Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternative fabric cutters such as AccuQuilt Ready, Cricut Maker 3, Brother ScanNCut SDX85S, and Sizzix Big Shot Plus 660340 .

While making my rounds to different sewing machine stores, I have been noticing a new type of sewing and quilting accessory, but had no real idea what it was all about.

On a recent visit to Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, this odd looking box happened to catch my eye once more. When I asked the sales associate about it, I learned that it was an Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter, a device I got to reviewing right after.

She was extremely animated as she explained that it is a quilter’s dream come true. The Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is used to cut multiple quilting blocks and patterns with the mere touch of a button.

Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter Overview

When closed, the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter looks like a cross between a portable sewing machine in its case and a utensil salesman’s display case. There is a built in handle that is designed to give the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter portability. It snaps open at the top and the hinges on the bottom allow it to lie open on your work table, exposing the power button, a spacious work table, and an opening that houses the cutting mechanism.

What are some alternatives for Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter?]

If you are a beginner to sewing or quilting, you might not be well aware of fabric cutters. I have not reviewed many like Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter, but when I did, I found that there are a quite a few more such products that I would like to recommend.

What are the features on Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter?

• Cuts up to 6 layers of fabric
• Compatible with all Accuquilt dies

Pros

• Cut multiple layers of fabric simultaneously
• Fast, easy cutting of quilting and applique shapes

Cons

• Unit comes with only one die as a standard accessoryv

Working on the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter

Although I had seen mechanized fabric cutters on display, this was my very first attempt at ever using one of these new cutting machines for home use. The Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is possibly as simple as any mechanical cutting machine could be. When the machine is closed in its carrying position, the handle is obviously at the top and the cutting mechanism at the bottom.

When you open the machine and lay it flat, the cutting mechanism is at one end and the rest forms a work table, large enough for the user to lay out their fabric choices and assemble them onto the dye. The really good news is you can cut up to six pieces of fabric with one pass.

The dies are designed in such a way that they are compatible with all types of fabrics. According to the sales associate at Ace Sewing and Vacuum and the Accuquilt website, the number of fabric layers the machine can cut accurately depends entirely upon the type of fabric you use.

I found this convenient table the Accuquilt website. It is very helpful in helping users determine exactly what their limits are when using the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter.

Fabric	Layers
Cotton	6
Cotton with Fusible Stabilizer	4
Batik	6
Fleece	1-2
Flannel	1-2
Denim	1
Leather	1
Wool	2
Quilt Batting	1-2
Felt	1-2
Silk	6
Satin	6

I watched in awe as the sales associate sorted out various batik swatches and laid them atop the butterfly die and covered the stack of fabric with a cutting sheet.

The purpose of the cutting sheet is to keep the fabric stable while moving through the cutter. She then slid the die into place and pushed the button. The die then moved smoothly through the cuter.

When it came out the other end, we had enough perfectly formed, evenly matched butterfly wings and bodies to make four appliques with fusible stabilizer already in place. The next step was to determine which color combinations to use with an assortment of pre-cut background pieces.

When the butterfly applique pieces were assembled, they were finished by using a decorative stitch on the sewing machine to add the antennae.

We had lots of fun playing around with butterflies. However, the butterfly die must be purchased separately. According to the Accuquilt website, the die that is included with the Go Big Fabric Cutter is the Flying Geese die.

The next die I played around with was not the flying geese, but the Orange Peel. It is possibly one of the most versatile dies in the entire Accuquilt collection. It can be used to create leaves on a stem, a flower, or one of many designs that you can dream up with own imagination.

What accessories come with Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter?

• One dye

Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter Summary

The carrying handle on the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is convenient when it is necessary to move it about, but if you ask me, I found while reviewing that it might too heavy for some people to move about too often.

It only weighs 23 pounds, and that is not what anyone would call an especially heavy machine, but any machine that weighs more than about 15 pounds can create a strain on shoulders and wrists that may be challenged by arthritis or one of those other conditions that pop up after we pass a certain age.

I thoroughly enjoyed working on the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter while reviewing it and am impressed by the number of optional dies that can be used with it. With the very large cutting area, it is even possible to use two dies at once.

Since this is the very first cutting machine of this type that I have ever had an opportunity to review, I cannot in good consciousness give it a rating. I can, however, say that the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is fun to work with.

I am not a quilter, but I do like to make my own appliques from time to time. I was particularly impressed by the number of optional cutting dies that are available.

The people at Accuquilt recognize that just one die is not enough and have even come up with a storage rack to hold all of the dies that you purchase. In addition there are loads of other accessories which can be found at local dealers who sell Accuquilt products or through the Accuquilt website.
Accuquilt also makes other cutters in order to fulfill everyone’s specific cutting needs.

• The Accuquilt Go Baby is designed to handle small dies only. It comes with two dyes, is operated by a crank handle and weighs only 8 ½ pounds. The work surface is 17 x 12 ½.
• The Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter Starter Set is also operated manually, comes with just one dye, is compatible with all Accuquilt dyes, has a work area of 30 ½ x 17 and weighs 15 pounds.
• The Accuquilt Studio 2 Fabric Cutter is designed for commercial use or for the person who spends nearly all of their time in the sewing room on quilting projects. The work surface is 30 ¼ x 24 ¾. It weighs 32 pounds and is the only machine in the Accuquilt Fabric Cutter family that is not portable. It is also the only fabric cutter in the Accuquilt line that has a warranty of more than one year. Anyone who purchases the Accuquilt Studio 2 Fabric Cutter has the advantage of a three year warranty instead.

In my opinion, the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is not just for quilters. Although I have never considered myself to be a quilter, I do occasionally make my own appliques.

With a machine like one of the fabric cutters in the Accuquilt line, I just might think about making appliques a little more frequently. Watching this machine at work and looking over the many different die options, it makes one think long and hard about the notion of adding appliques to more and more sewing projects.

It’s easy to see great appliques embellishing your home on accent décor items like throw pillows; accessories like scarves and bags; and all sorts of clothing items from blouses to jackets, coats, skirts, dresses and even casual pants.

Children of all ages love appliques. With a fabric cutter in your sewing room, you could decorate their toys, blankets, clothes and even their school bags.

To conclude my review, the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter is not for everyone but if you enjoy creating your own appliques, or if you are interested in machine quilting, this little machine could be a welcome addition to your sewing room.

Regardless of whether you go for the Accuquilt Go Baby or the Accuquit Studio 2, you will be sure to find one within your budget. Depending upon the model you choose, you can bring an Accuquilt fabric cutter home for as little as $130 or as much as $595.

Dies may be purchased separately or in bundles. The most costly bundle will cost you about $400. Don’t let that scare you, though. Bundles cost as little as $66. You can also purchase a single die for as little as $19.99.

If you have any reservations, I suggest you do what I did. Go to your local Accuquilt dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Accuquilt Go Big Fabric Cutter as well as the other fabric cutters in the Accuquilt line.

You just might come across one that is a perfect fit for your specific needs. After looking at all of the options and considering the possibilities, I think many of the new fabric cutters on the market will be finding homes in sewing rooms around the world – even lots of sewing rooms where there is absolutely no machine quilting taking place.

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