This article is all about which AccuQuilt dies are the best for AccuQuilt fabric cutting machine beginners. If you don’t already use an AccuQuilt fabric cutting machine to cut your quilting fabric pieces, I’d like to also draw your attention to a couple other resources that will help you learn about AccuQuilt and the basics of how the machines work.
I’m typically the type of person that chooses simple over complex about 99% of the time, which is why it was so odd for me to want to try making a Mariner’s Compass quilt block. The Mariner’s Compass block features a lot of crazy points, weird angles, and also involves sewing curves – all things that would normally scare me away! BUT I made the quilt block, and it wasn’t even all that hard! I have a secret weapon to share with you that made this intimidating Mariner’s Compass quilt block actually super easy! Are you ready to know my secret to making this complex quilt block super simple?
Learn the Basics of English Paper Piecing (EPP)
English Paper Piecing, called EPP for short, is a hand sewing technique used in quilting. It features using shapes of card stock to keep the fabric in the correct sizes and shapes.
If this is your first time trying English Paper Piecing, this video might help you see the two main types of stitches you can use. I’d suggest you try out both and see which way you prefer.
How to Use AccuQuilt GO!™ to Cut Quilting Fabric
I began using my AccuQuilt GO! fabric cutting machine in my quilting over a year ago, and my quilting has been easier and more precise ever since! If you’re considering getting a fabric cutting machine and aren’t sure which machine you want, you might want to check out this post: Everything You Need to Know About AccuQuilt or maybe even Which Fabric Cutting Machine is Best?
In this post I’ll share the basic steps involved in cutting your quilt fabrics using an AccuQuilt GO!™ cutting machine. If you want to see it in action, watch this quick video:
Which is the best fabric cutting machine? If you know me, you know I get a LOT of use out of my cutting machines! There are a few major fabric cutting machines that are popular, and the two that I have are the Cricut Maker and the AccuQuilt Go!
These machines are both amazing – and honestly I really can’t pick a “BEST” fabric cutting machine because they are also so different. This video highlights the differences between the 2 models in hopes that you can gain clarity into which fabric cutting machine is best for you:
Whether you have an AccuQuilt cutting machine already or are looking to get one, this video & blog post combo will show you how to make a variation of a String Quilt Block as part of a 2-block quilt while using the AccuQuilt Angles Companion Qube. I’ve teamed up with my friend HollyAnne Knight from String & Story to each teach a tutorial for a quilt block, which come together beautifully in this gorgeous quilt!
AccuQuilt users will find this tutorial particularly helpful, but you can make a quilt like this without one too!

First off, I’ll share how to make this string quilt block using the 8″ Mix and Match Qube and it’s Angle Companion. To learn how I cut, sew, and press to make this block – watch the video, or keep reading, if that’s more your speed! Later on in the article I will also show how to implement this block into a baby size quilt like I did!