How To Cut Fabric With A Brother Scanncut?

How To Cut Fabric With A Brother ScanNCut? A Complete Guide

Are you looking for “how to cut fabric with a Brother ScanNCut“? This revolutionary machine is designed to make cutting fabric quick and precise. With its advanced capabilities, the Brother ScanNCut can easily handle a variety of fabrics, including quilt pieces, felt, leather, vinyl & heat transfer materials. 

This blog post will discuss using a Brother ScanNCut to cut fabric accurately and effectively. Whether you are just starting or have been crafting for years, by the end of this blog post, you should feel confident in cutting any fabric easily!

What Is A Brother ScanNCut and How Does It Work?

The Brother ScanNCut is a craft and sewing machine with a scanning feature to cut fabric precisely. It comprises two main components: the cutter head and the scan bed.

The cutter head uses a reciprocating blade to cut fabric. At the same time, the scan bed contains an LED light scanner that reads designs created in various software programs or directly from paper.

Understanding Different Blades, Mats, and Accessories Used in Cutting Fabric with a Brother Scanner

It is important to understand the different blades, mats and accessories that can be used with it.

Blades

The Brother ScanNCut has several blades designed to cut specific fabric types.

• Standard Machine Blade (CM Series Machines): The standard machine blade is the default blade for CM series machines. This blade is great for cutting most fabric types, including quilt pieces or felt.
• Thin Fabric Auto Blade (CADXBLDQ1): The thin fabric auto blade cuts lightweight and delicate fabrics. This blade works best for thin, delicate fabrics such as chiffon or organza.
• Auto Blade (Standard Blade on DX Series): The auto blade is the standard for DX series machines. It is designed to cut various fabrics, including leather and vinyl.
• Rotary Auto Blade DX: The rotary auto blade is designed for cutting fine detail on fabrics such as lace or embroidery. It can be used with either the CM series or DX series machines.
• Deep Cut Auto Blade DX: The deep cut auto blade is designed for cutting thicker fabrics such as denim or canvas. It can be used with either the CM series or DX series machines.

Mats

The Brother ScanNCut also has several mats, each designed to hold different fabric types while cutting.

• Tackless Mat (CM Series Machines): The tackless mat is the default mat for CM series machines. It is designed to hold a variety of fabrics while cutting, and it does not require any adhesive backing.
• Adhesive Cutting Mat (DX Series Machines): The adhesive cutting mat is designed specifically for DX series machines. It is made with an adhesive backing that sticks to fabric, making it easier to cut intricate designs.
• ScanNCut Fabric Mat (CADXMATF12): The ScanNCut fabric mat is designed for general-purpose cutting of fabrics. It has a high-tack adhesive backing that sticks to most fabrics, making it easier to cut them accurately.
• Low Tack Mat: The low tack mat is made with a low-tack adhesive backing that will not leave a residue on most fabrics. This makes it perfect for cutting fabrics such as vinyl and leather.
• Standard Tack Mat: The standard tack mat is designed for use with general-purpose fabric. It has an adhesive backing that can stick fabric to the mat, making it easier to cut them accurately.

Other Accessories

In addition to the blades and mats, several other accessories are available for use with the Brother ScanNCut. These include:

• High Tack Support Sheet: The high tack support sheet is designed to make cutting thick and difficult fabrics easier. It can be combined with the adhesive mat or on its own.
• Backing Support Sheet: The backing support sheet is designed to provide extra stability when cutting fabrics that require more support. It can be used with either the tackless or adhesive mat.
• Heat Press Mat: The heat press mat is designed to be used with the adhesive cutting mat. It can adhere fabric pieces together before cutting, making it easier to create intricate designs.
• Cloth Guide: The cloth guide is designed to help hold the fabric in place while cutting. It can be used with either the tackless or adhesive mat, making cutting straight lines easier.
• Spatula Tool: The spatula tool is designed to help remove fabric pieces from the cutting mat. It can be used with a tackless or adhesive mat, making removing fabric easier.

