The Even Better Box Bag – Free Tutorial + Brother Scan ‘N Cut Tips

Boxy Bag Instructional Video with Coconut Robot

Brother ScanNCut CM100DM Home and Hobby Cutting Machine with a Built-in Scanner (Misc.)

“Great for cutting fabric for applique! By Jeanqueen819 (Indiana USA) – See all my reviews This review is from: Brother ScanNCut CM100DM Home and Hobby Cutting Machine with a Built-in Scanner (Misc.)

I am brand new to the electronic cutting world, and I’m hooked! I recorded my first session with this machine, from opening the box to successfully cutting batik fabric for embroidery machine applique:

A few tips and comments after about a week of using the ScanNCut:

– Not being familiar with electronic cutters, I missed the step of twisting the blade until it’s extended all the way (watch your fingers!) then dial it back to the setting you want. I’m working with blade depth=3 or 4, pressure=3 or 4, and speed=2. Start low on the blade depth and work your way up. I had heard stories of cutting through the mat, but I haven’t had that problem by starting light. Take time to test your settings with the test feature!

– While using SteamASeam II worked well without the paper backing on the standard mat without the high tack addition, LEAVE the back on Floriani’s Appli-Kay Wonder. It is a much stickier stabilizer, and took forever to get it off the mat. So I suggest testing with the paper left on the stabilizer first! I haven’t tried the product that came with the machine yet.

– Whoever suggested using non-alcohol unscented baby wipes was a genius! Works very well for removing lint and re-energizing the stickiness on the mat.

– Whoever suggested using painters tape to help secure edges — that didn’t work for me. Ended up with tape stuck to my scanning window and had to take off the bottom cover to get to it. Thank you Brother, for making that area accessible!

– I highly suggest purchasing the additional Scanning Mat. It’s not just for photos. By using a mat that came with the machine, there are additional lines that the machine tries to cut. Even with cropping the design area the best I could (I put multiple designs per scan). I purchased my scanning mat from Ken’s Sewing Center.

– I’m loving the cloud based Brother Canvas website too. I modify a machine embroidery design to its placement stitch and export to SVG format, convert to FCM in Canvas, save to USB, and cut out my applique fabric! No wasted paper in this process. While one block is stitching, I can be cutting out my next block.

So glad I bought it, it’s taking my applique projects to a whole new level!”