Best Fabric Cutting Machine for Quilting (Reviews Pros and Cons 2022)
If you are into arts and crafts and work with fabrics, you will most likely need the best fabric cutting machine for quilting. When it comes to design work, textile, and any form of artistic creation, cutting remains an integral part of the process. Get the cuts right, and your creations will turn outright. Get it wrong, and your creations will not turn out so well. If you must buy a cutting machine, you must ensure that you go for the right one. Bit this will depend on several factors, one of which is the kind of designs you are trying to create.
Secondly, you will have to decide which cutting machine you want to buy. Here are the different types of cutting machines.
Table of Contents
Types of Fabrics cutters
- Manual cutters
- Semi-automatic cutters
- Automatic cutters
Let us review all three below
Manual cutter
A manual cutting machine is the most common form of a cutting tool. This tool is not as efficient as a semi-automatic or automatic cutter because you can only cut a limited volume of fabric. Hand-held scissors can not be used to cut hard fabrics, which is why they are limited to the kind of fabrics you can cut with them. However, you can’t do without this tool from time to time.
Semi-automatic cutter
Semi-automatic cutters have the features of a manual cutter and an automatic cutter, and they are of different types. One is the straight knife cutter, and it is called that because it cuts through fabrics with a straight, pointed knife. Straight cutters are cheap, portable, and lightweight. They can cut curved designs and are very easy to use.
Then there is the band cutter which gives you more precision cuts. If you want inch-perfect cuts that a straight knife cutter cannot give you, we recommend band knife cutters. Another type of semi-automatic cutting machine is a round knife cutter. It is not as widely used as the others and is mainly used for cutting straight lines and lighter fabrics. Lastly, this is a Die-cutting machine best used for cutting delicate shapes accurately. If you want a semi-automatic, the type of fabrics you will mostly work with and your design plans should influence the type of semi-automatic cutter you buy.
Automatic Cutter
Automatic cutting machines are by far the most popular cutting machine of the lot, and they are of different types. If you want to buy the best fabric cutting machine for quilting, you will most likely want to buy a fabric cutter with automatic features because it allows you to cut more volume in less time.
First is a computerized version for cutting fabric en masse. This large volume cutter works with a computer. You don’t have to expend too much effort. You just lay the fabrics on the table, initiate the command, and the machine will get to work. Another type is the rib cutter for cutting lighter fabrics for making crafts, shirts, and other quilting and knitting patterns. And perhaps the most advanced of them all is a laser cutter which cuts through fabrics using laser rays. This one is also computer-controlled and is very expensive.
The Best fabric cutting machine for quilting
Of all the three types of fabric cutting machines to buy, you most likely will not need an automatic cutter because automatic cutters are far more expensive and mainly used for large volume cuts. So unless you run a large business, you probably do not need to spend that much on a cutter. As for manual scissors-like cutters, you also don’t need this one either because it will slow down the pace of your work.
So what you really need is a semi-automatic cutting machine that avails you of the benefit of speed and precision cuts. To help you make the right choice, we review some of the best fabric cutting machines for quilting below. Read our review and decide which of our top picks will serve your best interests.
First on our list of the best fabric cutting machines for quilting is this cutting device by CGoldenwall, which is an electric cutter. This machine uses rotary scissors for multi-layer fabrics. The cutting blade cuts at top speed, so you can cut so many fabrics in less time, thanks to its 2400RPM speed. CGoldenwall can cut fabrics up to 1 inches thick, and the cuts will be precise and clean without rough edges.
With this machine, you can cut different types of fabrics such as silk, cotton, leather, synthetic fibers for artwork, and lots more. CGOLDENWALL is both a commercial and an industrial cutting tool. It uses one key sharpening for the blade and is also very easy to maintain. If you want a cutter then can handle different types of fabric, CGoldenwall is one cutter you should try out.
It is easy to use and quite durable. Secondly, the blade will not lose sharpness for a long time, and when it does, you can always sharpen it again. For what it’s worth, this fabric cutter is a good buy.
Pros
- Guarantees accurate cuts
- Good for thick fabrics
- Safety features make it easy on the hands
Cons
- Not ideal for fabrics thicker than one inch
- Accumulated fabric scraps can cause blade jamming.