Now you know the basics of the machine, let’s move to the main part.

How To Cut Fabric With A Brother ScanNCut?

Cutting fabric with a Brother ScanNCut is an easy and efficient way to create quilts, garments, and other crafts. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Press the Fabric

Before cutting fabric with a Brother ScanNCut, it is important to press the fabric first. This will help ensure that the fabric is cut accurately and cleanly. Here are some tips for pressing fabric:

• Iron on the wrong side of the fabric first to flatten and smooth out any wrinkles.
• If the fabric has a nap, press in one direction only, from selvage to selvage.
• If the fabric is prone to stretching, use a pressing cloth and press on a low heat setting.
• If the fabric is thick or difficult to press, use a steam iron and press from both sides simultaneously.
• Remove any pins or interfacing before pressing.
• Allow the fabric to cool completely before cutting with a Brother ScanNCut.

Step 2: Adhere to the Backing Mat

Once you have pressed the fabric, it is time to adhere it to the backing mat. This will help ensure that the fabric remains positioned while being cut. Here are some tips for adhering fabric to the backing mat:

• Make sure the fabric is completely smooth before adhering to the mat.
• For fabrics with a nap, use the grain marker on the Brother ScanNCut to ensure the nap goes in the same direction.
• For fabric with adhesive backing, use the heat press mat to adhere the fabric to the backing mat.
• For fabric without adhesive backing, use a low-tack adhesive such as a basting spray or a temporary adhesive.
• If you are using a standard tack mat, use the spatula tool to help remove any air bubbles that may be present.
• If the fabric is not sticking, use a brayer to help adhere it more securely to the backing mat.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric to Size

After adhering the fabric to the backing mat, it is time to cut it to size. Here are some tips for cutting fabric with a Brother ScanNCut:

• Set the appropriate blade depth and pressure setting according to the type of fabric you are cutting.
• Use the cloth guide to help hold the fabric in place while cutting.
• For intricate designs, use a smaller blade and slower cutting speed to ensure accuracy.
• For longer cuts, use a larger blade and faster cutting speed.
• When cutting multiple layers of fabric, use a low-tack adhesive mat to help prevent the fabric from shifting.

Step 4: Apply the Fabric to the Mat

Once the fabric is cut to size, it is time to adhere it to the Brother ScanNCut mat. Here are some tips for applying fabric to the mat:

• Make sure the fabric is completely smooth before applying it to the mat.
• Use a low-tack adhesive, such as basting spray or temporary adhesive, to adhere to the fabric.
• If you use a high tack support sheet, use the heat press mat to adhere to the fabric.
• If you are using a tackless or adhesive cutting mat, use the spatula tool to help remove any air bubbles that may be present.

Step 5: Load the Design and Make Edits

Now that the fabric is cut to size and adhered to the mat, it is time to load the design and make any necessary edits. Here are some tips for loading designs and making edits with a Brother ScanNCut:

• Use the Scan and Cut canvas software to upload designs. You can also use the My Design Center app to save any design revisions or edits.
• Make sure to use the correct settings for each project before cutting. This will help ensure accurate cuts and maximum efficiency.
• Use the crop, rotate, and resize tools to make any necessary adjustments to the design.
• Use the layer tool to help separate complex designs into smaller, more manageable pieces.
• Use the contour tool to help create complex patterns in fabric and paper.
• Use the weld tool to combine smaller elements into a larger design.
• Use the offset tool to create pattern repeats and intricate designs.
• When finished, make sure to save the design before cutting.

Step 6: Start Cutting

When all design elements are ready, it is time to start cutting! Here are some tips for successfully cutting fabric with a Brother ScanNCut:

• Make sure the fabric is properly adhered to the mat before cutting.
• Use the cloth guide to ensure all elements are in place before cutting.
• Use the preview window to ensure that all design elements are positioned before cutting.
• Make sure to set the appropriate blade depth and pressure settings according to the type of fabric you are cutting.
• Use a slower speed when cutting intricate designs or multiple layers of fabric.
• Make sure to use the right blade for the fabric you are cutting (i.e., rotary blade for fabric, standard blade for paper).

