Help With Cutting Fabrics
Over the years I have seen time and time again members of the Beginner Sewing group on Facebook asking “how you cut straight lines?” There are several ways to respond to this question such as: take your time and practice. Some even recommended a rotary cutter, ruler, and self-adhesive cutting mat (which I believe are all a must-have in your sewing arsenal). But today I wanted to introduce you to something that might be a little bit of a new concept to you if you are looking for help with cutting fabric.
Did you know that cutting machines from Cricut and Silhouette can give you clean-cut fabrics? Watch how it is done in this YouTube video:
How amazing is that? This is such a great tool to have around if you are looking for nice clean-cut appliques or smaller cuts such as quilting block pieces. In the video above, she is demonstrating how the Silhouette Cameo 3 can cut fabric. This is a great machine, however, the Silhouette Cameo 4 is now available too. I personally have a much older version, and I still love it just that same.
It is also recommended if you are doing your cuts to be an applique that you use a heat n’ bond such as this one and a special cutting blade for your fabrics and other thicker materials. Although you can use your iron while you are getting started, a mini press is not a bad investment if you are considering doing these types of projects often, or for a business. This is one of the tools I wish I had invested in when I was sewing more for a profit which is why I am sharing it with you. At the time I did not know they made smaller versions of a heating press like this, or maybe they didn’t just yet – either way, they do now.
Right now you might be thinking – WOW! This is a little pricey to add to my already pricey sewing “stuff”. And that is true! However, as someone who managed a successful sewing business for several years while my kids were younger, I have to tell you… sometimes the investment is worth it. I used my Silhouette Cameo almost daily in my sewing “studio” and I truly believe it gave me an advantage in my products. I was able to make customized gifts, and people were willing to pay top dollar for personalized items! When I was considering getting a cutting machine, I took orders and had it paid off before I even purchased it.
Just for fun, let me show you a few of the HUNDREDS of items I made “back in the day”…
Personalized baby blankets I made using both fabric and vinyl to personalize with the help of my Silhouette Cameo.
A written note from her mom for her hospital stays was put right onto her personalized blanket with the use of my Silhouette.
Slip pillow covers sewn on my sewing machine and then embellished with an iron-on applique made on the Silhouette Cameo.
If you are interested in learning more about these tools that can help you get a more professional look in your projects, you can click on the affiliate links above and see the demonstrations from Amazon. I am NOT a tech-savvy sewist. I found these machines and the software to be very user-friendly and quick and easy to learn. Now with YouTube videos being more available, I am sure it is even easier to learn.
I say give it a try – a fantastic way to customize all of your beginner sewing projects!
