Elisabethann

I have a cricut and was thinking using it to cut out shapes/letters for applique would save me a lot of time. Anyone use it? Suggestions & or tips are welcome. So are pictures of the finished product :wink:

CraftyGardenMom

Yes I have used it. Tips would be to increase the pressure on the blade to at least a 4-6. Use Steam-a-Seam 2 or Heat-n-Bond on the back of the fabric and place the fabric side down on the mat so the blade doesn't shred the fabric. I looked up a few tutorials on You Tube and they helped out a lot since you can see them actually do it.

Here is one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEsYz9lBc7w

fidgety

I have tried almost everything to get mine to cut fabric and I still have not gotten it right... :-( I know that intricate designs do not cut out to well. I got the go baby and wish I had not gotten the cricut, then I could have spent that money on go dies.

carolaug

I have a circuit that has been sitting in my closet and thinking of doing letters...since die letters are like 300.00 and up for the dies. Hoping to find some tips also.

CarrieAnne

I have never used one, but I wonder if starching the fabric really stiff would help?

carolaug

that is a wonderful tip!!

Elisabethann

I found some tips on the cricut forum. Basically they suggest you starch the fabric first and then use heat n bond. They say other products don't work. Just Heat N Bond. Make sure the fabric is really stuck down to the mat. Get a new one if your mat has lost its stickie or use painters tape to secure the fabric down. Cut on a slow speed, blade deep and med/hi pressure. I hope to try it this weekend. I was just hoping to have some advice from a quilter - not a scrapbooker !

oldmountaincrafts

Yes, I have cut fabric on my Cricut. Just don't try flannel, doesn't work, only cotton. As said above, slow speed, good blade depth. Each machine is a little different, so try scraps first, but you also must use the heat n bond, not starch alone. It will take some trial and error, so just be patient and takes notes of what finally works for you.

clsurz

You don't necessarily need ot put fabric upside down. Put it right side up and place a piece of paper over it to cut through to the fabric. This way you don't mess your right side fabric peeling it of the mat.