Step 7: Remove Fabric from Mat

Once the fabric is cut to size, it is time to remove it from the mat and enjoy your new creation! Here are some tips for removing the fabric from the Brother ScanNCut:

• Use a spatula tool to help release the fabric from the mat.
• Try using a heat press mat to help adhere the fabric more securely and make removing it easier.
• If necessary, use an adhesive remover to help remove any residue left by the adhesive.
• Use a lint roller or sticky tape to help remove any remaining pieces of fabric.
• When finished, clean the mat and blades with a soft, damp cloth before putting them away.

So, now you have step-by-step instructions on how to cut fabric with a Brother ScannCut. Read thoroughly and practice to get the best result for your project.

Types of Materials That Can Be Cut With a Brother ScanNCut

The Brother ScanNCut is capable of cutting a variety of materials, including:

• Applique: Applique is a fabric craft where small pieces of cut fabric are layered onto a larger fabric. The Brother ScanNCut can be used to cut applique fabric accurately and efficiently.
• Pattern Pieces: Pattern pieces are used to create a garment or other item from fabric. The Brother ScanNCut can be used to cut these pieces accurately.
• Quilt Pieces: The Brother ScanNCut is great for cutting quilt pieces with accuracy and precision.
• Leather: The Brother ScanNCut is great for cutting leather fabric, allowing you to create crafts with genuine leather.
• Vinyl & Heat Transfer: The Brother ScanNCut is perfect for cutting vinyl and heat transfer fabric for projects like crafting t-shirts or mugs.
• Fabrics: The Brother ScanNCut is also great for cutting various general fabrics, from cotton to silk.

How To Cut Fabric With A Brother ScanNCut: Guide for Quilting

Using a Brother ScanNCut is an excellent way to quickly and easily cut pieces for quilting projects. Here is how to do it:

• Select the fabric you want and cut it to size using a rotary blade.
• Use a low-tack adhesive, such as basting spray or temporary adhesive, to adhere the fabric to the mat.
• Use the Scan and Cut canvas software to upload designs.
• Use the preview window to ensure all design elements are in place before cutting.
• Make sure to set the appropriate blade depth and pressure settings according to the type of fabric you are cutting.
• Use a slower speed when cutting intricate designs or multiple layers of fabric.
• When finished, use the spatula tool to help remove any excess fabric pieces from the mat.

FAQs about How To Cut Fabric With A Brother ScanNCut

Q: What is the best way to adhere fabric to the mat?

A: A low-tack adhesive, such as basting spray or temporary adhesive, works best for adhering fabrics to the mat. You may use a high tack support sheet and heat press mat for more intricate designs for extra adhesion. 

Q: What type of blade should I use for cutting fabric?

A: You will need a rotary blade to cut most types of fabrics. For multiple layers, use a larger blade and a faster cutting speed. Adjust the depth and pressure settings accordingly to ensure accurate cuts.

Q: How do I make sure that the fabric is properly adhered to the mat?

A: Make sure the fabric is completely smooth before applying it to the mat. Use a low-tack adhesive, such as basting spray or temporary adhesive, to adhere the fabric. If you are using a high tack support sheet, use the heat press mat to adhere the fabric to the mat.  If you are using a tackless or adhesive cutting mat, use the spatula tool to help remove any air bubbles that may be present. 

Conclusion

After this guide on how to cut fabric with a Brother ScanNCut, you should now be familiar with the process and better understand how to use this tool for your fabric-cutting needs. 

You’ll find that ScanNCut can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently while allowing you to create beautiful, intricate designs for quilting and other sewing projects. With some practice, you can become an expert fabric cutter in no time!

References:

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Fabric

https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/industry/clothing-and-textiles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fabrics

https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/fabric-in-fashion.php