Are you tired of your fingers cramping because of cutting fabric all day, and you haven’t even stitched them together yet? Cutting a constant design over and over again can get quite tedious and monotonous. You can save yourself from this endless agony by simply purchasing a fabric cutting machine. You don’t even have to research these machines at all. We’ve done all the hard labor for you and put together a list of the top 10 best fabric cutting machines on the market at the moment.
Fabric cutting machines are a godsend for anyone who frequently indulges in stitching or crafting. They cut the workload in half, and all you really need to worry about is the sewing part. They are also perfect for the owners of small businesses.
These machines can especially come in handy when organizing parties where you need to cut out hundreds of decorations. These devices make the whole process more manageable, and you don’t even need to pick up another pair of scissors.
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Shopping for these machines can get confusing so let’s kick things off with a comprehensive buying guide. Then, let’s talk about our top picks for the best fabric cutting machines.
Contents
- 1 Buying Guide for Buying The Best Fabric Cutting Machine for You
- 2 List of 10 Best Fabric Cutting Machine in 2023
- 3 Cricut Maker
- 4 Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine
- 5 Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Machine
- 6 Silhouette Cameo (Old Model)
- 7 Cricut Explore Air Cutting Machine
- 8 Silhouette Portrait 3 Cutting Machine
- 9 Cricut Explore Vinyl Cutting Machine
- 10 Brother CM350 Fabric Cutting Machine
- 11 Sizzix 660550 Cutting And Embossing Machine
- 12 Reliable 1500FR Cutting Machine
- 13 Conclusion
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying Guide for Buying The Best Fabric Cutting Machine for You
Selecting a fabric cutting machine can be challenging. You need to consider so many factors, and some people don’t even know where to begin their search! We are here to offer assistance to you at every step, and that starts with first deciding what exactly you are looking for in a cutting machine. We have cataloged some points that could help you to select your device.
- Type of Machine
You should ask yourself, am I looking for a manual machine or an electronic one? Electronic appliances are compact and have many particular characteristics. Still, they are also more complex to work with as compared to standard manual machines. So if you are a beginner, it would be best if you looked into manual machines rather than electronic ones.
- Funds
Once you have decided on which kind of machine you want, you can choose your budget. Electronic devices cost a lot more than manual ones and hence need a higher budget. So keep that in mind. You also need to know that a more expensive price tag does not guarantee high quality. You can get plenty of good cutting fabric cutting machines at reasonable rates.
- Portability
Suppose you are learning to sew and regularly take sewing classes where you would require a fabric cutter. In that case, you should select a device that is easy to transport. You don’t want to buy a bulky gadget that you cannot take in your classes. It’s counterproductive and will be a waste of money.
- Size
If you work in a cramped office or your crafting table does not have extra space, you should select a compact and space-friendly machine. Electronic fabric cutting machines are relatively compact as compared to manual machines.
- Cutting Power
Lastly, you also need to consider how powerful you want your machine to be. If you’re going to cut through thick fabrics like vinyl, you need a more robust blade. But if you only want to cut delicate fabrics and paper, a fragile and precise cutting machine would be better.
After considering all these factors, we hope that you have successfully mapped out what exactly you expect from your cutting machine. Once you have your mental map solidified, the whole process of looking for the best fabric cutting machine becomes much more streamlined and effortless.
List of 10 Best Fabric Cutting Machine in 2023
Cricut Maker
Best Overall Fabric Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker is the best overall cutting machine. It’s one of the most popular cutting machines on the market right now and is loved by anyone who enjoys crafting. What is it about the Cricut Maker that makes it so unique? Let’s find out together.
The Cricut Maker is a versatile tool. It can not only cut fabrics with great precision. Still, it can also be cut through vinyl, cardboard, iron-on, and even through thick materials like 2.4-millimeter balsa and matboard. This is all because of the sharp inbuilt knife that functions like an X-ACTO blade and gives clean straight cuts no matter which material it is cutting.
Likewise, it is also fitted with a spinning blade that effortlessly cuts through any fabric and prevents any fabric backing chances. Isn’t that amazing? Now you can make as many projects as you want and incorporate as many different materials as you wish. Hence making this the perfect tool for any crafter who wants to make their crafts more diverse and try new techniques and materials.
