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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Cutting fabric with the Cricut

Hello, friends!

I got a lot of questions yesterday about cutting fabric using your Cricut, so I thought I would make a post giving some quick tips.

Items you will need to be successful in your fabric cutting venture:

Heat and Bond

Sticky Mat

Sharp Blade





COTTON FABRIC

SPRAY STARCH





Next, you need to make sure you wash and dry your fabric, bag, shirt, or pillowcase first. Do not use fabric softener when washing fabric. Then iron and starch fabric that you will be cutting.

Iron on Heat and Bond to the material as directed from packaging. Let fabric cool completely before cutting.

Now you can begin cutting.

On the old machine:

your blade should be at 6
Pressure at 5
Speed at 1
Multi- cut 2

On the E2:

your blade should be at 6
Pressure at 5

Speed at 1
No multi-cut


Cutting Tips:

- Make sure fabric is cool before cutting with the machine.

- Intricate cutting is more of a challenge, so start off cutting with simpler shapes like circles, squares, and fat lettering.  Avoid thin lettering and designs with swirls.

- Keep some small tipped scissors near by to trim any missed cuts.

- There are some good videos on how to do this on You Tube and some not so good videos, so be cautious when choosing one to abide by. I have found the ones which are done by quilters to be the most valuable. 

Until I started cutting fabric these past two months with my machine, I had not worked with fabric at all. I cannot even thread a sewing machine needle! That being said, if I can do it you can too! I am sure there are lots of you out there who are proficient sewers and will find this easy as pie. For those of you green horns like me, don't be intimidated. It is easier than you might think it is!

Tomorrow is Hello Thursday, so check in with me for my post. I think you guys are going to love this release!

Have a great Wednesday!

PEACE, LOVE, & CRAFTS!


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127 comments:

  1. NanetteJuly 27, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Thanks for the tips on cutting fabric. I am going to be bookmarking this page so that when I am ready to try this I will be able to find it again.

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  2. scrapdivaJuly 27, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Thank you for the tips, I will try it

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  3. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    Wow this is such a great tip, thanks.

    Eveline

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  4. snappy scrappyJuly 27, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Thanks for the tips! Lee-Ann :)

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  5. Carol W.July 27, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Thank you for the tips!

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  6. LindaPJuly 27, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Thanks so much for the tips on cutting material. I have wanted to try this but wasn't sure but know that you have gave directions I am ready to give it a go...
    thanks again
    LindaP

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  7. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Thanks for the great tips on cutting fabric. Have wanted to try that technique for some time now.

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  8. TheLastOfNineJuly 27, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Thank you for the tips.
    Gloria

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  9. JackieJuly 27, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    That's awesome going to try it out. I love cutting w/fabric. I use my big shot, but limited on that machine. Now I can try on my cricut. Love yesterday's bag too! Thanks for the tips.

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  10. UnknownJuly 27, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. UnknownJuly 27, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I am really looking forward to trying this technique out, I have all the materials and it all sounds like a lot of fun. Cool idea!!! thanks!

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  12. TyTynNiyasmomJuly 27, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Thanks for the tips on cutting with fabric.

    Candace
    mypassion4scrappin.blogspot.com

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  13. Got2BCraftingJuly 27, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you so much for the great info. I have had the all the supplies for a while now, but have been too imtimidated to try. I think I am going to give it a shot! :)
    Lori

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  14. ElaineJuly 27, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Wonderful, perfectly simple instructions that spell it all out! Love it!

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  15. Diana JoyJuly 27, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Thank you.

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  16. loving3boys1girlJuly 27, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Thanks for the tips. I've wanted to try but after failing with felt, I never bothered. :) Looking forward to Hello Thursday!!

    ~Tracy
    blue.tacs at yahoo dot com

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  17. SusanJuly 27, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    You're so clever at coming up with creative ideas! I have made cards with fabric, but haven't tried cutting the fabric out with my Cricut. Will give it a try. Thanks so much for sharing.
    SusanJ in Atlanta

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  18. CrhigaJuly 27, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    Thank you for the tips on cutting fabric!! I have to try this one day!!

    Carol

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  19. AmandaJuly 27, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Thanks for sharing this! I need to give it a try! :)

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  20. ursula UphofJuly 27, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Thanks for the tips Melanie, I am going to give it a try.

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  21. bettieJuly 27, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Great tips, really want to try this!

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  22. UnknownJuly 27, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    cant wait to give it a try

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  23. Linda Osterwise, DTJuly 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Thanks for the tips on cutting fabric. I hope your entry into the world of sewing grows... it can almost be as much fun as paper-crafts!