One common complaint many creators have with some fabric cutters is that they are too complex and require some degree of technical skills to handle them properly. This is why we decided to include this AccuQuilt cutter for beginners. This tool is the ultimate beginner tool for cutting fabrics for quilters. It allows you to cut different types of fabrics for die and quilt patterns. You don’t have to waste too much time on cuts since AccuQuilt works quickly and aids the creative process.
Weighing just 38 pounds, it has a specialty set and beautiful fabric designs for beginners. Included in the kit are 2 cutting mats, a fabric strip cutter, a die cutter, and 8 unique cutting shapes. What makes AccuQuilt a go-to cutter is because it allows you to cut different types of fabrics ranging from silk to satin, batting, leather, felt, flannel, wool, batiks, and even denim. This cutting tool is mainly used for art and craft creators, but you can also use it for cut light garments.
AccuQuilt offers buyers extra benefits of 70 free patterns, 200 die piecings, and an instructional video to help you master the machine. This machine is easy to use and quite portable. You can use it for a long time without experiencing arm strain. And what’s more? Storing it away after use will not be a problem due to its small size.
Pros
- Versatile tool
- Free pattern cuts included
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not ideal for thick fabrics
- Some of the free designs are too complicated for beginners
Mophorn is an industry leader as far as work tools are concerned, and this fabric cutting machine is one of the best for multi-layered cuts. It has a 250W rotary blade with an octagonal knife for executing neat cuts. This machine is ideal for cutting different types of fabrics, including wool and leather. Boasting a size 4 blade, Mophorn will excel where other fabric cutters struggle. Powered by electricity, this cutter can cut through 15 layers of fabric effortlessly, which is good news if you tend to work on large volumes.
Despite its heavy-duty features, it is lightweight and compact. It can also be used to cut sponge, silk, knit fabric, wool, leather, cotton, and many other fabrics. Let us also add that the blade is easily sharpened using the inbuilt sharpening technology. We should also add that it has an 8 sided blade, which is one of the sharpest we have seen.
This blade allows you to cut freely and effortlessly, leaving nothing to change. Mophorn is a low energy cutter that will not increase your energy consumption beyond what you can afford. When in action, it remains quite stable and steady, making it easy for you to execute precision cuts on the go.
Pros
- Low power consumption
- Lightweight
- Offers Multi-layered cuts
Cons
- The silicon steel sheet requires regular cleaning
Fourth on our list of the best cutting machine for quilting is RoMech mini cutter. This portable cutter utilizes electric rotary scissors and an octagonal knife blade for precision cuts. This machine is unlike heavy-duty cutters that are much bigger and heavier. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flexibility since it allows you to maneuver the blade with ease. RoMech is exactly what you need for delicate cuts that leave no mess behind.
The octagonal blade has a carbide tip and a special lower blade to prevent jamming. More importantly, RoMech can cut fabrics of up to 0.5 inches which is outstanding for a machine considered a mini cutter. If you had a cutter that required a lot of effort to maintain, you would have no such problems with RoMech because it is easy to maintain. It even has an automated sharpening system that ensures that the blade edge stays sharp and ready for every cut.
RoMech can cut synthetic fiber, silk, cotton, leather, and other types of fabrics. It is suitable for domestic and commercial use and offers value for money that only a few other cutters can boast of. Also, note that the manufacturer is offering a 45-day money-back guarantee just in case the tool doesn’t meet your expectations, but you will be impressed when you put it to the test.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to maintain
- Versatile tool
Cons
- Small handle
Coming up in fifth place is QuiltCut’s all-in-one fabric cutter for quilters. This kit includes a rotary cutting mat, a cutting guide, a speed gauge ruler, and a fabric clamp. The cutting guide will help you get your measurement right and make the right cuts at all times. But there is so much more that makes QuiltCut the ultimate DIY tool for quilters. First of all, it has a patented cutting system unique to this brand. The mode of operation makes it very easy to cut fabrics even if you have little or no experience using a cutting tool.
The wood base you place your fabric on is sturdy, while the cutting mat is quite durable. As for the ruler, it allows you to measure precision angles while the clamp bar will hold the fabric in place as you cut. So in all, want you get with QuiltCut is a cutting tool that will aid your creative process. In addition, you can cut large or small fabrics into any shape of your choice. Furthermore, the combination of all the tools in the kit makes it an excellent machine-cutting system for users of all skill levels, from beginners and advanced creators.
