The best quilting machine templates for 2026 include AccuQuilt GO!, Sizzix Bigz Dies, and Studio Cutting Dies, offering precision cuts for both beginners and advanced quilters.
These quilting machine templates save you hours of hand-cutting time while ensuring consistent, professional results for your quilt blocks and appliqué pieces.
Finding the right quilting templates can make or break your next project. You want clean cuts, durability, and designs that actually work with your machine. I researched dozens of options and found some clear winners for this year.
What Are Quilting Machine Templates?
Quilting machine templates are cutting dies that work with fabric cutting machines. They’re like cookie cutters for fabric. You place your material on the template, run it through your machine, and get perfect shapes every time.
Why does this matter? Hand-cutting fabric pieces takes forever. Plus, you’ll never get the same precision twice. Templates fix both problems instantly.
Top 5 Quilting Machine Templates for 2026
After checking reviews and testing feedback, these five template systems stand out from the crowd.
1. AccuQuilt GO! System
This system dominates the quilting template market. The GO! fabric cutter works with hundreds of die options. You can cut up to six layers at once.
What makes it special? The dies last years, even with heavy use. Many quilters say they’ve used the same triangles and squares dies for over 500 projects.
Best GO! Dies for Beginners
- GO! Basic Shapes Set (squares, triangles, rectangles)
- GO! Hexagon Die for modern quilts
- GO! Strip Cutter for quick borders
2. Sizzix Bigz Dies
Sizzix makes dies that work with multiple cutting machines. The Bigz series handles thick materials like batting and interfacing. Perfect if you already own a Big Shot machine.
The variety here is amazing. From simple geometric shapes to detailed appliqué designs, you’ll find options for every style.
Top Sizzix Picks
- Bigz Basic Shapes for foundation piecing
- Bigz Flower Power set for appliqué work
- Bigz Alphabet dies for personalized quilts
3. Studio Cutting Dies
These dies work with most major cutting systems. Studio offers precision at budget-friendly prices. The steel construction means they’ll outlast cheaper alternatives.
What I found interesting: Studio focuses on classic quilt block shapes. No fancy extras, just solid basics that every quilter needs.
4. Brother ScanNCut Templates
If you own a Brother ScanNCut machine, these templates offer digital precision. You can even scan your own patterns and turn them into cutting files.
The learning curve is steeper than physical dies. But once you get it, the customization options are endless.
Brother Template Advantages
- Create custom sizes instantly
- Store hundreds of patterns digitally
- Perfect registration marks every time
5. Cricut Maker Quilting Dies
Cricut expanded into quilting with their Maker series. The rotary blade cuts fabric cleanly without fraying edges. Great for detailed appliqué work.
The downside? You need Cricut’s proprietary software. Some quilters find this limiting compared to universal dies.
How to Choose the Right Template System
Picking templates isn’t just about pretty designs. You need to match your machine, budget, and quilting style.
Consider Your Current Equipment
Do you already own a cutting machine? Start there. Buying dies for your existing cutter saves money and storage space.
Don’t have a machine yet? The AccuQuilt GO! system offers the best template selection for pure quilting work.
Think About Your Quilting Style
Traditional quilters love geometric shapes and classic blocks. Modern quilters often prefer bold, oversized pieces. Art quilters need detailed appliqué options.
Match your template investment to the quilts you actually make.
Template Types by Quilting Style
- Traditional: Squares, triangles, hexagons, dresden plates
- Modern: Large geometric shapes, wonky blocks, negative space designs
- Art Quilting: Detailed appliqué, nature motifs, abstract shapes
Template Material Guide
Not all templates are made equal. The material affects how long they last and how clean your cuts will be.
Steel Dies
Steel dies last the longest. They cut through multiple fabric layers without dulling. Most professional quilters prefer steel for frequent use.
The trade-off? Steel dies cost more upfront. But they pay for themselves if you quilt regularly.
Plastic Templates
Plastic works fine for occasional quilting. They’re lighter and cheaper than steel. Perfect for beginners who want to test different shapes.
Just don’t expect them to last through hundreds of cuts.
Money-Saving Template Tips
Templates can get expensive fast. Here are ways to build your collection without breaking the bank.
Start with Basic Shapes
You can make dozens of quilt blocks with just squares and triangles. Buy these first, then add specialty shapes later.
