checking at the airport. If you choose to check it, do so at your own risk. For air travel, we recommend packing your GO! cutter and dies in hard-sided luggage with adequate padding to protect your equipment in transit.

GO! Curved Log Cabin AccuQuilt-Along, Part 4: Assembling the Top and Finishing Your Quilt

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

All the blocks are made, and that means it’s time for the most satisfying step: putting them together. Part 4 of the GO! Curved Log Cabin AccuQuilt-Along covers assembling your quilt top, then walks through all your finishing decisions: batting, backing, binding and quilting.

If you’re just joining the quilt along, all previous posts are at the bottom of this blog. Download the free GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern and jump in wherever makes sense for you.

GO! Curved Log Cabin-9" Finished Die (Die to Try, July 2026)

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GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block

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GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging Pattern

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The Pattern: Standard and Enlarged Versions

The free GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern calls for eight GO! Curved Log Cabin blocks and eight 9” finished Ohio Star blocks and finishes to 36” x 36”. Erica is following the standard pattern in Halloween prints. Pam doubled the number of blocks to create a throw-quilt-sized version and used her printed pattern and a pen to map out the extended layout by hand before cutting a thing.

Follow the pattern or make it your own. The only rule is that you follow the block placement directions to achieve the curved visual effect. Everything else is up to you.

Assembling the Quilt Top

The pattern includes directions for laying out your blocks into strips, then sewing the strips into the finished top. Because all blocks in this project finish to 9”, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row allows them to nest at the intersections, which is what gives you clean, precise meeting points without wrestling with bulky seams.

Pins matter here. Use them at every seam intersection as you join rows, and at regular intervals along each row seam. They’ll keep everything aligned as you sew and help you maintain the correct row order.

Pro Tip: Once your blocks are laid out, take a photo before you sew a single seam. Walk away, then come back and study the photo to confirm every block is in the correct position and facing the right direction. It’s much easier to fix a layout problem before it’s been sewn in.

Once all rows are joined, take one more photo of the finished top and do a final check before pressing. Then give the whole top a careful press. Quilter’s Starch Savvy is a great choice here for a crisp, flat result without distorting the seams.

The Three Quilting B’s: Batting, Backing and Binding

Batting

Batting is personal. There’s no single right answer and it depends on the project, how you plan to quilt it, and what the finished quilt will be used for. Some options to consider:

80/20 cotton/polyester blend: a reliable all-purpose choice for wall hangings; easy to quilt, good drape, widely available
100% cotton: breathable, flatter loft, softens beautifully with washing
Wool: warm, lightweight, excellent loft
Bamboo: soft, eco-friendly, good drape
Silk: lightweight with a beautiful drape; best for special projects
High-loft polyester: great for tied quilts and thick, cozy results

Pro Tip: If your quilt top has white or very light fabric, choose a white batting. Many standard batting options have a slight cream tone that can read as yellow through white fabric.

Backing

Before you cut your backing, check the finished size of your project. The standard wall hanging finishes to 36” x 36”. If you’re sending it to a longarm quilter, ask them how many extra inches they require on each side before you cut. Requirements vary.

If you’re quilting on a domestic machine with free motion or straight-line quilting, 2” on each side is generally enough, though giving yourself a little more is never a bad idea. For this size, I’d use approximately 1¼ yards of backing fabric, spray baste generously and pin carefully rather than piecing the back.

When I quilt in the hoop on my embroidery machine, I prefer to have more backing around the edges, so I have plenty of room to secure the project in the hoop, even when quilting close to the outer edges.

Backing fabric is also a great opportunity to use quilting cotton scraps from the project itself, or to add a coordinating print that makes the back as special as the front. For a lap quilt, Cuddle® by Shannon Fabrics is a consistently popular backing choice for its softness.

Binding

If you planned and pulled your binding fabric when you cut your quilt blocks, it should be ready to go the moment your quilting is finished. The standard binding strip width Erica and Pam use is 2½”. Erica chose a bias-cut plaid in coordinating colors to pull her Halloween version together.

Scraps are a natural fit for binding, and AccuQuilt has a die specifically for that. The GO! Scrappy Binding die cuts four different lengths of 2½” strips with dog ears already removed for easy assembly. Use all four lengths together for a scrappy look, or cut them all the same length for a more uniform result.

Quilting Design Options for the GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging

Quilting is where you make one more creative decision: do you want the quilting to stand out or blend in? Dense or open? Curved or angular?

A classic pairing in quilt design is angular piecing with curved quilting with the curves softening the geometric structure of the blocks. The GO! Curved Log Cabin blocks already suggest curves visually, so either approach works well here.

