If you love crafts, chances are you’ve heard of fabric cutting machines. These fascinating devices are like printers, but for fabric patterns! Electric fabric cutting machines connect to your computer, via USB or wirelessly, and cut different materials precisely into the shape you want. Crafters everywhere are dying to get their hands on the best fabric cutting machines. We’re here to help you find the one that’s right for you.

After months of review, we have decided that the Cricut Maker Machine is the best fabric cutting machine for most people. Our Editor’s Choice model is very versatile, and best of all, it comes with fabric samplers. Featuring a state-of-the-art rotary blade, the Cricut Maker Machine is the most advanced technology among fabric cutting machines. We also reviewed six other products, including die-cutting fabric cutters and quilting fabric cutters, which we think crafters will love.

For the reviews, we looked at the key features of fabric cutting machines, including type, size, weight, and warranty. Depending on your comfort level with technology, you may want a manual or electric fabric cutting machine. Consider the size of the machine in relation to the space you have to work with. If you want to travel with your machine, weight is important. For buyer safety, consider the warranty on your machine. Below is a summary chart and a detailed review of the seven products. We’ve also prepared a buying guide and FAQs to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn about the best fabric cutting machines.

 

Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker is a powerful and versatile professional-level crafting tool that can cut over 300 different types of materials. Because this fabric cutting machine can be equipped with advanced add-on tools, this device can help you complete a myriad of projects. Whether you want to cut thin, sensitive fabric, construction paper, or thick, durable materials like basswood, cardboard, or leather, the Cricut Maker is here to help. This fabric cutter features a rotary blade that handles unsupported fabrics, a premium fine point blade, and a fine point pen. For denser materials up to 24mm thick, use the Knife Blade accessory (sold separately).

The Cricut Maker can also engrave, mark or emboss materials when used with a special tip (sold separately). As part of this package, you receive two machine mats, a set of training materials, and 50 ready-made project templates, including 25 free sewing templates. You can add more than 500 sewing patterns from leading companies to your collection (sold separately). The Cricut Maker comes with state-of-the-art software (compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac). The machine is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, but it is also USB compatible. Overall, this is the best fabric cutting machine for both amateur crafters and professionals.

AccuQuilt Studio 2 Fabric Cutter

The Studio 2 Fabric Cutter is a manual fabric cutting machine with a convenient folding design. The folding feature makes it easy to store the machine at home. The powerful blade moves with ease and can handle up to 10 layers of fabric, increasing productivity and making it an excellent fabric cutter for quilting. The machine can handle a range of fabrics, including cotton, denim, wool, flannel, fleece, and even leather.

The Studio 2 Fabric Cutter is also an excellent fabric cutting machine. With its durable steel rollerblade, it can withstand years of cutting without breaking. The dies created with this device can be used over and over again without sharpening, allowing for hundreds of uses. Create hundreds of different shapes, including circles, flowers, hexagons, strips, rag quilt shapes, and more. This heavy-duty, hand-operated fabric cutter is built to last for many years; you never have to worry about lubrication because all the bearings are sealed. With its heavy-duty design, the Studio 2 fabric cutter can tackle the workload of a quilt store, fabric store, or craft store, but it’s also a great choice for the prolific and seasoned quilter.

Silhouette Cameo 3

The Silhouette CAMEO is a flexible electric fabric cutting machine that handles a range of materials, such as paper, fabric, vinyl, or cardboard. This machine offers one of the largest cutting areas among fabric cutting machines, as it has the ability to cut certain materials such as vinyl without mats. It can handle materials up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long. The Silhouette Cameo uses a dual carriage that not only makes it compatible with different tools but makes the process of changing them easier. The dual carriage marking tells you exactly where each tool is located, whether you’re using a sketch pen or a blade. It also allows for an extra 2mm of clearance for cutting thicker fabrics.

This fabric cutter features a new self-adjusting blade called AutoBlade, which makes the process of preparing for cutting easier. With additional convenient storage space inside the machine itself, all tools and features are kept safely in one place. The product includes the versatile Silhouette Studio design software, which offers digital tools to create and design countless projects. You can work on a computer, phone or tablet. The Silhouette Cameo can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or plugged into a computer via USB.

