Introduction to the EDeN System


Quilters can find a very useful and freely available tool at EquivalentDieNotation.com. This tool, known as EDeN, short for ‘Equivalent Die Notation’, helps quilters move from the traditional method of rotter cutting to cutting with a die cut machine.

The tool is an ingenious solution that has become a must mainly for quilters, either for the professional or hobbyist. Traditionally, quilting was done mainly by a method called rotary cutting. But in recent times, die cutting machines for fabric have been introduced to the old art and process of quilting. The EDeN system helps make this transition easier.

A need for standardization

Because there are several die cutting machines on the market, they don’t always agree in all of their namings and measuring standards. A concerned and dedicated quilt maker, Ebony Love, came up with a simplified naming and measuring convention that she then made public in the form of a chart. This chart made it easy and simple to compare the different methods and die cutters. The chart also classifies these dies universally using a shorthand naming convention for the shape they are made to cut out, and a whole number or whole number with a fraction for the final size of the fabric piece that will be afterwards used to make a quilt pattern.

The EDeN chart is updated quarterly. Click here to get the latest EDeN Chart.

How the EDeN System works

The EDeN System is based on short names for the geometric figures that make up a quilt pattern. So, for example, all square fabric piece making die cutter shorthand codes start with SQ (or CIR for circle, or REC for rectangle, etc.), which is then followed by a number, either whole (1, 2, 3, etc.) or whole with a fractional part (1 ½, 2 ½, 3 ½, etc.) that identifies the finished size of that single quilt piece, so a shorthand code of SQ-4 means any die cutting tool (or rotary cutting method) that will produce a finished square fabric piece of 4” by 4” wide when the quilt is completed
Since the quilting process requires the sewing and putting together of a number of these pieces, the actual cut piece will be a little larger, in the SQ-4 example above, the piece that the tool will cut is actually 4 ½” by 4 ½” wide, but the naming convention of EDeN will always be uniformly based on the finished size of the piece. A quick comparison of the EDeN code, like SQ-4, with one manufacturer’s name for that die cutting tool, like 657609-Sizzix Bigz Clear Die – Square, 4″ Finished (4 1/2″ Unfinished), clearly proves how the EDeN System is a much needed improvement for quilters all around.

Summary

If you are a quilter that is new to die cutting, this chart can help you figure out the right size dies you need to cut fabric. The chart is free, so why not give it a shot.

Do you use the EDeN system? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Diane Davies

Diane loves to craft and create. She enjoys experimenting with her Cricut Maker and Accuquilt GO! She also dabbles in jewelry making and crocheting. She is also passionate about sewing.

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