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  24. Nu2scrapJuly 27, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Thanks for the explicit instructions Melanie! -Barb-

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  25. WindyJuly 27, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Thanks for the directions.

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  26. Roxanne KJuly 27, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    great idea! thank you for the tips!

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  27. kat60July 27, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Thanks for the info cutting fabric!!!!!

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  28. LindaJuly 27, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Thank you for the info on cutting fabric.
    Linda in Stanwood

    ReplyDelete
  29. CaroleJuly 27, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    I have used fabric once before to make birthday shirts for my daughter and her friends. It is fun and very rewarding!

    ReplyDelete
  30. 1jazzymimiJuly 27, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Have to admit -- I'm a bit nervous cutting fabric with my Cricut! Would love to win the stamp sets! Less nervous about stamping! Thanks for the chance to win such a nice gift.

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  31. MonicaJuly 27, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Thank you so much for the pictures and great explanations.
    I love what you did.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Elizabeth AlvarezJuly 27, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Thank you for the tips on cutting fabric, I have been afraid of messing up my cricut but now I think I'll give it a try.
    elizabethalvarez68@yahoo.com

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  33. CassandraJuly 27, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    What fabulous tips! Thanks so much!

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  34. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Thank you for the tips and showing us the tools we need to cut fabric. YOu are fabulous!

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  35. Scrapper69July 27, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for the Tips Melanie! I've never tried Fabric before.... Looks like it'll be fun! :o)
    Theresa

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  36. AngelaJuly 27, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks for the encouragement. I'm in your boat. . . not well versed in anything sewing related.

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  37. Liz O.July 27, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Thank you for the tips! I have been wondering about how to do this. Have a lovely day!
    Liz

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  38. SHELLEEJuly 28, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Thanks so much for the tips! This page has been printed and saved!
    TFS!!
    Shellee

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  39. Denise-ScrapmouseJuly 28, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Thank you very much for all this info! It will come in very handy.

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  40. Joan SmithJuly 28, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    TFS....great...no...awesome tips!!!

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  41. ParchaJuly 28, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    Thanks for the tips. I've been wanting to try this.

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  42. Short ScrapperJuly 28, 2011 at 3:43 AM

    Thanks for the info. I'm getting ready for another wedding and this will help me a lot!!!

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  43. SallyPJuly 28, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    After seeing some of your projects done with fabric and your tips today, I am going to try my hand at it!

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  44. Doris P.July 28, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    so many thank you's... i need to print this out and save it!! Awesome instructions!!
    parkernana5@cox.net

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  45. JoniJuly 28, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Great tips. I will have to try this.

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  46. JoAnneJuly 28, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    As a quilter, I have been thinking of using my fabric and with your tips I am going to give it a try. Thanks!

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  47. LindaJuly 28, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Wow Courtney this is a get tip. Thanks

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  48. GaleJuly 28, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Thank you for this great info ....I have been thinking about trying this , but was not sure how to prepare the fabric...thanks again for all of your posts .

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  49. NorthwoodszooJuly 28, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Thank you for yet another very helpful lesson. Can't wait to try it.

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  50. KayceeJuly 28, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    That's awesome!!! Thanks for the lesson!

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  51. ConniecrafterJuly 28, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Thank you for sharing this post, it was very imformative and I think I might be able to do it :)

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  52. lynny_tinJuly 28, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    WooWhooo! Thanks for the info! You are the best! I appreciate everything you do for us! Don't know where you find the time with all you have on your plate but again THANKS! Lynn

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  53. scrapdivaJuly 28, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Thank you for the info

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  54. NanciJuly 28, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Thanks so much for the instructions. I am going to try this soon.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Peg TothJuly 28, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    a million thanks for posting this blog! I have been tempted to cut material with my cricut, but didn't want to ruin the machine or the material. Thanks again!

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  56. JulieJuly 28, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    I have been cutting fabric for a while and LOVE IT! It's so easy and then you can just sew it on! I also like using the "Freezer Paper" (which you buy near the wax paper at your grocery store) and cutting designs out and using the outside of the design as a stencil, ironing it on your fabric and painting - once your paint is dry you can pull the freezer paper right off your material! It's so easy!

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  57. NancyJuly 28, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    Awesome... Thanks for the tips on cutting fabric with the Cricut,,,, I have wondered how to do it,,, Know I know,,, Thanks
    nkmedar56@gmail.com

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  58. MirandaJuly 28, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Thanks for the tips! :)

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  59. Brenda66July 28, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Thank Your for sharing your tips on cutting fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousJuly 28, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    What a great tip! Thanks!

