Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cutting Fabric With Your Cricut



So, I've been dying to try this technique with my Cricut for a while and finally took the plunge. I was nervous that it wouldn't work, but it did! Here are my cute little fabric letters all cut out and ready for my next project.




Because I plan to applique these letters, I needed to use a fusible webbing on the fabric. I love Steam-A-Seam...it is the best product for appliques. Very easy to use and does exactly what it claims .



First I took my fabric scrap and turned it pattern side down. Then take your piece of Steam-A-Seam, sticky side down and iron it right onto the fabric. Just follow the instructions on the package, they're very straight forward.



I found that it worked best to remove the protective paper and put the fabric directly onto your cricut cutting mat. Another very important thing is to tape down your edges with masking or painters tape. This will prevent your fabric from slipping around. Then set your blade on the deepest cut, your pressure on max, and press the multi cut button. This function will make the blade go over each letter or image you're cutting out 2 times. I found this necessary when cutting fabric. One more tip...you will want a very sticky mat and a very sharp blade for this type of cutting.




When the machine is done cutting, you should be able to pop the letters right out of the remaining fabric. You might need to trim just a little if you have any frays or edges still attached, but I think if you use a good mat and a good blade you shouldn't have that problem. Now that I have done these letters, I am really wanting to try cutting some more elaborate images. Next time I'll show you what I'm doing with these cute letters. I can't wait.....they are gonna be super adorable!




36 comments:

Anonymous said...

thank you for this! I just got a cricut and am dying to try it out with fabric! you make it look so easy!

Anonymous said...

thank you for this! I just got a cricut and am dying to try it out with fabric! you make it look so easy!

Unknown said...

Hooray for the Cricut! I have a Sizzix that I use exclusively for cutting fabric appliques ... I considered the Cricut but couldn't get a good feeling about its ability with fabric, now I see they turn out great! Thanks for sharing!

Wendy said...

Oh thanks for sharing these tips. I got a Cricut for Christmas and was wanting to try cutting fabric but was worried I would mess it up. :)

Heather Henderson said...

love it! i have yet to cut fabric with my cricut but i do want to try it. just a note - the multi-cut can be adjusted under settings to cut 2, 3 or 4 times.

leelea said...

Oh i am so proud it turned out so good!!!! Now I am gonna have to try it!!!!! Thanks for diving off into unchartered waters!!!! Keep em coming!!!

Ashley said...

Very nice! I might have to try this so that I can make shirts for my bridal party to wear on the day of the wedding. I didn't even think about cutting fabric with my cricut.

Richella Parham said...

Oh, you've got my tongue hanging out for a Cricut again! Is there no end to what you can do with that machine?!

This is going to be fun to watch you do--first the headboard, then the adorable bench, and now this. . . .

Jennifer said...

Love it...I too received a Cricut for Christmas, however, I had the idea of the fabric cutting but was too chicken to try it....Bravo!!!

Jenn said...

I've been itching to cut fabric on my cricut too. It turned out great! I shouldn't be so scared to try it now.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

So trying this one! My mind is alraedy brewing with projects. I hope they sell that steam a seam in Canada. Surely if not there would be something like it....I hope.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

So trying this one! My mind is alraedy brewing with projects. I hope they sell that steam a seam in Canada. Surely if not there would be something like it....I hope.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

So trying this one! My mind is alraedy brewing with projects. I hope they sell that steam a seam in Canada. Surely if not there would be something like it....I hope.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Neat!! :) I don't know if my little Cricut offers the multi-cut offer, but I'm gonna check. Can't wait to see what you do!!

Kristina P. said...

I just love your choice of fabric!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

I was just wondering about that! I borrowed my friends Stamping Up Sizzix Big Slice and was cutting out fabric with it and wondered if there was any way to use my Cricut. Thanks Amanda - you are fabulous!

PS -- the blog designer's supposed to be sending me a draft of the logo today. I hope it's ok - I wish she would hurry!

XOXO
Jen

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

THat is so cool! Yet another wonderful reason for me to get a Cricut!! :)
Blessings,
Stacey

Anonymous said...

Ok, after reading this post...I'm totally gonna buy a Cricut machine. But I need some serious help! I just googled it and there are a bunch of different ones and I have NO clue which one to get? I need some recommendations on which one to buy!! HELP!!

And does the mat come with it? Is it sticky? I know, I know...a lot of questions...but I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to know!

Any suggestions would be SO helpful to me!! :)

P.S. GREAT job with the letters! Oh the possibilities you can do with them, huh? :)

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

Those turned out great! I used my Cricut yesterday to cut out vinyl for the first time (blogged it today) and it is amazing how many different things that machine can be used for!

~ Sarah

AP Mommy said...

Ok THAT is adorable! I'm making pro/con lists for any Cricut, which Cricut, etc - which one do you have? Because fabric letters is a BIG pro! Those are adorable!

Anonymous said...

I HAVE to get a Cricut :)

Tausha said...

so glad that you shared this. I too have been to chicken to try. Now-I am afraid no more! (yes-think of me saying it robustly with my hands on my hips)

Dalaney & Hannah said...

You're so darling.

FrouFrouBritches said...

Oh my gracious! I applique stuff on just about every tshirt my daughter has. That would save the scissor stuffness I get from all the cutting. That durn Cricut thingee does everything. Super cool! I can't wait to see what you do with the letters!

The Leishman's said...

Ok, so I know your a fan of a certain kind of 7up.. What kind is it again? I foound diet 7up with Cherry, and I love it.. Im not sure if thats the one you like??? smleishman@yahoo.com
BTW.... I love your blog!
-Merilee

Xazmin said...

I LOVE using my Cricut to cut fabric...I make Applique Onsies for my boutique shop with it!

Jennifer said...

I tried it and it was a huge mess...I don't know what I did wrong...I used a brand new cutter and mat...it just tore up and frayed everywhere...I don't own the large Cricut, but I have the orignal smaller version. Maybe b/c it doesn't have the function to go over something more than once...Maybe I'll try again another day...oh well, that's usually my luck!!

Twiggles and Trunks said...

i need to bookmark this. WAIT! i know. i'll make a blog entry with cricut tips!!! ive yet to use mine & im dying to. yes yes yes. today is the day. i will cut some vinyl!

Emily said...

I am so glad I found you! I have had a cricut for 2 years and have NOT been using it as much as I could, you have inspired me with so many ideas! Thanks! :)

Em said...

Okay, can I just say I've got to save up to get me a cricut!!! I spent HOURS cutting out fabric owls last night! I love your tutorials and appreciate what you do for the lurkers looking for cool ideas and $ saving tips. Thanks you so much for such great information and for your time posting fab directions.

Anonymous said...

I cannot get over how much I love your blog! I have cut fabric, too, really successfully. I found that Heat n' Bond Ultra works really well. With a new blade (one I save just for fabric) and a sticky mat, it cuts perfectly even without multi-cut, and I don't need to tape it down. And even on relatively intricate cuts! I've used Heat n' Bond Lite too, and it works pretty well. I haven't tried the Steam A Seam yet. Thanks so much for all your great info!!

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

What cricut machine do you use for cutting out fabric, and can you upload your own images to cut out, or are you stuck with cartridges only?

Anonymous said...

I used my niece's Cricut for awhile and that was my obsession... cutting fabric with it. It wasn't my machine so I didn't want to mess it up experimenting, but so glad to hear how it's done.

Mary Decker said...

You are kind and thoughtful to share so many great ideas!!!

Unknown said...

Awesome idea...I am going to try this

Tasty Destination said...

This is freaking brilliant! Thanks so much for the tutorial haberdashery

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