cricut, scan n cut or silhouette?
 

Do you have a cutting machine? Which brand and model, and does it cut fabric? How easy is it to make it cut a custom shape? Also, can you use it offline? Any monthly subscription needed?

I've experimented a little with a Cricut Maker, and it was weird because I couldn't figure out it's thinking. I'm used to doing things at scale, so I set the size of the paper, figured out how big I wanted my little hearts, arranged them to maximize the paper, and when I went to cut it, the thing that came up was all wonked out. I finally just winged it, because I could never get it to do what it said it was going to do.

Also, if you have any videos that you think are good for teaching how to use your chosen machine, would you please give me a link? These machines are an expensive investment, and I want to be able to use it til the wheels fall off!

Thanks so much, Patti

I have an Accuquilt Go, which cuts fabric with dies. It works great and I love it. It does not have anything to do with a computer or the internet. They have a number of different models. It is perfect for my needs.

I also have an accuquilt. I am trying to find a way to cut things for which there are no dies.

I do not like the Cricut because you need to be connected to their software or a computer or some other computer like device. Just my opinion. I have a Scan-N-Cut and it has cut the fabric I needed cut. It is an older model.

Was it hard to learn how to use it?

No -- it was not hard to learn how to use it. There are a lot of You Tube videos you can view on the Internet that might help you make your decision. I have read that Accuquilt will make custom dies. Do not know what they cost.

I have the SNC650 and use it to cut applique pieces. It is compatible with the format for my embroidery machine. You can use the machine without being on line though there is on line software if you like.

I have the Accuquilt Go! I love it. It is limited to what the die is designed to cut. You can combine cuts from one die with another and that is pretty easy. You cannot do custom designs however.

Julia, will or can Accuquilt Go make a custom die if you request the company to make a custom die? Thought I read that they will make custom dies. Do not have any idea what a custom die will cost.

I love my Cricut Maker
 

I have a Cricut Maker and love it. Before I bought it I tried out the software and looked at a ton of how to videos. I use it to cut out appliqué material. The rotary cuter on it is fabulous.
I also use it with paper , vinyl. Magazine paper all kinds of things.

You do not have to be connected to the internet to use it. Sometimes to upload their images you have to be though. Yes you do need a computer.

I had looked at the scan n cut but did not like working on the small screen. Now that you can create on the computer it is easier. The problem with scan n cut I feel is the ability to cut fabric with out a backing. If Brother had a rotary cutter for their machine it would be great. I looked at all of the how to videos with Julie Fei-fan Balzer and was mesmerized. But was not impressed with not being able to cut fabric easily.

Cricut Maker like any other computer tool does have a learning curve but there are a ton of how to videos. They have improved the ways of getting free images. I also have found a hack to use their not free images.

A word of caution. I bought mine on HSN . The product did not work and long story short Cricut customer service was terrible. I had to take a movie of the problem. Never did cause I’m not good at that and what would it show. Just a stalling technique. So I just returned it to HSN with no hassle. Then ordered another one from HSN. Many Cricut items that are opened can not just be returned. Micheals will not take an opened return but I think Joanns will.
Yes there are some limitations as to creating your own images. It would be nice if there was a drawing stylus. There are a ton of free images at other sites.

Inkscape is a program you can use to make svg’s. I have a Mac and it is not compatible. Online there are also some sites that will convert your image to an svg.

I do not use the cricut maker to cut strips or masses of squares or other traditional shapes. If that is what you want you are better off with the other cutters. This is for the creative mind.

Decide what you want to use this for and then make a decision. Play with the software, look at the how to's at the cricut web site . Once you get the hang of it is really easy and fun to use
The cm is not cheap but you do not have to buy any dies. Anything you make or buy you can easily modify its shape and size.

Later has arrived so treat yourself.