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  61. LaurieDJuly 28, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    I knew about the Heat and Bond, but didn't know about the spray starch so thank you very much!!

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  62. DayneneJuly 28, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Great idea and instructions, TFS.

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  63. lindaveJuly 28, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Thanks for the tip. will definately have to try this.

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  64. MarissaJuly 28, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    OOoooh, can hardly wait to try! Thanks for the tips!

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  65. CaroleeJuly 28, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Thanks for the fabric tips. That opens up another fun world of crafting with the Cricut.

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousJuly 28, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Thanks for the information. I will have to give this fabric cutting a try.
    Donna Thomas
    thom4398@bellsouth.net

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  67. NancyJuly 28, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Thank you so much for this info! I am going to try it in the next few days!! If I can do a good job it will make a nice Christmas gift to decorate sweatshirts, shirts or lots of other stuff.

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  68. PegJuly 28, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    May have to give this a try!

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  69. DEBBIE ORRJuly 28, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Thanks for the great tips

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  70. ellen_mangioneJuly 28, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I wondered how it was done. Thanks!

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  71. MicheleJuly 28, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Thank you for the instructions! Love your blog!

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  72. Luv 2 CreateJuly 28, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Great tips, thanks.
    Marcie

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  73. Lynn BJuly 28, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Thank you so much for these very informative instructions! I have so much fabric that I am not using and this is the perfect way to use it up!! And now is the time to get started on my Christmas gifts!! Thanks again! You are super!! :)

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  74. JanJuly 28, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Thanks for such great tips!

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  75. MizMaryAnnJuly 28, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    I really appreciate your instructions on cutting fabric. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Rebecca's Card HobbyJuly 28, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Thanks for the instructions and tips for using fabric with the cricut.

    ReplyDelete
  77. AnonymousJuly 28, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Just to say I had good results using cotton fabric and light weight laminating one side (using a silcone sheet in laminater and half a laminating sheet) saves on the heat and bond if you in a hurry - laminating sheet makes a good subsitute for a aceatate sheet too!

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  78. ShawneeJuly 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Thanks for this great tip!

    Shawnee
    blessedonthebrightside.com

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  79. momma moJuly 28, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    thank you for the info. I haven't tried cutting fabric. Too intimidated I suppose. Thank you for the little extra push!

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  80. Works From The Attic by LindaJuly 28, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Thank you for the great instructions! I have so many designs that would be great on t-shirts! Thanks again!
    Linda Marino

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  81. mdogJuly 28, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks for making that clear - I was wondering how you did it!

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  82. Carolyn K.July 28, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I cut fabric once and struggled with it a bit. Your tips will be very helpful. Thanks Melanie!

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  83. UnknownJuly 28, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Great tip Melanie! TFS, Mary M

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  84. Kim.July 28, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Great idea Melanie thanks for offering these great tips.
    Kim xXx

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  85. KarenJuly 28, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Thanks, Melanie for the great tips. You make it sound so easy!

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  86. Wendy (aka Roo)July 28, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Thanks for all the tips. I love to cut fabric with my expression. I didn't know about the starch though, what does that do? Guess I can check out the videos you suggested. Never would have thought to look for ones from quilters.
    Puppy Hugs!

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  87. Wendy RaffinJuly 28, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    So nice of you to share all of this! That is why I LOVE your blog!

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  88. mamajJuly 28, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    finally some information on cutting fabric. Thanks for the tips!

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  89. shrtnsassyJuly 28, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Great info for cutting fabric. I may try this at a later date.

    SherriU

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  90. paper funJuly 29, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I love the new release!

    ReplyDelete
  91. TanikJuly 29, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Wow! All those cartridges are amazing! I will have to start saving up. Thanks souch for all your wonderful inspiration.

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  92. Beth F.July 29, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Thanks so much for your wonderful insight on cutting fabric! I tried a flower earlier and it cut fairly well, but I did not use a new blade or the spray starch. Next time I will know!!

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  93. Mountain MamaJuly 29, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Can't thank you enough to posting how to use the Cricut with fabric! I've been afraid to try it without knowing what I am doing. So a big thank you for posting these instructions!

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  94. JarenJuly 29, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    Oh I really wanted some tips! Thanks!
    Jarendubois@yahoo.com

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  95. LabguidesJuly 29, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Nice tip.

    ReplyDelete
  96. MimiKatJuly 30, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    That was my original intent for the Cricut. Thanks so much for sharing these tips.

