Cutting fabric with your ScanNCut

Did you know that you can cut a wide variety of fabrics with your ScanNCut? You can get perfectly precise cuts and prevent fabric fraying with the right set up, tools and techniques.

Read on to find out how!

Why cut fabric with the ScanNCut?

Imagine not having to cut all those fiddly quilt pieces by hand? Imagine being able to cut out precise pattern pieces, without worrying about cutting a wonky line or a handheld rotary cutter slipping.

The ScanNCut is particularly good when you have small pieces to cut, need to be really precise or have lots of fabric pieces to cut. It can also be a huge help if you find holding scissors or rotary cutters hard.

What do I need?

The secret to a good cutting result is making sure that your fabric adheres properly to your cutting mat. It should not be able to move or have bubbles in it, or you will get a less than perfect result.

For the ScanNCut CM-series, you will need the High Tack Support Adhesive sheet, and a normal standard mat (it can be an old one, as long as it has enough tackiness left). The support sheet will go directly onto the standard mat, and your fabric will be placed on the very sticky side of the support sheet (see below for how to prepare correctly).

For the ScanNCut DX-series, you can either use the above option, or you can simply purchase the Fabric Mat CADXMATF12 to achieve the same result. You do not need to use a High Tack Support Adhesive Sheet if you use the Fabric Mat.

How to create a fabric cutting mat with the High Tack Support Adhesive Sheet

1. With the glossy side of the support sheet facing down, attach it to the standard mat's adhesive (top) side.
2. Peel off the backing from the top of the support sheet.
3. Place the fabric you want to cut on the support sheet. Start from the top edge and gently smooth onto the support sheet. Make sure there are no wrinkles in your fabric.
4. Use your ScanNCut spatula handle to firmly move the across the surface of the fabric and remove any wrinkles. This will also help to firmly attach the fabric to the support sheet, so it won’t slip when being cut.
5. After cutting your fabric, use the ScanNCut spatula to slowly peel off just the fabric. Try not to peel off the support sheet underneath!

Some fabrics will produce a better cutting result than others. It all depends on the structure of the material you’re cutting. More structured fabrics will cut better and produce sharper results than loose or fluffy fabrics.

For ‘looser’ fabrics, consider the Auto Rotary Blade, exclusively for the ScanNCut SDX-series machines. It’s perfect for precision cutting quilting fabrics, but also helps keep fine and loosely woven materials intact and can help prevent fraying.