Fabric Die Cutting Machines
Die cut fabric can be used for a wide variety of different craft projects, from scrapbooks to quilts. In the past, crafters had to use scissors and a pattern to create the shapes they would like to use. The shapes were often imperfect. Die cutting machines have made this task easier and create more uniform shapes.
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Sizzix
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Sizzix offers crafters the choice between the Big Shot Shape Cutter and the Big Shot Pro. The shape cutter is a smaller version and is ideal for smaller household projects. The pro version is larger and better suited for a business. Both machines are capable of cutting fabric into a variety of shapes for use in any craft project. They also are compatible with all Sizzix dies. The Sizzix Big Shot Pro allows crafters to cut a larger piece of fabric and create more pieces in one pass than the Big Shot Shape Cutter.
AccuQuilt Go!
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The AccuQuilt Go! fabric cutter is a compact, portable die cutting machine for crafters to cut fabric into shapes for their projects. Crafters can feed up to six pieces of fabric in one pile through the machine, allowing for faster cutting of more shapes. Thicker fabrics, however, will not be able to be cut with more than a layer or two. The Go! Baby is a smaller version of the machine, but includes the same features, such as the six layer feed capabilities. Each of the machines uses a different type of die, both widely available.
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AccuCut
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Three different die cutting machines are available from AccuCut. The Mark III, Mark IV and GrandeMark are all different sizes, accommodating different sized dies. Consider the sizes of your projects when considering which version to purchase. The Mark III is ideal for smaller home projects, while the GrandeMark is preferred for business purposes. The Mark III accommodates six inches of fabric across, the Mark IV accommodates 12 inches and the GrandeMark accommodates 16 inches. The larger two are capable of feeding through more than one die at a time, depending on the size of the dies.
Cricut
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The Cricut machines by Provo Craft are different from many of the other die cutting machines. These machines are electric and automatically move the fabric and dies through the machine. The Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine is one of the more portable machines. It simply plugs in and allows you to run the fabric and dies through the machine to create many different shapes. The Expression is meant to stay in one place and allows you to use larger pieces of fabric, as big as 12 inches by 24 inches. The Create is a cross between the two, allowing portability with a larger working space at 6 inches by 12 inches. The Imagine is the most elaborate of the Cricut machines and is best for those who will also be cutting paper and wish to add color, as the machine includes a printer.
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References
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