    Kat
    cricutcardcreating.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. LynAugust 1, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Thanks for this article. I have cut fabric with my Cricut but am always looking for new tips to make it easier and more successful. First time I've seen the use of spray starch. Will have to try your method. Lyn

    ReplyDelete
  98. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    Thank you for helpful tips and wonderful projects.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Just A Pac RatAugust 1, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks for sharing, I am going to give it a try today.

    circlebenterprises.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. AnnitaAugust 1, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I would really love to try this. I got a Cricut for my birthday but I haven't even tried it out yet! Cutting fabric with it seems like it would be amazing!

    If you know of specific Youtube videos that show the correct way of doing it, would you mind linking to it? I would really like to make some stuff for my babies.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Trena IrbyAugust 1, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I am so glad you explained wash and dry 1st. I can not wait to do this. I have my Grandmother's thin striped cotton dish towels and I want to cut letters in the strips . I might make the flowers with the rest. Hope it works.

    ReplyDelete
  102. mamajAugust 4, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    Thanks for the tips, this is must try!!

    ReplyDelete
  103. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Thank you for the cricut tips! I am a newbie trying to get as much experience as possible!!!!!!! Thank you! I am currently experimenting with the fabric cutting!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  104. stampingladyAugust 22, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    I'm such a novice and still learning how to use paper in my cricut.

    ReplyDelete
  105. jordanbev5@yahoo.comAugust 22, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    I knew most of these steps but hadn't heard about the starch. TFS!
    Beverly
    jordanbev5@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Cindy GrohAugust 22, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Fabulous:) Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  107. Juanita BraunAugust 22, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    This is just what wanted to try. Thanks for the tips

    ReplyDelete
  108. debkeysAugust 22, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    This looks like a neat idea that can be used for so many different ideas. Thanks for the tips.

    ReplyDelete
  109. dAugust 22, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Love that you put in setting for the machine. My first try wasn't so good but I didn't use the spray starch. I will try that next time.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Claudia Pavan ScrapSeptember 12, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Thanks for sharing!
    Hugs from Brazil!

    ReplyDelete
  111. gypsyrpsSeptember 12, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Do you place fabric face up or down? I agree about cutting larger objects. I cut some flowers from Walk in my Garden for applique and they turned out nice. Stem not so much but haven't tried starching. It may be the missing ingredient for smaller projects. TFS

    ReplyDelete
  112. MarySeptember 12, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    can't wait to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  113. AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Thanks for the great instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  114. AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Linda MOctober 4, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Thanks for the tip of cutting with the Cricut!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  116. beene2000October 4, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    I tried to cut material on my Expression but it didn't turn out too good (a few weeks ago), but I just got my Expression2 today and can't wait to try your technique!! Thanks for the tips, and keep them coming please!!

    ReplyDelete
  117. betty ShowsOctober 4, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Have never cut material with the cricut before but with your tips I will sure give it a try, thanks

    ReplyDelete
  118. ElectraOctober 5, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
    I just can not thank you enough. I printed out these instructions so I will always have them.
    Now, I am going to cut some cotton designs with my cricut.

    ReplyDelete
  119. JuPooh65October 6, 2011 at 3:42 AM

    Thanks so much for the fabric cutting tips. Now, I am dying to try it. :D

    ReplyDelete
  120. Sandra JoyOctober 6, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I'm one of those people who also feels intimidated by this process. But, I am going to try it...I am going to try it...really I am!

    ReplyDelete
  121. PamOctober 6, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Ok you have convinced me! I will try cutting fabric with my cricut! I just need to get the heat and bond! Thanks for all the tips I can't wait to try it!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  122. Elaine S.October 26, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    My comment is that without all the bloggers explaining how to use the Cricut in so many ways, ProvoCraft would never have sold so many! There is way more info on blogs than they have ever given us. I certainly would never have known how to cut fabric, for one example. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  123. PamJanuary 4, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    Thank you for the detailed information on cutting fabric with cricut. This would be great for decorating jelly towels for the kitchen, (great gifts).

    ReplyDelete
  124. flo's-a-scrapinJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    i must see if i can get some of the heat and bond and give this a try. thanks for the inspiration

    ReplyDelete
  125. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2012 at 6:55 AM

    rosebud114 Thanks for the step-by-step on how to work with fabric and the cricut. You are always a
    help and my inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Wendy RaffinMarch 30, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    I am a day late on this technique, as always...lol, but seriously cant wait to try it! TYFS

    ReplyDelete
  127. Barbara D.March 30, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    I have printed out the instructions. Have never tried this, but you have inspired me. Is it possible to adhere these fabric cutouts on cards? You can certainly see how new I am to card making and crafts!

    ReplyDelete

 
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