Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
I have the opportunity to pick up a Cricut Expression for my birthday and Christmas present this year. The Expression 1 I can get for $129 today, and includes a $100 credit to use with the online digital library of images. The Expression 2 I would have to beat Black Friday crowds to get, and is $149 with one cartridge not of my choice. Both machines can hook up to my computer with the optional USB cable. Both machines can cut stabilized fabric. The only other difference is that the Expression 2 has a touch screen and can accept the limited available cartridges from the Imagine line, which the Expression 1 cannot.
Why do I want it? It took me over an hour to cut out three snowflakes for applique by hand. Nuff said - this machine is worth the money!
Can anyone help me decide? I'll send out applique cut outs to anyone who helps!
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
I have a cricut Expressions and about 25 cartridges. I haven't ever used digital downloaded images for it. I love it for paper. I use it to make patterns for applique all the time. I got it for scrapbooking. I don't know about putting fabric through it, while it may say it will cut it fine, and I am sure it will for a time, that blade is not going to hold up to it. It's a very small razor type blade and I think you will be replacing them all the time. I just can't imagine that blade lasting for any time at all.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Thanks Kensington! They say to use a heavy duty blade and to mark it for fabric only, no paper use.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Well, that's a new one on me, I have yet to see different "Duty" selections in blades.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Amy . .
is this about the size you are looking for? -- the size I have is 5" . .
Attachment 61578
if so . . I can die cut you some . .. how many would you like? . . what color would you like? . . and do you want heat and bond on the back?
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Before you make a decision, please, please check out the Brother Scan 'N Cut. It is WONDERFUL!!!! No cartridges are required. No computer hook-up required - stand-alone. The cost is a bit more but you will easily save $s by not having to but cartridges in the future and now is the time to buy since they are offering a promotion.
I love the machine. I just cut out probably 50-60 wool appliques using the machine in very little time. The machine will cut your machine embroidery appliques to perfect size just by scanning the design. There are built-in quilt patterns also. All designs built-in or scanned-in can be size adjusted to your requirements.
Can you tell how excited I am about this machine?
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Crafty Gemini shows how to use the Scan N Cut . by Brother . . I've been looking at this little gem myself :) . . .
Kids Paper Crown Tutorial- Scan N Cut - YouTube
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Cricut has two different blades. The green one is for paper and the like. The blue (I think that is the color) is for thicker items like chipboard.
I have had an Expression for a few years. I have not been able to cut fabric successfully using either blade.
I would love a Scan and Cut but I haven't been able to justify to myself he cost of yet another cutting system.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
This came to me last evening.,,the other to think about when choosing between machines is looking into what mat sizes both machines take. The earlier machines only take 6x6 mats. Mine takes 12x12 and 12 x24.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Thanks everyone!
Diane - I am looking to buy the machine so I can do lots of designs. But thank you so much for your amazingly kind offer!
Pandabear - Expression 1 and 2 both take the 12x12 and 12x24 mats.
Snowbird - thanks for the opinion!
Now I'm looking at the Scan and Cut - I'll probably take a few days to decide.
:) :) :)
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
snowbird
Before you make a decision, please, please check out the Brother Scan 'N Cut. It is WONDERFUL!!!! No cartridges are required. No computer hook-up required - stand-alone. The cost is a bit more but you will easily save $s by not having to but cartridges in the future and now is the time to buy since they are offering a promotion.
I love the machine. I just cut out probably 50-60 wool appliques using the machine in very little time. The machine will cut your machine embroidery appliques to perfect size just by scanning the design. There are built-in quilt patterns also. All designs built-in or scanned-in can be size adjusted to your requirements.
Can you tell how excited I am about this machine?
Ooooo Snowbird I am (HOPING!) to get one for Christmas!! I am so psyched to hear you LOVE it!!
So you think it's worth it? I told Mr Santa that the $399 version form Amazon is fine, I am not real interested in the pens and patterns the other one comes with.
Is it easy to use? My main use will be applique pieces I trace from a pattern or draw myself and scan.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
The Scan and Cut doesn't rely on cartridges which is a great big plus. And being able to scan your own picture in... woo! I really really want one.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Check your LQS who carries Brother as they are offering a 0% interest 12-month promotion – can’t walk away from that deal!
The machine is wonder…the versatility is endless. As with any new toy, there is a slight learning curve (correct depth of blade, learning which mat and which blade to use) but it does not take long.