Now you can cut your quilt borders, jelly rolls, blocks, squares, and different types of fabrics like leather and silk with the same machine. But take your time when executing complicated cuts to get the angles right.
Pros
- Can cut up to 10 layers of fabrics
- Great for specialty templates
- Ideal for left and right-handed users
- Delivered fully assembled
Cons
- Some of the accessories require mastery
- Expensive
Honey’s rotary cutter quilting kit is another first-class cutting machine for quilters. This tool comes with a 45mm quilting fabric cutter and 5 replacement blades, an A3 cutting mat, craft clips, and an acrylic ruler. If you are into crafting, sewing, crotchet making, knitting, and patchworking, this is the type of tool you want by your side for handling all kinds of fabric cuts. The blade has a rotary design and is of high-quality SKS-7 steel, which is one of the sharpest for precision cuts. Honey’s Heaven is very sharp, which makes it an exceptional blade for cutting vinyl, paper, denim, and other types of materials. It is more efficient than scissors and can cut up to six layers of fabric at the same time.
There is a self-healing mat with a double-sided design included in the mix, and a durable base will make it easy for you to cut fabrics with ease. The size 18×12 inches and thick 3mm mat is higher than the cutting mats found in many other cutting machines. As for the handle, it is ergonomically designed to ensure stability and help you exercise control as the blades cut through your fabric. Honey’s Heaven is also applicable for other exercises besides quilting. You can shear, sew, and do needlework with it. The machine is so useful for paper crafting and clothes making.
Finally, Honey’s Heaven has a built-in safety lock to prevent the handle from pressing down when you are not using it. This protects your hands and craft from accidents. Overall, this machine is the ultimate DIY tool for cutting different fabrics and one we readily recommend for cutting all types of fabrics.
Pros
- Versatile tool
- Safety features
- Durable accessories
- Extra blades included
Cons
- Not ideal for commercial use
- The blades become blunt with time
ScanNCut is one of the most popular cutting machines for fabrics. This electronic cutter is one of the best for creating built-in designs. Once you take delivery of this machine, you can start cutting right away by using any of the 1,435 built-in designs, some of which are amazing patterns drawn from popular pop culture fiction. For instance, it has 17 lettering fonts, 140 quilt patterns, and 152 Walt Disney designs. You will find Minnie and Mickey Mouse designs and broad red accents that you can use to beautify your craft. So ScanNCut offers much more than just cutting. If you go for this machine, what you are getting is an amazing tool that you can use to design, craft and cut.
As for the cutting technology, ScanNCut uses sensor technology for executing clean cuts. This means that you can cut materials neatly and efficiently without relying on your skills. ScanNCut will do the cutting for you. Along the line, should the sensor detect material thickness, it will readjust its capacity to execute the cut just right. Even when you are working with custom-built patterns, ScanNCut will be up to the task.
You will also like the color Display with the extra-large 5 inch LCD screen to allow you to control cutting operations. If you reside in the US and desire an electronic cutter, this is definitely one of the best to go for.
Pros
- Works with other mobile devices
- Consumes very low power
- Great for precision cuts
Cons
- Built for only users in the US
The next best fabric cutting machine for quilting on our list is none other than Hercules HRC-100, which is a 4-inch blade with a round shape. This 4-inch blade is a multi-layer cutter per excellence. What makes this machine one of the best is just how good it is on delicate fabrics. You can cut leather, carpet, denim, and vinyl materials with ease. HRC 100 cutter by Hercules can even cut through thin plastic in case you are looking to add tougher materials to your fabrics.
The octagonal blade gives you much better control for a variety of fabrics. It also has an easy-glide agile feature that stabilizes your hand when you are executing cuts. Even when you are making delicate cuts, you can still do it right and never worry about making errors. Hercules also has a durable jam-free design with a strong spring to prevent system jamming. It also has an inbuilt sharpening stone that sharpens the blade as you use it.
These features and more make this tool an excellent cutter for your fabrics and design projects. Hercules runs on a 110V AC Motor, and the power cord is long.
