Before you spend the $450-500 on a Scan N Cut, check out the Shilouette, too. I got mine for about $230 and I like it for cutting applique shapes, vinyl, paper and plan to use for heat transfer soon. I have the pens but havent' yet tried them--next on list. For fabric, it works best to put a light weight fusible on the back. I do keep a separate cutting blade for fabric.