Furthermore, the Cricut Maker comes with a fine point blade, housing for the said blade, fine point pen, spinning blade, and even materials to do your first project.
All these things are great, but what’s even better is that you can design any pattern on your phone and use an app to feed it into the Cricut Maker, and it will cut it out. This opens up the doors to an endless realm of possibilities, but it can also be challenging for some customers.
Since you need a unique app to use the Cricut Maker, you might not be able to use it without the internet or without adequate experience in designing patterns on apps. This can be solved through experience and experimentation. Still, if digital designing is not your cup of tea, we suggest looking at other options.
Pros
- Sharp knife
- No fabric or material backing
- Various accessories
- Reasonable price
- Versatile
Cons
- You need a proper application or program for the machine
Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine
Best Budget Fabric Cutting Machine
If you’re in the pursuit of an inexpensive but high-functioning cutting machine, you have stumbled upon the right place. The Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine is the perfect fit for you.
The Sizzix Big Shot is the best low-priced cutting machine, but it does not compromise its performance. In fact, it has a more comprehensive work surface as compared to standard cutting machines. Hence you can do more significant projects with ease.
The most advantageous characteristic of this device is its ability to emboss. Not many cutting machines have this option these days. Embossing just adds an extra touch to all your crafts and elevates them. The whole embossing is also simple. Firstly, place the material you want to emboss in the embossing folder, sandwich this folder between the cutting pads, and feed it to the machine. Now just pull it through, and you have a beautifully textured material.
If you thought the embossing process was easy, wait till you learn how simple the cutting process is! You have to put your material, and the cutting die you want between the cutting plates and pull it through the machine. That’s it! Now you have a perfectly cut fabric.
The Sizzix Big Shot even gives you multiple dies to choose from! So you can cut any shape you want according to your project’s needs. Additionally, the whole unit is relatively easy to transport despite its size. The handles at the sides make it easier to lift.
There is a flip side to all of this is that it can be challenging to keep it in one place when cutting. The machine’s lightweight makes it easier to slip and move as you move the cutting apparatus through. Some customers have also complained that the crank handle is fragile, so take extra care of it.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Wide surface area
- Effortless to use
- Exceptional embossing
- Easy to transport
Cons
- It can be hard to make it stay in place when working
- The crank handle isn’t durable
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Machine
Best Electric Fabric Cutting Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
The Silhouette Cameo II is a perfect partner for anyone who wants to start crafting as a hobby. It offers various special features that can help streamline your crafting process and save you a lot of time. Without further delay, let’s jump right in!
For starters, the Cameo II has a print and cut feature, which is very handy in doing DIY projects. You only need to print an image you desire. The Cameo II will cut around it with perfect precision. This feature is highly beneficial in making printed iron-ons and stickers.
The highlight of this machine is that it is entirely digital. Hence you can upload as many designs as you want, and the Cameo II will cut them all. It even has 100 preloaded patterns for you to choose from. The touch screen on this device is also fully functional. It does not glitch, making this machine one of the best electronic fabric cutting machines.
Furthermore, this cutting machine can effortlessly glide through rigid materials like vinyl and even cut through fabric like butter. So there are no limitations on what type of material you can incorporate into your crafts. Additionally, this machine also has a vast work surface.
The sleek exterior of the Cameo II makes it an excellent addition to your crafting table. It does everything it’s supposed to do and looks good while doing it! It even has inbuilt storage space for all the accessories you need to store, making it space-friendly and compact.
On the other hand, this machine is more suitable for occasional use rather than daily labour. Frequent usage can shorten its lifespan. Although this device is cheaper than standard electronic cutting machines, it still costs a pretty penny. So if you want something to help with your small DIY projects, this machine is perfect, but if you want a heavy-duty machine, we’re afraid that it is too fragile for that.
Pros
- Stylish exterior
- Inbuilt accessory storage
- 12-inch cutting mat
- Fully operative touch screen
Cons
- Not suitable for frequent use
- A little on the pricey end
Silhouette Cameo (Old Model)
Best Quilting Fabric Cutting Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
The Silhouette Cameo I and Cameo II are like chalk and cheese. Their specialities and characteristics are very distinctive. So if you are looking for a machine to aid you in quilting, the Cameo I would be a natural choice.