Mary Anne Fontana, who designed the original pattern, quilted her version with stars, echoing the Ohio Star blocks, in a light thread that blended into most of the fabrics but added texture and definition against the darker blocks. It’s a beautiful solution that reinforces the design without competing with it.

Some other directions worth considering:

Straight-line quilting in the ditch: Quick, clean and lets the blocks do the talking
Echo quilting around the curved log cabin shapes: Reinforces the visual curve effect
Allover free motion design: Meanders, feathers or stippling for texture without distraction
Ruler-guided curves on a longarm: A stunning complement to the block geometry\

There’s no wrong answer. Thread color, density and design are all yours to decide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 4

Is it too late to join this quilt along?

Not at all. Download the free pattern, work through the previous posts at your own pace, and share your progress in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group whenever you’re ready.

Can I use the GO! Log Cabin-12” Finished die instead?

You can make a log cabin quilt with the GO! Log Cabin-12” Finished die by Leslie Main, but the finished project will look quite different. That die makes a standard 12” finished block with uniform-width logs and no curved visual effect. The GO! Curved Log Cabin-9” Finished die uses two different log widths to create the illusion of a curve. They are distinct designs.

What batting is best for a wall hanging?

An 80/20 cotton/polyester blend is a reliable, widely available choice for wall hangings and it’s easy to quilt, holds its shape well and has good drape. If your background fabric is white or very light, choose white batting rather than a standard cream-colored option, which can read as yellow through light fabric.

How much backing fabric do I need?

This wall hanging pattern finishes to 36” x 36”. For a domestic machine, plan on approximately 1¼ yards of backing fabric, which gives you enough to work with without piecing the back. If you’re sending it to a longarm quilter, check with them first, they typically require 4” to 8” of extra backing on each side.

How wide should I cut my binding strips?

Pam and Erica use the standard binding strip width of 2½” for most projects. Cut on the straight grain for most quilts, or on the bias for quilts with curved edges or for a diagonal stripe effect.

Where can I find binding video tutorials?

AccuQuilt has several binding tutorials available on accuquilt.live under the Discover section and on the AccuQuilt YouTube channel. This video is an excellent resource for binding tips!

What is the GO! Scrappy Binding die?

The GO! Scrappy Binding Die cuts four different lengths of 2½” binding strips with dog ears already removed, making it fast and easy to assemble scrappy binding from leftover fabric. Use the four lengths together for a varied scrappy look or cut them all the same length for a more uniform result.

Up Next: Part 5 - The Reveal

Part 5 is the community showcase with finished tops, works in progress and everything the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group has been making throughout the quilt along. Don’t wait until your quilt is 100% finished to share. Show us where you are. There are no ribbons, no judging, just a community of quilters happy to see what you’ve made.

Post your progress photos in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group. Erica and Pam will be there too!

Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Reveal

How to Make the GO! Double Star Quilt Block | AccuQuilt Tutorial

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Learn how to cut and piece the stunning GO! Double Star-10" Finished quilt block using the AccuQuilt GO! Double Star Block on Board® (BOB®) Die!

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to use the GO! Double Star Die to quickly cut the pieces you need and sew them together to create a beautiful 10" finished Double Star quilt block. The die includes specialized dog-ears, notches and built-in ¼" seam allowances to make lining up your pieces easier.

Once you learn the basic block, have fun experimenting with different fabric and color combinations to create your own unique Double Star designs. You can even rotate and flip sections of the block to create completely different looks!

GO! Double Star-10” Finished Block on Board Die: A Star Within a Star, No Y-Seams

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The double star, a star block nested inside another star, is one of the most striking designs in quilting. It looks intricate, complex and like it must involve countless precision cuts and difficult seams. The GO! Double Star-10” Finished Block on Board® (BOB®) die is built to prove otherwise.

With 12 unique shapes on a single 6” x 24” die board, this die cuts an entire 10” finished, 3-color block in a single pass through your GO! cutter and with no Y-seams anywhere in the construction. Specialized dog ears and notches on every piece make assembly straightforward, and screen-printed letters keep your pieces organized from the moment they come off the cutter.

What Makes the GO! Double Star Die Different?

Star blocks are among the most popular quilt blocks and among the most technically demanding to piece. Many traditional star-within-a-star designs require Y-seams: three-way intersections where seams meet at a point, requiring you to stop, pivot and restart with the needle down. Y-seams are manageable with practice, but they’re a barrier for many quilters.

The GO! Double Star die eliminates Y-seams entirely. Every seam in this block is a standard straight seam. The die achieves the complex geometry through the precision of its unique shapes, including specialized dog ears and notches that align your pieces before you even pick up a pin. What looks like a complicated block sews together like a straightforward one.

