I'm usually over on the quilting forum (as that's my hobby) but I've recently learned that the same die cutting machines scrap bookers use can be used to cut fabric.

I am looking at a Sizzix machine that is under $100 but I have some questions I thought some on here could answer.

How do you get dies for the exact shape/size you want? Is that something you could make yourself or does a manufacturer have to create them?

Does it waste much material?
For example, with quilting, you might want a ton of 5" squares. If you cut them yourself, you could take an 10" square and cut it into 4 5" squares. But I'm wondering with the die cutting machine -- are they cut OUT of the middle of something, where you'd be wasting material around each square? If so -- are we talking about 1/4" of material or inches? I hope I'm making sense.

I asked a vendor and they said "It would not waste much material" which really didn't tell me anything...

Also -- if anyone on here has the sizzix (or knows of another good die cut machine for home use) if you've ever cut fabric with it -- any ideas on whether or not more than one layer could be cut at a time?

I SO appreciate any help you can give me, or if you can point me to any articles. THANKS!!!!

As for the size of the cut-outs, u are pretty much stuck with what is offered by manufacturer. But one die can often be used in several ways, i.e. some shapes can be piled on top of each other to make such things as flowers.

Hope this helps you make a decision. Check out the sizzex web site for ideas.....sizzix.com

I saw this posting and decided to post as I have been so happy with my die cutting machine from Accucut. It cuts eight to 10 layers of fabric at a time. You can add fusible web if you are doing appliqué quilts.

I bought a GrandMARK die cutting machine in August 2007. I am a beginning quilter...started about two and a half years ago. I was becoming frustrated with my inaccurate cutting resulting in wasting fabric and pieces that didn't fit together well. I was ready to give up quilting as I just wasn't happy as to how my projects were turning out. I began looking for a die cutting machine as I had seen some die cut fabric on some websites.

I found accucut's website and found the customer representative to be very pleasant and helpful.

I bought the grandmark machine along with the 8" quilt block starter set. You can also buy a 10" or 12" quilt block set. With any of the three quilt block starter kits you can make 36 different blocks with the dies you get with the machine. This is a link to a two page pdf on accucut's website which shows the dies included in the set and the blocks that can be made with the dies.
http://www.accucut.com/images/documents/2006/MMQD.pdf

I am very pleased as it is a real joy to use. I find that I waste very little fabric. The pieces fit together so beautifully.

Some of the current quilting magazines have coupons which I believe can be used for up to 20% off on your order.

I agree it may seem a little pricey but for me it is an investment which has made my quilting hobby far more enjoyable.

I have some pictures on my personal site: http://www.seedandsower.com/quilting.asp

The accucut diecut machine and dies are also used for scrapbooking, stationery and paper crafts. Their site is very well done and lots of information and projects.

this link may be useful:
http://www.accucut.com/

I hope this is helpful,

Kind regards

Thanks.

http://www.circleofcrafters.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=66977

Other dies, for the Cuttlebug for example, are wafer dies, and will not reliable cut through fabric. They can only do a layer at a time and the fabric must be stabilized and fairly thin.

There is one company out there that will custom make steel rule dies www.cross-cut.com but they are hard to reach, take a long time and there is always a chance you may never see your die. Only pay with a credit card you can dispute the charge with if you want to take a chance on them.