Let’s get the ball rolling with how exactly this device will help you in your quilting adventures. You can cut accurate and clean pieces of fabric in any of the 50 premier patterns available. You can also hop on the Silhouette online store and get access to thousands of designs. The machine will cut any of these designs effortlessly and save your hands from cramping due to manually cutting out hundreds of copies of the same shape. Thus it will keep you from a mountain of work and make the whole process more efficient.
And it doesn’t stop there. You can cut various different materials except for the fabric. For example, vinyl, paper, cardstock, and even chipboard. Hence it will not only level up your quilting but also your other crafting too.
Additionally, this machine is the same size as any standard printer. It can be connected to your PC or laptop similarly. So you don’t have to worry about occupying too much space in your office or crafting table. Its aesthetics can even compliment your interior design as this machine has a very sleek and smooth exterior.
Furthermore, this machine comes with a pack of Silhouette Sketch Pens, replacements for the blade, and the premium Silhouette Software for cutting designs.
There is one downside to all these benefits. The cutting sheets between which you have to sandwich your fabric or paper are too sticky or not sticky enough. They can be a bit too sticky during the initial stages, and peeling the paper off of them can cause them to tear. Although it isn’t a problem when it comes to fabrics. So you need to be a little careful when first starting using this machine.
Pros
- Includes several accessories
- Can cut through a variety of materials
- 50 premier cuttable patterns
- Space-friendly
Cons
- The sticky cutting sheets can pose problems
Cricut Explore Air Cutting Machine
Best Wireless Fabric Cutting Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Aren’t you tired of all the cords and wires crowding your workspace and making your desk look like the back of a supercomputer? Cricut has the perfect solution to your problems. The Cricut Explore Air is a Bluetooth-operated cutting machine so say goodbye to any excess wires or cords.
Firstly, this machine has a unique ‘Print and Cut” feature. It gives you a perfect cutout using its precision blade of whatever image you decide to print. You can choose from various patterns in the Cricut software, or you can even upload your own designs. Although this feature is reserved for materials akin to paper and does not work on fabrics. This trait is especially beneficial in sticker making.
Secondly, the unparalleled Cricut cutting boards give you just the right amount of adhesion on your materials. They don’t cause problems even for delicate mediums. Thus you can work with mediums with varying thickness and still get accurate results. You can even cut through leather! You only need to change the settings according to your materials by turning the dial to the cutting material. It’s that simple!
Thirdly, this device has exceptional portability. Its featherweight and intelligent construction make it painless to shift from one place to another.
Additionally, it does not make any disrupting sounds while working as those manual machines make. Hence you do not have to worry about disturbing anyone else as you cut your materials with accuracy. This device also cuts at a much higher speed than standard machines, and you can complete your projects much quicker.
Although the working of this device is pretty straightforward, some people have found it hard to work within the beginning. The Bluetooth connection can take some time to set up. Suppose you aren’t particularly tech-savvy. In that case, you can also have problems in using digital apps for designing your cutouts.
Pros
- Bluetooth activated
- Easy to transport
- Print and cut feature
- High-quality cutting mats
- Sharp blade for cutting
Cons
- Difficult to handle from the get-go
Silhouette Portrait 3 Cutting Machine
Best Miniature Fabric Cutting Machine
The Silhouette Portrait 3 is the perfect cutting machine for travelling and making small arts and crafts. It weighs only 4 pounds and is only 18 inches long. Hence it is the ideal addition to your small craft table.
Although this machine does not weigh a lot, there is no compromise in its performance and capabilities. Its razor-sharp blades, with a maximum cutting strength of 210 gf, can cut through cardstock, vinyl, magnetic paper, vellum, heat transfer material, and especially fabric. With this device, you can cut as many small pieces as you would like in record time. Hence your workload is cut in half, and you can focus on more demanding tasks of your project.
Additionally, its cute capsule construction can make your work surface look more fun and dynamic. Thus it is beneficial in encouraging children to start crafting.
Another exceptional trait of this device is that you can cut out any shape you want. You can either use the specialized Silhouette Software or any design software of your liking. All you need to do is connect the device with your computer or laptop like a printer, and you’re golden.