One Die, Many Blocks: The Power of Color Placement

The GO! Double Star die cuts a 3-color block, but changing which fabrics go where completely transforms the finished design. The same die and the same shapes produce dramatically different results depending on your color placement decisions.

A light background with two contrasting colors produces the classic star-within-a-star effect. Reversing the value of the inner and outer stars shifts the whole visual weight of the block. Using three fabrics from the same color family creates a tone-on-tone effect. Placing a bold print in the center star while keeping the outer star quiet lets the focal fabric do all the work.

How to Use the GO! Double Star Die: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Watch the full video tutorial below for a complete walkthrough of cutting and assembling the GO! Double Star-10” Finished Block—from loading your fabric onto the die to finishing your first complete block:

Free Patterns for the GO! Double Star Die

All the following patterns are available as free downloads.

GO! Double Star Sampler Quilt Pattern

Designed and created by Suzy Webster of Webster Quilts, this quilt is the ultimate showcase for everything the GO! Double Star die can do. Made entirely with a single die, the patriotic colorway shows off the full range of block variations achievable through color placement alone. Change the palette and you have an outstanding winter quilt, a Christmas quilt in deep jewel tones, or anything else the season calls for.

GO! Diamonds in the Rough Wall Hanging Pattern

Designed and created by Lissa LaGreca of Lovingly Lissa, this wall hanging demonstrates how creative color placement transforms the same block into something that reads as a completely different design. Made with a single BOB die, the result is a sparkling, gem-like composition that earns every compliment it gets.

GO! Berry Blossom Stars Table Runner Pattern

Designed and created by Chantelle Bailey of Chantelle Bailey Design using floral print fabric from Riley Blake Designs, this table runner is an approachable first project for the GO! Double Star die. The border made using the GO! Strip Cutter 4½” (4” finished) die, frames the blocks perfectly. Swap the fabrics for any season and you have a year-round project worth making more than once.

GO! Double Sunrise Throw Quilt Pattern

Designed and created by Chris Marchini of Rose City Originals, this wall hanging shows what a modern quilter can do with a traditional block. Starting with a complete block at the center, the design radiates outward into partial blocks—using just a portion of the block to create a bold, unexpected composition. It’s a strong argument for not being limited by the block’s traditional application.

Frequently Asked Questions About the GO! Double Star-10” Finished Die

What size does the GO! Double Star die make?

The GO! Double Star-10” Finished Block on Board (BOB) die cuts pieces for a block that finishes to 10” when sewn into a project.

What is a Block on Board® (BOB®) die?

A Block on Board (BOB) die is an AccuQuilt die that contains all the pieces needed to make a complete quilt block on a single die board. With many BOB dies, you can cut all the pieces for one or more complete blocks in a single pass through the cutter, which dramatically reduces cutting time compared to cutting individual shapes separately.

Does the GO! Double Star block have Y-seams?

No. Despite the complexity of the finished block, there are no Y-seams anywhere in the construction of the GO! Double Star block. Every seam is a standard straight seam. The precision of the die’s unique shapes, including specialized dog ears and notches, handles the geometry so you don’t have to.

Which GO! cutters are compatible with this die?

The GO! Double Star-10” Finished die is compatible with all GO! cutters, including the GO!, GO! Bolt, GO! Big and GO! Me.

Can I make this block using my GO! Qubes?

No. The GO! Double Star block uses unique shapes that are not part of the GO! Qube system. The pieces on this die include specialized dog ears and notches designed specifically for this block’s construction.

How many shapes does the GO! Double Star die cut?

The GO! Double Star die cuts 12 unique shapes needed to construct the full block. All pieces are screen-printed with letters to keep them organized from the moment they come off the cutter.

What other blocks can I combine with the GO! Double Star?

Any block that finishes to 10” pairs naturally with the GO! Double Star. Good options include other 10” finished BOB dies, such as the GO! Tangled Star-10” Finished, and blocks made with the GO! Qube Mix & Match 10” Block and Companion Sets.

Are there free patterns for the GO! Double Star die?

Yes. Free downloadable patterns are available at accuquilt.live, including the GO! Double Star Sampler Quilt, GO! Diamonds in the Rough Wall Hanging, GO! Berry Blossom Stars Table Runner, and GO! Double Sunrise Throw Quilt.

What Will You Create?

The GO! Double Star-10” Finished Block on Board die is available at accuquilt.live and at your local AccuQuilt retailer. Free patterns are ready to download whenever you are. Share your finished projects with AccuQuilt on social media or in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group. We can’t wait to see what you create!