Look for Bundle Deals
Many companies sell starter sets at discounted prices. AccuQuilt’s “GO! Qube” sets include multiple dies plus cutting mats.
Check Compatibility
Some dies work with multiple machine brands. Studio dies fit both AccuQuilt and Sizzix machines, giving you more flexibility.
Template Care and Storage
Proper care keeps your templates cutting cleanly for years.
Cleaning Your Dies
Fabric lint builds up in the cutting edges. Use a soft brush to remove debris after each session. Never use metal tools that might damage the sharp edges.
Smart Storage Solutions
Store dies flat to prevent warping. Many quilters use pizza boxes or shallow drawers. Label everything clearly so you can find shapes quickly.
Common Template Mistakes to Avoid
I found these mistakes come up repeatedly in quilting forums and reviews.
Using Dull Cutting Mats
Old mats don’t provide enough grip. Your fabric will shift during cutting, leading to uneven pieces. Replace mats when they show deep grooves.
Forcing Thick Materials
Each die has layer limits. Forcing too much fabric through can damage both your die and machine. Check the specifications before cutting.
Ignoring Grain Direction
Templates make cutting so easy, you might forget about fabric grain. Always position pieces to maintain proper grain direction for your quilt blocks.
Advanced Template Techniques
Once you master basic cutting, these techniques add precision and speed to your workflow.
Strip Piecing with Templates
Cut strips first, then sew them together. Use your template to cut finished blocks from the strip sets. This technique works great for log cabin and bargello patterns.
Template Layering
Some quilters stack different templates to create complex shapes in one cut. This takes practice but can save significant time on detailed blocks.
2026 Template Trends
The quilting industry keeps evolving. Here’s what I’m seeing for this year.
Larger Format Dies
Modern quilts use bigger pieces. Template companies are responding with dies that cut 8-inch and 10-inch blocks in single passes.
Digital Integration
More templates now include QR codes linking to online tutorials and pattern ideas. This bridges the gap between traditional cutting and digital resources.
Eco-Friendly Options
Some manufacturers now offer recycled steel dies and biodegradable cutting mats. Great news for environmentally conscious quilters.
| Template System | Best For | Price Range | Die Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| AccuQuilt GO! | Traditional quilting | $$-$$$ | 500+ options |
| Sizzix Bigz | Mixed crafting | $-$$ | 200+ options |
| Studio Dies | Budget quilting | $-$$ | 100+ options |
| Brother ScanNCut | Tech-savvy quilters | $$-$$$ | Unlimited digital |
| Cricut Maker | Detailed appliqué | $$-$$$ | 50+ quilting designs |
Conclusion
The right quilting machine templates transform your cutting process from tedious to enjoyable. AccuQuilt GO! leads the pack for pure quilting power, while Sizzix Bigz offers the best value for mixed crafters. Brother and Cricut bring digital precision to the table.
Start with basic shapes that match your quilting style. Focus on quality over quantity – a few excellent templates beat a drawer full of mediocre ones. Your future quilting self will thank you for investing in tools that last.
Remember, templates are just tools. They can’t fix design problems or replace good technique. But when used properly, they’ll save you hours while giving you professional results every single time.
What’s the difference between steel and plastic quilting templates?
Steel templates last longer and cut through multiple fabric layers cleanly, while plastic templates cost less but wear out faster with heavy use. Steel is better for frequent quilters, plastic works fine for occasional projects.
Can I use AccuQuilt dies with other cutting machines?
No, AccuQuilt dies only work with AccuQuilt machines due to their proprietary design. Studio dies offer better cross-compatibility if you want to use templates with different machine brands.
How many fabric layers can I cut at once with templates?
Most quilting templates handle 2-6 fabric layers depending on the die and material thickness. Check your specific template’s guidelines – forcing too many layers can damage both the die and your cutting machine.
Do I need special cutting mats for quilting templates?
Yes, each template system requires compatible cutting mats for proper grip and blade protection. Generic mats won’t provide the right thickness or surface texture, leading to poor cuts and potential damage.
How do I know when to replace my quilting templates?
Replace templates when they produce frayed edges, require excessive pressure to cut, or show visible damage to the cutting edges. Well-maintained steel dies can last for thousands of cuts, while plastic templates need replacement more frequently.
