Fabric, like a lot of different materials out there, has found a small place in the paper crafting industry. Fabrics can add a really nice touch to your favorite cards, layouts and dimensional projects. We love anything we can cut with our Inspiration. It’s all about ease of use and the ability to create custom designs using our favorite materials and textures. Crafting really is all about freedom of expression and, like I’ve seen with many of your projects, it’s not just limited to the paper world. There are a lot of really neat projects created using fabrics, acrylic, vinyl and even wood veneer. I can tell from Lori’s question that she is like a lot of you out there and ready to take on the next project using a different kind of medium.
I know that the Inspiration can cut through a wide range of papers. I was wondering if the machine has the capabilities to cut through fabric as well?
Lori L. Richmond, VA
The settings for cutting through fabric are a lot like the settings for cutting through paper. I always recommend starting out with a few scraps to determine what pressure and blade length settings work best for you before you begin working on your project. I generally use a blade length of 2-2 ½ and a pressure of about 20. There are two ways to cut 100% cotton. One is making sure that it’s been pre-stiffened; this makes the fibers stiff and easier for the Inspiration to cut through. Two, applying Heat N Bond Lite to the fabric. This will create a plastic backing to the fabric and makes it easier for the blade of the Inspiration to cut completely through the fabric, because like the pre-stiffened fabric— the fibers will be firm. If the fibers aren’t firm then as the blade is cutting through the fabric the fibers will move away from the blade and will create a frayed edge to your fabric. Heat N Bond Lite is a very easy product to work with. The instructions will be included in the packaging of this product. Once the Heat N Bond Lite has been applied to the fabric you can remove the paper backing and then lay the fabric, Heat N Bond Lite side down directly on your mat. You can use your standard Inspiration mat to cut fabric. Make sure that after you have been working with the fabric that you check the blade holder for any fibers that may have got up inside of the blade holder.
To learn more about the process of cutting fabric please visit one of Pazzles very talented design team members, Regina Easter’s blog.
I enjoyed the article, however, I could not get to Regina Easter’s blog that you referenced.
Cyndi
Cyndi, we have that link taken care of now.
I’m glad you liked the article. 🙂
Does anyone know who sells pre-stiffened fabric? There used to be a company that sold batik print stiffened fabric but I don’t know if they are still around.
Wow I love the pumpkin on Regina’s blog! How cute is that?? This makes me want to go out and buy fabric! Thank you for sharing!
What kind of mat and blade was used for this project? Sorry, I just received my machine and would LOVE to test this out for cards and cutting fabric for quilting and other projects.
Kaa Youa Xiong,
The Inspiration uses only one blade, and as far as mats go, I just use the regular cutting mat. You can use the fabric mat, but I’ve had a lot of luck just using the regular cutting mat. So I tend to stick with what works best for me. I’ve done a complete quilt cutting my appliqué on the cutter. It made an awesome gift for my other half–we use it every day. 🙂
where can i get the heat n bond lite do you have to iron it first and does it comes in a roll like a web stuff thank you doreen
my e-mail is star.666@hotmail.co.uk
You can purchase Heat n Bond Lite from almost anywhere. In fact, I buy mine at Walmart. Yes, it does come in a roll and it will come with detailed instructions how to iron it on to your material. You can always contact me directly and I would be happy to help you over the phone too!
Oh, just realized you were in the UK…you can always contact me via email at TatumC@pazzles.com. I think you will find the process pretty simple to work with the Heat N Bond Lite, I doubt you will have that many questions. If so, just let me know!