Furthermore, this device is wireless, and Bluetooth activated. The absence of wires and cords makes it easy to work with. Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for overcrowded offices and small cramped classrooms. Even though it has many unique characteristics, it still comes at a very affordable and budget-friendly price.
You must be pondering about what the catch is. Well, this device is one of a kind and has practically no drawbacks. Although its size is petite, it is still a powerhouse and will cut almost anything meticulously.
However, suppose you want to do more significant projects than the 8-inch cutting board of the Portrait 3. In that case, you will have to look at other machines that provide a larger work area.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Maximum cutting strength is 210 gf
- Can cut through a variety of materials
- Affordable
- Compact
- Bluetooth connected, so no wires are required
Cons
- Not suitable for more extensive projects
Cricut Explore Vinyl Cutting Machine
Best Vinyl Fabric Cutting Machine
Working with vinyl can be a challenge. Cutting thick pieces of this fabric by hand is a very tedious task. Why go through the agony of manually cutting thousands of pieces of vinyl when you can just buy a machine specialized for this exact purpose. The Cricut Explore Vinyl Cutting Machine is the best vinyl fabric cutting machine on the market right now and your perfect partner.
To get things underway, let’s talk about all the accessories that come along with the machine. Firstly you have the 12 inches wide and 48 inches long Cricut Vinyl in a metallic silver color. Then you also get a 12 inch by 48 inch Cricut Vinyl in Midnight, Linen, and Blush. You also get a Cricut Transfer Tape with all these vinyl rolls.
You must be thinking, what’s so special about these vinyl rolls? The factor that sets them apart from standard vinyl rolls you can get at the craft store is their unparalleled quality. The Midnight is blacker than the night sky, and the Silver is as shiny as a mirror. They are also more long-lasting and durable as compared to store-bought vinyl.
As this machine comes with pieces of vinyl, it is natural that it is exceptional in cutting them. Its remarkably sharp blade can cut through a synthetic leather like butter. There is no chance of the fabric bunching up or tearing. So you can make as many purses or stylish jackets as your heart desires.
All of this sounds excellent, but this machine is made for making simple designs. It has only 20 free patterns from which you can choose. If you want more advanced features, you will have to subscribe to the special Cricut Software to get access to more complex designs.
So if you’re just a beginner, the 20 free designs are enough, but if you want to upgrade, you can simply subscribe to the software and start cutting!
Pros
- Easy to work with
- Simple instructions
- Recommended for beginners
- Exceptional quality
Cons
- Limited design options unless you subscribe for the Cricut software
Brother CM350 Fabric Cutting Machine
Best Special Feature Fabric Cutting Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
The Brother CM350 Fabric Cutting machine is in a league of its own. Even though it comes at a relatively low price, its characteristics set it apart from the crowd. With a specialized scanner and touch screen control, it can make all of your fabric cutting and crafting dreams true.
Firstly let’s talk about the scanning feature. Although this machine is a cutting machine meant to cut your materials with precision, Brother has introduced a 300 DPI scanner in it. In a much unexpected way, the scanner complements the cutting abilities. It makes sure that all the cuts being made are precise. The scanner also has RGB recognition to allow smarter working.
Secondly, this machine is also completely wireless and has a clear and stable Bluetooth connection. It also has a 30% larger screen as compared to all the previous models. It even comes with a cutting board with a 24-inch area. What more could you ask for?
You don’t even have to pay for any fancy software to get elegant designs. This machine comes with up to 631 different built-in patterns and 7 different fonts. The sleek Japanese exterior also makes it visually appealing and makes your workplace look more modern.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, you better believe it! Although we admit that this machine comes with many plus points, it also has a few negatives. The adhesives on the cutting mat are not sticky enough. So sometimes your material can slip, and the cutting isn’t precise. You have to use multiple sticky sheets to overcome this problem.
Likewise, it can’t cut through more than one layer of fabric effortlessly. Hence it can take longer to cut out all of your materials when working on more significant projects. So consider all these points before you choose this machine.
