After years in the crafting industry and going to the CHA tradeshows, I’m used to seeing die-cutting everywhere. I was really surprised, though, to see digital die-cutting and the way it’s taken over the sewing and quilting industry!
I knew that the Brother ScanNCut actually debuted at Quilt Market last year and that it had a great toe-hold in the sewing market. Brother is continuing to develop new accessory packages as well.
You’ll see vinyl, glitter sheets, printable stickers and even rhinestone packages hitting the shelves soon.
The lovely Erin Basset was there to demonstrate die cutting fabric with the ScanNCut. She let me take a little video, too.
But there are some new kids on the scene, too. Janome, makers of sewing and embroidery machines, introduced the (affiliate link) Janome Artistic Edge Digital Cutter
This machine comes in a 12-inch version (MSRP $799) or the 15-inch version (MSRP $999.)
There are pens being developed.
The biggest benefit of this machine (so they tell me) is the software. Usually that retails for $399 alone and it dovetails with the software that their embroidery machines use. The gist of it is that you can open the software, create your image, die cut it in fabric, then take it to your embroidery machine, hoop it, and stitch the edges down. This sounds like an amazing tool for production quilters, but might be a bit pricey for casual at-home sewists.
The biggest presence was from well-known brand Silhouette. They have partnered with many quilting designers to offer the patterns as digital files (via CDs or USBs) that are sold with the traditional quilting pattern. That way you can either do it the “old fashioned way” of tracing and sewing the appliques, or simply downloading the pattern and using your machine to cut them out.
These McKenna Ryan designs are beautiful and incredibly detailed- and frankly, beyond my reach. TOO MUCH CUTTING! But if I could just download these designs, resize them (because you can in the Silhouette software) and then digi-cut them? Yes, please! I think that this will bring SO many more papercrafters to the quilting sewing scene, especially because quilting is optional with all of the great fusible products out there.
Lastly, Silhouette has come up with another product/add-on that will put it head-to-head with ScanNCut- the new Pix Scan mat and app will let you take a photo of an image and it will digitize it for cutting!
I know you want to see the video of this, too:
And, yes again- I have this tool to review!
So many cool digital developments!
In case you missed it, make sure you check out my overview of the International Quilt Market– I’ve shared some fun photos and even a slideshow so you can see behind the scenes!
Tell me- do you think you would try this method of cutting fabric? Would it compel you to try sewing or quilting if you don’t already? I’d love to hear from you!
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I do a lot of fabric cutting with the Cameo, and I do not always need fusible or stabilizing backings. I prepare cotton fabric with spray starch to make a “paper” like fabric that cuts beautifully, even very intricate designs. I also cut felt, denim, and knits.
I’m definitely going to try diecutting fabric, but I know my attention span well enough I would never attempt a full sized quilt! I would like to try some small quilt and mixed media projects for wall decor with my Cameo. Thanks for the review and all the great pics!