Brother SDX125E electronic cutter

The Brother SDX125E electronic die cutter is an efficient model for hobbyists looking for clean results. This fabric cutter features built-in ScanNCut DC scanner technology, which allows you to cut materials like foam or felt without frayed edges. The Brother SDX125E uses an automatic blade that detects the thickness of a material and adjusts for a clean-cut edge. This cutter doesn’t require a computer or other device because it features a 5-inch touch screen, where you can get creative and make or change your design.

Choose from a collection of 682 editable built-in designs, including quilt patterns, letter fonts, and themed SVG files. Seamstresses and quilters will appreciate the ability to choose seam allowances in quarter-inch increments, making it easy to assemble garments, quilts, and other craft projects. The product is wireless internet-enabled and allows you to access BrotherCanvas Workspace from your favorite device, whether you’re working on a computer, phone, or tablet. You can send files directly from the virtual design space to the machine. The SDX125E’s high-end technology makes it one of the best fabric cutting machines on the market.

Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit

The Sizzix Big Shot Portable Starter Kit cuts and embosses a variety of materials including fabric, paper, cardboard, cork, felt, and balsa. This manual model is one of the best fabric cutting machines on the market. Crafters can use the machine to make unique invitations, greeting cards, clothing, decorations, quilts, and more. It is compatible with the entire Sizzix product library and can be used with other devices, including dies and embossing tools from other brands. These features make the Sizzix Big Shot a very flexible tool among fabric cutting machines.

The product comes with an extended multifunctional platform and a set of standard cutting pads. Finally, sample dies and cardboard sheets are included in the package, so you can start working immediately. At only 5 pounds, you can take this lightweight machine anywhere you go, whether you’re meeting your craft guild at the local fabric store or taking it to school or work. Particularly suited for beginners, the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit is easy to use and can be supplemented with a variety of accessories that expand its capabilities.

Cricut Explore Air

The easy-to-use Cricut Explore Air cordless cutting machine is a great option if you’re just getting started with cutting fabric. The product comes with a handy starter guide that provides users with all the information and ideas they need to work with the device and stimulate their creativity. The Bluetooth feature allows for wireless cutting, so you can spread out and create in a wireless environment. With a dual carriage available, this fabric cutter can conduct multiple processes simultaneously, such as cutting and writing or cutting and marking.

This machine cuts over 60 different types of fabric, from delicate vellum to thick leather. The Smart Set dial allows you to easily adjust the settings for different materials. Compatible with many different file formats such as .svg, .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .png and .dfx, you can upload your own images for free. You can also choose from an extensive library of over 3000 compatible images. You can also access the Cricut Design Space software online for free; an iPad app is also available. With built-in storage compartments, this fabric cutter offers plenty of space to keep tools and accessories safely and conveniently at hand. The Cricut Explore Air is compatible with all Cricut cartridges.

Sizzix 660550

The Sizzix Die Big Shot Pro is a manual fabric cutting machine that is ideal for crafters with large projects: with a 13-inch opening and an ergonomic handle, it easily cuts larger shapes in materials like cardboard, leather, or fabric, and is compatible with Pro and Plus-sized dies. In addition, the Sizzix Big Shot Pro makes it easy to use dies that feature 3D fillets or punch lines for folding. The device can cut and emboss various materials up to 12 inches wide and 14 inches long.

Like most Sizzix products, it is compatible with the company’s entire library, making it a wise investment if you plan to expand your tool collection or if you already have one or more of their machines at home. The product comes with a Big Shot Pro machine, a sliding table, and two types of inserts. You can access Sizzix’s extensive product library and choose dies from thousands of designs, including basic shapes, lettering, complex shapes, and more. The steel rollers and platen of this fabric cutting machine are made from durable, industrial-grade materials, so you’re guaranteed a long life. A 3-year limited warranty is available upon request if you want additional security for the buyer.

How can a fabric cutting machine make your life easier?