I love qppliqued quilts and penny rugs but totally hate the process. So my main focus was that I could scan the appliqué pieces and cut. I just made a penny rug (no pennies only many different appliqué pieces – large and small). Since my pattern was a layout and not individual pattern pieces, I did have to trace the patterns onto tracing paper. I then grouped the pattern pieces by the color of wool, scanned the designs, saved to the machine (you can save to a USB). Then ironed a fusible onto the wool, placed it on the mat, selected the appropriate blade and depth, selected the pattern, scanned my fabric, selected the alignment, then cut. I did this process for each color of wool. Trust me, this did not take long! I just discovered that you can use Heat & Bond instead of Brother's fusible. The process is to adhere the Heat & Bond to your fabric, place your fabric face down onto the mat with the paper of the fusible facing you (yes, keep the paper on the fusible), then cut.
The machine is just so versatile:
You can design your own appliqué, artwork, scan, save and cut or draw. Think about this: if you have grandchildren and they draw you pictures or write you little love notes, you can scan, save, have the machine draw onto fabric then cut to the size block you require to incorporate into a quilt! Talk about a keepsake…
You can even draw the ¼” seam allowance on the quilt pattern pieces! No more wonky seams.
If you have an embroidery machine, you can scan your embroidery appliqué design, cut, then continue to embroider with beautiful results.
Also, paper crafting is a whole other adventure. Think about cutting a silhouette of your grandchild, or cutting a fabric silhouette to add to a quilt block.
As I said, the possibilities are endless with this machine.
Speaking of silouettes, I was just told that if you own the Silouette machine, that designs can be used on the Scan N Cut. I do not know anything about the machine, so hopefully, it will make sense to those that do.
Another FYI, I was told that if you happen to cut through your mats, you can add duct tape to the reverse side and continue using them. The life span is approximately 100 uses. The mats and blades are not expensive to replace either.
One last comment, the scanner is very sensitive and picks up even the tiniest speck when you scan (ask me how I know). There is a function that you can select the area and delete it – if not, you will get a cut or drawn speck. LOL
I guess I should state that I am not affiliated with Brother just love the Scan N Cut machine!
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
snowbird
Check your LQS who carries Brother as they are offering a 0% interest 12-month promotion – can’t walk away from that deal!
The machine is wonder…the versatility is endless. As with any new toy, there is a slight learning curve (correct depth of blade, learning which mat and which blade to use) but it does not take long.
I love qppliqued quilts and penny rugs but totally hate the process. So my main focus was that I could scan the appliqué pieces and cut. I just made a penny rug (no pennies only many different appliqué pieces – large and small). Since my pattern was a layout and not individual pattern pieces, I did have to trace the patterns onto tracing paper. I then grouped the pattern pieces by the color of wool, scanned the designs, saved to the machine (you can save to a USB). Then ironed a fusible onto the wool, placed it on the mat, selected the appropriate blade and depth, selected the pattern, scanned my fabric, selected the alignment, then cut. I did this process for each color of wool. Trust me, this did not take long! I just discovered that you can use Heat & Bond instead of Brother's fusible. The process is to adhere the Heat & Bond to your fabric, place your fabric face down onto the mat with the paper of the fusible facing you (yes, keep the paper on the fusible), then cut.
The machine is just so versatile:
You can design your own appliqué, artwork, scan, save and cut or draw. Think about this: if you have grandchildren and they draw you pictures or write you little love notes, you can scan, save, have the machine draw onto fabric then cut to the size block you require to incorporate into a quilt! Talk about a keepsake…
You can even draw the ¼” seam allowance on the quilt pattern pieces! No more wonky seams.
If you have an embroidery machine, you can scan your embroidery appliqué design, cut, then continue to embroider with beautiful results.
Also, paper crafting is a whole other adventure. Think about cutting a silhouette of your grandchild, or cutting a fabric silhouette to add to a quilt block.
As I said, the possibilities are endless with this machine.
Speaking of silouettes, I was just told that if you own the Silouette machine, that designs can be used on the Scan N Cut. I do not know anything about the machine, so hopefully, it will make sense to those that do.
Another FYI, I was told that if you happen to cut through your mats, you can add duct tape to the reverse side and continue using them. The life span is approximately 100 uses. The mats and blades are not expensive to replace either.