Pros
- 300 DPI scanner
- Sleek design
- Bluetooth connection
- Bigger and functional LCD screen
- 12 inch by 12-inch cutting mat
Cons
- The adhesive on cutting mats leaves much to be desired
- Can only cut through one-ply fabric
Sizzix 660550 Cutting And Embossing Machine
Best Heavy Duty Manual Fabric Die-Cutting Machine
If you are searching for a heavy-duty cutting machine, you have come to the right place. The Sizzix 660550 Big Shot Pro is the best heavy-duty manual fabric cutting machine on the market right now. Its skeleton is made from aluminium, steel, and metal alloy, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
The Sizzix Big Shot Pro has industrial-level strength and can cut through almost 5 layers of fabric at a time. Hence you can complete all your projects at lightning speed. It can even cut through thick vinyl and several layers of cardstock.
Although it weighs a lot more than standard cutting machines, this additional weight allows it to cut with precision and keeps the device in place while cutting.
The working of this machine is similar to the Sizzix Big Shot. First, you need to sandwich your desired material and cut the die between the cutting boards. Then spin the crank to pull the sandwich through the machine. Now you are left with a perfectly cut medium.
This machine also comes with a variety of accessories. These include a standard cutting mat, crease board, adapter pad, and two mylar shims. This is everything you will need to start your crafting journey.
Due to the wide surface area of this machine, you can do more significant projects with ease. You can feed your entire fabric or paper into the machine. This allows you to add versatility to your projects and removes all size limitations and restrictions.
This device is more suitable for experienced users or people who use cutting machines often. The Big Shot Pro is made for more significant projects. Its size and weight also make it inconvenient for users who do not use it often. So if you are considering purchasing this product, you should keep its utility in mind.
Pros
- Large working area
- Heavyweight
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to use
- Various accessories
- Can cut through the thick fabric easily
Cons
- A little on the pricey side
Reliable 1500FR Cutting Machine
Best Maneuverability Fabric Cutting Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Standard electronic and manual machines limit the number of designs you can cut and usually don’t work well with many layers of fabric. The manufacturers at Reliable have come up with a solution for these problems in the shape of a Reliable 1500FR Cutting Machine.
This is a handheld cutting machine that specializes in cutting through multiple layers of fabric at a time. It has the best maneuverability as compared to all the fabric cutters discussed here. It is featherweight, so you can easily carry it around and use it on whatever surface you want.
It has a powerful AC motor that spins the blade at high speeds. This is how it is able to cut through thick fabrics like butter. Likewise, there is an inbuilt tool that automatically sharpens the blade every time you use it.
You must be thinking, I don’t want a blade that sharp near my hand! You don’t have to stress one bit. The manufacturers have already solved this problem by adding knife safety guards on the sides of the blade and in the front to save you from any possible injury.
The method to operate this device is super simple too. Just turn the power on and start gliding it over the fabric you want to cut. The design of this machine resembles a pizza cutter, and it also works on the same principles, except that it is much more powerful.
Since you have to guide the machine with your hands, cutting delicate fabrics can get messy. Its fast-spinning blade and sturdy construction make it hard to hold down thin materials. It is also very challenging to make smaller cutouts because this machine is built for more significant projects. Hence if you are searching for a device to aid in cutting stickers or cards, this is not the best choice.
Pros
- Dynamic motor
- Knife guards on the sides
- Inbuilt blade sharpener
- Affordable
- Suitable for cutting heavy materials
- Greater control over the cuts
Cons
- Not suitable for cutting thin and delicate materials
Conclusion
A good fabric cutting machine can make your life a lot easier. It takes off a mountain of your work, and you can sit back and relax as you let advanced technology do your work. After browsing through this article, we hope you have selected the best fabric cutting machine according to your needs.
We personally recommend the Cricut Maker because even though it is an electronic fabric cutting machine, it comes at a reasonable price and is. It is also very compact and space-friendly and doesn’t compromise one bit over its unique features.
To summarize everything, fabric cutting machines are a helpful tool to have whether you are crafting as a hobby or working on an industrial scale. So take some money to invest in your creative ventures and try to use the time you save in levelling up your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have drafted a list of some of the most frequently asked questions related to fabric cutting machines and answered them in easy words for better understanding. We hope that after this, you will have no queries left.