Fabric cutting machines are true revolutionaries in the crafting world. These devices are similar to printers in that they manipulate the material to your specifications. Typically, you stack your material on a machine-specific mat or pad and feed it into the machine, where a blade cuts the material into the shape you design or choose from a library of designs. In addition to cutting the material, many machines, such as the Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine and the Cricut Maker, can also use a sketch pen to draw on the material. Both machines also have dual carriages, which means they can perform two processes, such as writing and cutting, at the same time.

The fabric cutting machines we are discussing here basically fall into two categories: manual and electric. Electric machines, such as the Brother SDX125E or the Silhouette CAMEO Cutting Machine, receive design information from a computer or other electronic device. Many newer machines, such as the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air, are compatible with smartphones or tablets and can be operated using an app. The Brother SDX125E can even be used as a standalone device as it comes with its own 5-inch touchscreen! Electric fabric cutting machines give you countless options for creating your project. You can design shapes in the app or on the computer, or you can download existing patterns from online libraries. Many fabric cutting machines, such as the Cricut Maker or Brother SDX125E, allow you to access design projects either with the purchase of the product itself or as an add-on service.

Manual designs typically use “dies” for cutting. Cutting machines essentially allow you to mass-produce a shape or cutting design of your choice. This means you can make the same design as many times as you like, without using a stencil, knife, or scissors. Some machines, like the powerful AccuQuilt Studio 2 Fabric Cutter, can easily cut through thick materials like leather and handle up to 10 layers of fabric. If you are a quilter, the AccuQuilt Studio 2 is a great choice for you. Other fabric cutting machines, such as the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit and the Sizzix Big Shot Pro, are excellent for cutting cardstock and other craft materials. If you want to make intricate wedding invitations or place cards, these machines simplify the process and allow you to create beautiful designs in no time.

Features to consider before buying a fabric cutting machine

When buying a fabric cutting machine, there are several things to consider. The most important features to consider are the type, weight, dimensions, and warranty.

Type

Should you buy a manual or electric fabric cutting machine? This largely depends on your comfort level with technology, as well as the type of device you have. If you like high-tech devices and have access to a computer or smart device, the Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore Air, or Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine may be the best fabric cutting machines for you. If you don’t have access to a compatible device, the Brother SDX125E might be an option for you: while you can connect this machine to your computer, it has a flat-screen and can also be used as a stand-alone device.

Weight

If you plan to work from home or in a workshop and don’t plan to travel much with your fabric cutter, weight may not be your main concern. In that case, there’s no reason not to invest in a sturdy, durable machine like the AccuQuilt Studio 2, which is built to last.

Dimensions

Like weight, size plays a role in your workspace.

Warranty

Obtaining a warranty can provide the consumer with an extra level of security. Only the AccuQuilt Studio 2 comes with a 3-year limited warranty by default. However, most manufacturers offer a warranty for their fabric cutting machine upon request. For example, you can get a 3-year limited warranty for the Brother SDX125E; the same goes for the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit and the Sizzix Big Shot Pro. If a warranty is important to you, contact the manufacturer for more information.

Our verdict

We’ve shown you seven of the best fabric cutting machines on the market, and each one is a great choice. However, we think our editor’s choice, the Cricut Maker, is truly the best. Very versatile, this machine meets the needs of quilters, crafters, designers, seamstresses, and artists. With its powerful rotating blade, the Cricut Maker cuts over three hundred types of fabric, from the finest and most delicate to the toughest. Use this machine comfortably from your computer, phone, or tablet while accessing a database of countless designs. Our second favorite model is the AccuQuilt Studio 2. It is by far the best hand-cutting machine for fabric and makes every quilter’s dream come true. Capable of cutting up to ten layers of fabric, this powerful machine is excellent for prolific quilters and even fabric store owners. Our third choice is the Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine, which is clearly one of the best fabric cutting machines on the market. With its innovative AutoBlade technology, you’ll never have to worry about manually adjusting your blade. With so many choices for top-of-the-line products, we hope you can choose the fabric cutting machine that is right for you. Good craftsmanship!