One last comment, the scanner is very sensitive and picks up even the tiniest speck when you scan (ask me how I know). There is a function that you can select the area and delete it – if not, you will get a cut or drawn speck. LOL
I guess I should state that I am not affiliated with Brother just love the Scan N Cut machine!
I went and bought one yesterday after hearing your review lol.
Question: can you use any appliqué backing or does it have to be their vinyl appliqué??? It came with 2 pieces, but I wanted to ask you before I buy more of theirs. If I can use my wonder under, I would like to do that instead.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mchelem
I went and bought one yesterday after hearing your review lol.
Question: can you use any appliqué backing or does it have to be their vinyl appliqué??? It came with 2 pieces, but I wanted to ask you before I buy more of theirs. If I can use my wonder under, I would like to do that instead.
First, congratulations on your new machine - you will love it.
My recent visit to the LQS advised that they use Heat N Bond Lite instead of the applique adhesive that comes with the unit. Their method is to: (1) iron your fabric, (2) adhere the Heat N Bond, (3) lay the fabric (top) directly onto the mat with the Heat N Bond facing you and most importantly "leave the paper on the Heat N Bond", (4) then proceed with scanning/cutting. NOW, I will say that since I wrote the glowing statement, I did try the Heat N Bond on "wool" but I was not pleased with the results because the paper started to tear while cutting; however, when used on cotton, there was no issue. I believe the wool fabric needs a more stable backing for cutting so I will continue using Brother's backing only on wool. One other remark, I found that Brother's backing is not stiff on the wool but it definitely has a different hand when used on cotton. FYI - Brother's backing costs around $8 but I do not recall how much was in the package - Heat N Bond is much less.
I was checking into "vinyl art" (for the lack of knowing what to call it) on YouTube and there are some very interesting projects that can be made with the use of the machine. You may wish to look into this form of creativity.
My LQS will be offering classes on how to utilize the Scan N Cut after the holidays. I believe this is a shop owners decision but if your LQS did not offer classes, you may wish to ask them to consider offering. I decided I am going to attend because with what the machine cost, I definitely want to utilize it to the max! LOL
I hope the above information is helpful.
PS: I meant to tell you that I would try the Wonder Under but use the method mentioned above with the Heat N Bond. If you remove the paper and place the adhesive directly onto the mat, the adhesive will stick to the mat.
Re: Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs
Quote:
Originally Posted by
snowbird
First, congratulations on your new machine - you will love it.
My recent visit to the LQS advised that they use Heat N Bond Lite instead of the applique adhesive that comes with the unit. Their method is to: (1) iron your fabric, (2) adhere the Heat N Bond, (3) lay the fabric (top) directly onto the mat with the Heat N Bond facing you and most importantly "leave the paper on the Heat N Bond", (4) then proceed with scanning/cutting. NOW, I will say that since I wrote the glowing statement, I did try the Heat N Bond on "wool" but I was not pleased with the results because the paper started to tear while cutting; however, when used on cotton, there was no issue. I believe the wool fabric needs a more stable backing for cutting so I will continue using Brother's backing only on wool. One other remark, I found that Brother's backing is not stiff on the wool but it definitely has a different hand when used on cotton. FYI - Brother's backing costs around $8 but I do not recall how much was in the package - Heat N Bond is much less.
I was checking into "vinyl art" (for the lack of knowing what to call it) on YouTube and there are some very interesting projects that can be made with the use of the machine. You may wish to look into this form of creativity.
My LQS will be offering classes on how to utilize the Scan N Cut after the holidays. I believe this is a shop owners decision but if your LQS did not offer classes, you may wish to ask them to consider offering. I decided I am going to attend because with what the machine cost, I definitely want to utilize it to the max! LOL
I hope the above information is helpful.
PS: I meant to tell you that I would try the Wonder Under but use the method mentioned above with the Heat N Bond. If you remove the paper and place the adhesive directly onto the mat, the adhesive will stick to the mat.
Thank you. I would definitely leave the paper, but would not have thought to place it fabric side down lol. I haven't sat down and really read the instructions and played with it yet, but will be doing so this weekend.
Glad to know heat n bond or wonder under is an option. I found brothers stabilizer on amazon for 11.00, but it doesn't say how much comes in the package. Heat n bind and wonder under are much less expensive.