Pros
- Extremely sharp blade
- A versatile tool for different applications
- Inbuilt sharpening stone
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Not good for industrial use
The best fabric cutting machine for quilting allows you to execute clean cuts. These cutters can be used to cut different types of fabrics. All the brands reviewed above are durable and user-friendly. So make your choice from among our list and enjoy the benefits of executing effortless cuts.
Best Fabric Cutting Machine for Quilting Buying Guide
Buying a fabric cutting machine for quilting requires at least an average knowledge of cutters. Before you decide to buy a fabric cutter, you need to know what to look out for; otherwise, you may end up with the wrong tool. We know that there are different brands in the market, but despite what they claim to offer, we know that no two machines are the same.
So to help you make the right decision, we have decided to provide you with a detailed guide on what to look out for in a fabric cutting machine. Read our guide to be better informed.
The machine type
Fabric cutters are of different types; we have digital and manual versions. These machines are not priced the same as digital or electric cutters cost more than manual cutters. There are also electric cutters with digital features and cutters that don’t. So how much you spend will depend on what you are looking for.
Manual cutters are cheaper, but they require a lot of physical effort on your path, and they cannot execute high-volume cuts. Semi-automatic cutters with electric and some digital cutters are more expensive, but unless you are a highly skilled craftsman, you may not be able to execute delicate cuts. As for digital cutters, they make your work easier since they have pre-designed templates you can initiate, and everything will come out just right without your input.
So when making your choice, look at your budget and the fabrics you will work on most of the time and decide on the one you want to go for. But if you wish to save time, a semi-automatic or automatic cutter with digital capabilities is what you should be looking to buy.
Size
The size of the machine cutter matters a lot for many reasons. Firstly, you need to be sure that the machine will fit into your workstation; otherwise, you will have a storage problem you did not plan for. Secondly, you want to ensure that the machine allows you to cut different fabric sizes. Remember that cutters are of different sizes, so the last thing you want is a machine that is too small to accommodate the fabrics you wish to cut. Before you make a final decision, consider your workspace and fabrics.
Multi-Layer cuts
The number of fabric layers the machine can cut will depend on the blade and the machine’s size. A multi-layer cutter will allow you to spend less time on cuts if you have many fabrics to cut. Some machines can cut 5-10 layers of fabrics simultaneously, while others can cut more than that. The most important thing is the blade. If the blade is strong and sharp enough, you should be able to cut several layers simultaneously.
Accessories
We recommend cutters that include required accessories as this will save you money. If the cutter you are going for does not use any, then you have nothing to worry about, but if it does, it makes no sense to spend extra money buying it separately when you can buy a cutter that has all of them in the kit. Accessories like the cutting mat, measuring ruler, and even built-on designs must be included to reduce cost.
Pre-assembled cutter
Unless you have handyman experience with cutters, you want to make sure that you only go for a fitter that is fully assembled. If you need to assemble it yourself, the guide may not be easy to follow, so save yourself the stress by buying a pre-assembled cutter that you can start using immediately.
Versatility
How versatile is the cutting machine? Can you use it for different projects? The best fabric cutting machine for quilting should have versatile features for cutting different fabrics, and it should also be useful for different projects. We recommend electric and electronic cutters because they are flexible machines for different fabrics.
FAQ
- What is a fabric cutting machine?
A fabric cutting machine is a machine that is used to cut fabrics. It has specialized blades for cutting fabrics like leather, silk, cotton, vinyl, etc.
- Which is better between manual and automatic fabric machines?
Both of them are good, but manual machines require a lot more effort and may not give you smooth cuts unless you are very good with the tool. Automatic machines, on the other hand, are much faster and easier to use. They are also good for large-scale projects.
- Which will you rate as the best fabric cutting machine for quilting?
There are quite a few of them that stand out, but QuiltCut and AccuQuilt are very good options for art and craft hobbyists. They are very fast, and you can cut several layers of fabric at once. Both of them also have lovely design selections you can pick from.
- How much should I spend on a fabric cutter?
Fabric Cutters are priced differently, and their capabilities and features will depend on how much they command in the market. However, do note that if you want the best fabric cutting machine for quilting, you will have to pay an above-average price for it.
