die cut fabric

[incywincy]

Has anyone ever done this? Or does anyone have a die cutter for fabric?

I'm interested in getting something to cut out letters for my cushions, as the majority of my prep time goes into cutting out the letters or numbers.
Plus I want to get more of a crisp edge to my letters on my felt cushions to make them look a bit more professional.

I have only used my Sil's card sizzix machine, which didn't cut very well through felt?? I'm guessing it would cost a small fortune to buy one?? But I want to have a look around.
... Any help very much appreciated. :)

[JBJB]

If you buy something from Sizzix, make sure you buy the ORIGINAL machine and dies.

I recently made the mistake of buying an alphabet set online, only to discover that the only Sizzix dies that will cut felt are the "original" ones.

Anything else by Sizzix (Sizzlits) etc, are only intended to cut paper.

This is a really good site and apparantely the Lollipop set definitely cuts through felt/fabric....

http://www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk/cart.php?target=search&substring=lollipop

[incywincy]

I was thinking more like this machine, so I didn't need all the cutters/dies etc.
...
http://www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk/cart.php?target=product&product_id=17920&category_id=519

Do you think one of these would cut through fabric? & felt??

[incywincy]

btw JB - did you try your rubber stamps on your doorstop cottage? How did you find the stamps came out on the fabric?
I have used mine for some things, but find they only work on close woven fabrics/cottons as they tend to run?

[JBJB]

I looked into that one as well as the Robo.

Apparantely, neither of them can cope with the fibres in fabric....

It's something I've been wanting to get for ages now, so I have done quite a lot of research and I'm still using scissors..... :mad:

I do know of a company that make dies for the Sizzix Original machine, but I think their dies are more like the Sizzlets (only do paper).

I know there must be something out there, it's just how much you want to spend!!

Read this thread : http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3743&highlight=robo

[goldy1]

I have steared cleaar of buying any of the cutting machines as I am wary of copyright isues. Does this aply to Fonts.

[JBJB]

I have steared cleaar of buying any of the cutting machines as I am wary of copyright isues. Does this aply to Fonts.

Not if you use copyright free fonts.....

Any provided by Windows, such as Arial, Comic Sans etc are copyright free.

[goldy1]

Does this still stand when you use the fonts bought forthe sizzix machines. I heard that you are not suposed to resel the die cuts . I know there is a lot of people selling them on the web but I thought it was ilegal.

it's a shame that the craft robo won't cut fabric as you can use you'r own designs with it.

[incywincy]

There has to be a machine somewhere that cuts through felt/fabric??
I wonder what they use on that art2craft website to cut out the flowers and letters???

[JBJB]

There has to be a machine somewhere that cuts through felt/fabric??
I wonder what they use on that art2craft website to cut out the flowers and letters???

I recognise the flowers as being Sizzix ... I use them on felt. Like I say, Sizzix orginal dies will cut felt, but they don't do very good alphabet ones.

I've Sizzix dies to make these :

http://www.jellybelly-jellybrain.co.uk/brooches.html

And the heart one on these :

http://www.jellybelly-jellybrain.co.uk/calico_cushion.html


But I know what you mean about there must be the equivalent of the Cricut or the Robo that can handle felt.

I did find one that can cut through thin wood and metal, but it was nearly a thousand pounds! I'd have to sell a lot of bunting to make that back!

[Pelenna]

Hi, new here, but this thead really interested me. I'd love to find a quick way of cutting hexagons and diamonds in cotton fabric for quilting - so far I've found the Accucut grandemaster die cutting machine which is super expensive and only available from the US as far as I can see, or there's the Fiskars shapexpress fabric cutter (comes as a set for making applique shapes) - has anyone used one of these? I'm just wondering if it'll cut fabric without having the bondaweb (or equivalent) already on it?
I'm amazed there aren't more dies for hexagons!

[incywincy]

If you get a sizzix machine (big shot) - you can buy dies like these which are designed for quilting.
http://www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk/cart.php?target=category&category_id=558

They are designed to cut cotton/fabric. But I've only used mine on felt or a fabric with webbing on the back.

You may find the dies cheaper - I just remember seeing these quilting ones when I was researching die cutters.
hth?

[Pelenna]

Thanks for that - I did check these out, it's just that I specifically need hexagons, and as far as I can tell there are no hexagon dies available in the UK. There must be other quilters who would find this useful, it's a really common quilt design!
Thanks again though!

[Carpe Diem]

interesting thread..

I want to know how people manage to rotary cut fabric squares for patchwork or whether there is a gizmo that can do this cheaply and easily.. I have a hand held rotary cutter and have tried to work it but I just cannot seem to get it neat enough. So I thought maybe the people who sell patchwork squares on e-Bay use an industrial machine to punch through the shapes or ?????

I want to cut neat squares in fabric by a punch or machine that doesn't need my unsteady hand to rely on....any idea anyone !!!!

Maybe I should ask them lol when I next buy a batch..... hmmmm wonder if they will let me in on their secret...


typical only read page 1 didn't notice page 2 lol... aha a big shot can do it... but having said that using a big shot would leave too much wastage.. I need something a little more practicable and material friendly.... so back to square one...

[sewnice]

I'm familiar with the Accucut system. It works great, crisp sharp lines. The one I have came with four dies,but I only use the heart and the leaf. In fact, I don't remember what the other two are. I've never purchased any more since they're very expensive.
Just Google Accucut. You'll see what you want, in fact you can request a free catalogue.
'Hope this helps.
Karen

[JBJB]

Oh Incy, look .....

http://www.accucut.com/_Standard_DiesAlphabet_Sets-c174-p8,174.html?


WHY do they always have brilliant things in the states and not here?!

[ethel&edna]

interesting thread..

I want to know how people manage to rotary cut fabric squares for patchwork or whether there is a gizmo that can do this cheaply and easily.. I have a hand held rotary cutter and have tried to work it but I just cannot seem to get it neat enough. So I thought maybe the people who sell patchwork squares on e-Bay use an industrial machine to punch through the shapes or ?????

I want to cut neat squares in fabric by a punch or machine that doesn't need my unsteady hand to rely on....any idea anyone !!!!



Thread Detour (hijack-ish)

The best way to get really square squares is to use your rotary cutter in conjunction with one of the grid rulers. You can run the wheel right up against the edge to get accurate lines and it will cut through several layers at once if your blade is nice and sharp. Just fold the fabric carefully so the weave is straight.

Cut one straight side with the wheel and grid then turn it through 90 degrees. Line the grid lines up with this edge then cut again. The best way is two make loads of strips all the same width then cut these into squares.

I am sure there must be a tutorial online somewhere. If not, I'll try to do one after the weekend. :0)

End of Thread Nabbing (sorry incy - I'm not here really anyway;))