Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How to Use Accuquilt to Make Leave-in Stabilizer Papers and Cut EPP Hexies” by Belle of Seams Sew Me.
If you love English Paper Piecing but dread tracing and trimming templates, this tutorial is your time-saver. Belle shows how to use the Accuquilt Go! Me and hexagon dies to mass-cut both leave-in stabilizer “papers” and fabric hexies—fast, precise, portable.
What you’ll learn
- The most efficient Accuquilt die for 1-inch finished hexies and why it matters
- How to fold stabilizer and fabric to multiply your cuts in a single pass
- Clean-cut tricks, from mat handling to alignment
- A simple glue-baste method for neat edges and easier stitching later
Introduction to Accuquilt for English Paper Piecing (EPP) Belle’s process centers on the Accuquilt Go! Me—compact, portable, and an economical choice when your main goal is EPP. She contrasts it with larger electric options but focuses on the hand-cranked Go! Me for ease and travel-friendly use. The cutter works with a 6 x 12 inch mat and compatible Accuquilt dies designed for clean, repeatable results.
If you’re moving between your sewing space and the couch, the fold-up design keeps setup minimal—just place the die and cutting mat, feed the stack, and crank. It’s a straightforward rhythm that turns a pile of scraps and stabilizer into neat hexies in minutes.
Why Use Accuquilt for EPP? The payoff is speed and consistency. With the right die, you can cut multiple leave-in stabilizers or fabric hexies in a single pass, drastically reducing prep time. Belle also notes that the stabilizers she uses soften in the wash and feel like dryer sheets—no template removal later.
Meet the Accuquilt Go! Me Cutter The Go! Me is small but capable, making it ideal if you primarily cut small EPP shapes. If you already own another compatible Accuquilt machine, you can adapt these steps; Belle simply showcases the Go! Me because of its portability and value.
Choosing Your Accuquilt Hexagon Die Belle demos two dies for 1-inch finished hexies. Her favorite is the English Paper Piecing Hexagon die for its greater yield per pass. It cuts both fabric and stabilizer, so you can prep everything with one setup. She writes helpful square/strip size reminders directly on the die foam for quick reference—a smart habit if you switch between projects.
The English Paper Piecing Hexagon Die (1" Finished Sides) This is Belle’s preferred die because it gives you more cuts per pass. She uses it first to cut the leave-in stabilizers and then to cut fabric, minimizing changeover.
Exploring the Hexagon-1", 1 1/2", 2" Sides Die This three-size die also works for 1-inch finished hexies, but it yields fewer pieces per crank, so it’s less efficient if you’re making many at once. Belle points out that the two smaller sections work for pairing the insert and slightly larger fabric hexie. If you already own this die, you can absolutely follow along—just expect a different yield.
Preparing Your Materials: Leave-in Stabilizer The stabilizer Belle uses is firm and economical, supplied on a roll. She cuts it into narrow strips that align with the die shapes. For the preferred EPP Hexagon die, she starts with a 4-inch strip. For the alternative die, she uses a 2 1/4-inch strip.
Sourcing and Cutting Firm Stabilizer Strips Belle mentions she will link the stabilizer she uses. If you’re following along, match your strip width to the die’s cutting area so you’re not wasting material. For the preferred die, the 4-inch strip is the sweet spot for layered folding and maximum yield.
Folding Techniques for Multiple Cuts Accordion folding is the secret to volume. For the preferred die, Belle folds the 4-inch strip to create four layers, allowing sixteen leave-in stabilizers in one pass. Carefully align the stack so every layer covers the blades.
Pro tip Write your go-to strip or square sizes directly on the die foam. When you revisit a project months later, you’ll skip the guesswork and dive right in.
Watch out Keep layers flat and parallel as you fold. Uneven layering can clip corners or leave a side incomplete when the crank pressure hits.
With the folded stack placed on the die and the cutting mat on top, feed it through the Go! Me using the hand crank. Maintain a steady pace; the cutter does the alignment work.
Quick check Did you get sixteen clean stabilizers from the pass? If not, review your folding and alignment before you try again.
Cutting Fabric Hexies with Accuquilt For fabric, Belle switches to pre-cut 6-inch squares and layers two at a time (up to six layers is possible). Lay the fabric slightly angled to cover the full hexagon outlines on the die—this guards against clipped points.
Layering Fabric for Optimal Cuts Use what you have: two layers keep control high; more layers boost speed if your fabric behaves. Do not exceed six layers total, a general recommendation to protect your dies and preserve cut quality. A small angle helps each hexagon’s corners clear the blade line.
Tips for Clean Cuts and Fabric Removal After cranking the mat and die through, Belle uses a light rub-and-slide motion across the mat surface before lifting it. This prevents fabric from sticking or stretching as the pressure releases. The result: eight crisp hexies ready for basting.
From the comments A viewer suggested rubbing a dryer sheet over the top of the mat to reduce static. While Belle acknowledged the tip, the video itself demonstrates the rub-and-slide technique, which works well during the demo.
Choosing the Alternative Die (Optional) If you’re using the Hexagon-1", 1 1/2", 2" sides die, plan your strip widths and folds for efficient use. Belle achieves nine leave-in stabilizers by folding a 2 1/4-inch strip into multiple layers and aligning carefully across the smallest hexagon area. The same crank-cut-peel sequence applies, just with a smaller yield per pass.