GO! Curved Log Cabin AccuQuilt-Along, Part 3: Cutting and Sewing Dark Ohio Star Blocks

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to Part 3 of the GO! Curved Log Cabin Quilt Along! If you’ve already made your light A Blocks from Part 2, the dark B Blocks this week will feel very familiar—same shapes, same technique, different colorway. If you’re just joining the quilt along, no problem. Download the free GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging pattern from accuquilt.live and start wherever makes sense for you.

GO! Curved Log Cabin-9" Finished Die (Die to Try, July 2026)

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GO! Curved Log Cabin Wall Hanging Pattern

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GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block

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Part 3: The Dark Ohio Star B Blocks

The Ohio Star is built from just two shapes: a square and a quarter square triangle (QST). For a 9” finished block, both come from the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6” Finished Block.

The process this week is identical to Part 2, the only difference is you’re cutting and sewing your dark fabrics instead of your light ones. Follow the pattern for the specific cutting directions and colorway assignments for the B Blocks.

If you have a GO! Me Fabric Cutter, the quarter square triangle die that came with your cutter works for this block. You can also find a 3” finished QST on the GO! Big Snail’s Trail—12” Finished die (SKU 55460).

Pro Tip: Not sure which die has the shape you need? Download the free Cutting Equivalents Chart—it lists every shape and which dies cut it. Take it further with AccuQuiltable software, which lets you catalog your entire die library and search by shape.

Cutting Quarter Square Triangles: A Quick Reminder

Grain alignment is especially important with QSTs. As the die goes through the cutter, align the lengthwise grain of your fabric with the lengthwise blades on the die and line up your fabric with the shape on the die board, not the outer edge of the board itself.

Why grain alignment matters for QSTs: Quarter square triangles have bias on their short sides. Keeping the lengthwise grain properly aligned as you cut means those bias edges stay on the inside of the finished unit, where they’re controlled by seams, rather than on the outside edges of your block where they’d be prone to stretching.

Sewing the Dark Ohio Star Blocks

Step 1: Lay Out Before You Sew

Before picking up a single piece, lay all your triangles out in the correct position according to the pattern. QSTs are easy to mix up once you’re at the machine, a few seconds of layout saves a seam ripper moment later.

Step 2: Sew the QST Units

Sew the triangles together along their short bias sides to form half-square triangle units first, then join those to complete the QST unit. Press seams in opposite directions so they’ll nest when you assemble the full block.

Once the QST unit is complete, you can remove the first stitch or two at the center seam and open it up to reduce bulk at the points.

Step 3: Assemble the Block

Lay out all 5 squares and 4 QST units in the 9-patch arrangement before chain piecing your rows. Press seams toward the squares as you join each row, this lets the seams nest at the intersections and gives you clean, precise points.

With your 4 dark B Blocks complete, you’ll have all the blocks you need to assemble the full quilt top. That’s the focus of Part 4.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 3

Is Part 3 different from Part 2 in any way besides the fabric color?

The technique is identical. The B Blocks use the same shapes, the same cutting method and the same sewing sequence as the light A Blocks from Part 2. The only difference is that you’re working with your dark colorway fabrics. If Part 2 went smoothly, Part 3 will too.

What if I don’t have the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6” Finished Block?

You have a couple of options. If you own a GO! Me Fabric Cutter, the QST die that came with your cutter works for this block. You can also find a 3” finished QST on the GO! Big Snail’s Trail - 2” Finished die (SKU 55460). For squares, the GO! Strip Cutter 3½” (3” finished) is an alternative. Download the free Cutting Equivalents Chart from accuquilt.live to find other compatible dies in your collection.

How do I find out which of my GO! dies cuts a specific shape?

Download the free AccuQuilt Cutting Equivalents Chart. It lists every shape and the dies that cut it. AccuQuiltable software also catalogs your die library digitally, making it easy to search by shape and see exactly what you have.

My QST points aren’t meeting up. What should I check?

Three things: first, confirm your seam allowance is a consistent true ¼” throughout. Second, check that you’re pressing seams in opposite directions, so they nest at the intersections. Third, make sure each triangle is in the correct position before sewing. A QST placed in the wrong orientation is the most common cause of points that don’t meet.

Can I still join the quilt along if I’m starting late?

Absolutely! Download the free pattern, catch up on previous parts at your own pace, and share your progress in the Under the Needle with AccuQuilt Facebook group whenever you’re ready.

Up Next: Part 4 – Quilt Assembly

Part 4 covers assembling the complete quilt top, bringing together the Curved Log Cabin blocks and both sets of Ohio Star blocks into the finished layout. It also includes a discussion of quilting options for the finished top.

Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Reveal