Cricut expression 1 or 2 for applique cut outs

[nyscpa2be]

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!

[kensington]

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.

[nyscpa2be]

Thanks Kensington! They say to use a heavy duty blade and to mark it for fabric only, no paper use.

[kensington]

Well, that's a new one on me, I have yet to see different "Duty" selections in blades.

[CountryHut]

Amy . .

is this about the size you are looking for? -- the size I have is 5" . .


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?

[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?

[CountryHut]

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

[Pandabear]

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.

[Pandabear]

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.

[nyscpa2be]

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.