Quick check Aim for nine usable pieces from that setup. If you’re short, your folds may not be fully covering the cutting area—refold and try again.
Basting Your EPP Hexies with Leave-in Stabilizer Belle’s glue-baste method is quick and tidy. Add a dot of glue to the fabric center, place the stabilizer on top, then glue and fold one edge at a time. Keep glue lines away from the future stitch path so your needle doesn’t pass through adhesive.
Step-by-Step Glue Basting 1) Dab a small dot of glue in the center of the wrong side of the fabric hexie. 2) Center the leave-in stabilizer and press briefly. 3) Run a thin line of glue along one stabilizer edge; fold the fabric over and press. 4) Continue around the shape. On the final edge, alternate fold directions (left-to-right, then right-to-left) so the corner lies flat.
Watch out Too much glue or glue too close to the edge can make hand stitching harder later. A light hand is plenty for a secure hold.
Benefits of Leave-in Stabilizers Belle notes that these stabilizers soften in the wash and feel like dryer sheets, so you don’t remove anything when your stitching is complete. That’s a big time-saver, especially for large EPP projects—and it keeps your pieces stable while you stitch.
From the comments
- Where to buy the stabilizer? Belle pointed viewers to her website.
- Compatibility question: A viewer asked whether the Go! Baby is compatible with the die used here. Belle replied that it is, and referenced the Accuquilt site for confirmation.
Project Inspiration Belle shares a finished example: a central embroidered hexie showcased in a hoop, surrounded by other hexies. It’s a simple, beautiful way to display EPP as wall art or a small gift.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
- My corners are clipped. Check fabric alignment—angle your fabric slightly to make sure the sharp corners of the hexagon are fully covered.
- Pieces stick to the mat. Use Belle’s rub-and-slide motion across the mat before lifting. This releases pressure and keeps shapes crisp.
- How many layers can I cut? Belle shows two layers for fabric in the demo and notes that up to six are possible. For stabilizer, she demonstrates folded stacks (four layers with the preferred die; more with the alternative die), always ensuring coverage and clean cuts.
- Do I need to remove the stabilizer later? No—Belle says it softens like a dryer sheet in the wash.
Workflow Recap 1) Choose your die: the dedicated EPP Hexagon die for efficiency, or the three-size die if that’s what you own. 2) Prep stabilizer strips to match the die area. Fold into layers for volume, align carefully, and cut. 3) Prep fabric squares or strips. Layer thoughtfully (up to six), angle for coverage, and cut. 4) Glue-baste: center the stabilizer, then glue and fold edges with light adhesive away from stitch paths. 5) Stitch on the go: EPP is portable—toss basted hexies, a needle, and thread into your bag and sew anywhere.
Pro tip Write the ideal strip/square sizes on the die’s foam. Future you will thank you when batch-cutting day comes around again.
Finishing Ideas and Beyond Belle highlights a finished embroidered hexie in a hoop as a display option. If embroidery is on your mind while you plan projects, you might also be exploring tools like magnetic embroidery hoop to make hooping easier without clamps or screws.
- If you’re upgrading tools, many crafters research magnetic embroidery hoops and magnetic embroidery frames for flexible finishing setups that pair well with small textile art.
- New to machine embroidery? A compact, user-friendly setup is appealing when you’re mostly doing EPP and accents; that’s why “embroidery machine for beginners” is such a common search among quilters who dabble in stitched details.
- Some stitchers like the convenience of modular systems such as snap hoop monster, especially when mounting small art panels or sampler blocks.
Choosing Your Accuquilt Die, At a Glance
- Best for volume: English Paper Piecing Hexagon die (1" finished sides). Higher yield per pass.
- Flexible if you own it: Hexagon-1", 1 1/2", 2" sides die. Works, but fewer cuts per crank.
- Materials: Firm leave-in stabilizer on a roll; quilting cotton; fabric glue stick; Go! cutter mat (6" x 12").
Safety and Care
- Don’t exceed six layers of fabric on your dies.
- Keep stacks flat; wrinkles can distort cuts.
- Use a steady hand crank—no forcing.
From the comments: Community Tips
- A viewer suggested swiping a dryer sheet across the mat to reduce static. Belle acknowledged the idea. Try it if static is an issue in your space.
- Shoppers asked where to source the stabilizer; Belle referenced her website.
- Another viewer confirmed they plan to purchase the die after learning that Go! Me and Go! Baby are compatible for this use.
Start Your EPP Journey Today! Belle closes by underscoring the portability and speed of this approach. With a few passes of the Go! Me, you’ll have stacks of stabilizers and fabric hexies ready for evenings of hand stitching. If you prefer a guided start, she mentions beginner EPP hexie kits that include fabric, paper templates, and a link to a separate tutorial on gluing and stitching. Either way, once your prep is streamlined, the joy of hand-piecing returns to center stage.
If you plan to frame your finished motif or add embroidered accents, it’s helpful to know there are many hooping options out there—from standard rings to specialty gear used with a brother embroidery machine, or even broader systems compatible with magnetic hoops for embroidery machines. Choose what supports the way you make and display your stitched art.
Resources at a Glance
- Preferred die: English Paper Piecing Hexagon die (1" finished sides)
- Alternative die: Hexagon-1", 1 1/2", 2" sides die
- Machine: Accuquilt Go! Me (hand-crank)
- Mat: 6" x 12"
- Materials: firm leave-in stabilizer, quilting cotton, glue stick
Happy cutting—and even happier stitching!