The Cricut Maker speeds up the process for cutting intricate applique pieces for quilting! This post gives you some tips and hints for how you can use the Cricut Maker to make your next quilted applique project go quickly!
I know some of you have a Cricut and are intimidated to use it, and others of you are considering the machine but aren’t sure how you would put it to use in your sewing room.
I hope this tutorial helps you see that a Cricut Maker is a great addition to your quilting hobby.
Before you read on, you may want to watch a quick YouTube video I prepared showing you how easy it is to cut applique projects with the Cricut Maker.
Watch that first, then read on for some Q&A.
Let me show you one of my first (and favorite) projects I made where i used the Cricut to cut my appliqué pieces.
It was a simple rainbow that I embellished with some yo-yos made from scraps.
Ready to use your Cricut for quilting? Read on and then download a rainbow I designed just for you!
Let’s gather up a few supplies:
Supplies Needed for a Cricut Applique Quilting Project:
- Cricut Maker
- Rotary Blade for Cricut Maker
- Fabric (quilting cotton)
- Fusible bonding (such as Heat N Bond or Wonderunder)
- Iron
- Basic Quilting Supplies
Cutting Fabric On Your Cricut:
I became a Cricut user when I found out that the Cricut Maker makes fabric cutting a breeze with the rotary blade.
The addition of the rotary blade tool allows crafters and quilters to cut both unbonded and bonded fabric for quilting and sewing projects.
Game! Changer!!
I was so excited to try this out and immediately unpacked my machine and put it to the test.
Yup, as advertised, the rotary blade sliced through unbonded fabric easily – no snags, rips or missed threads.
I will do a separate tutorial on how you can use the Cricut Maker to cut (unbounded) fabric for general quilting projects that are pieced, but today I’m showing you how to cut bonded fabric for use in your quilted applique projects.
Selecting the Cricut Blade for Applique Quilt Projects:
Selecting the correct blade for cutting fabric is important and will ensure you get precise cuts for your project.
Proper selection will make one of the most tedious steps of applique (the cutting) a breeze!
What Blade Do I Use to Cut Fabric on the Cricut Maker for Cutting Bonded Fabric:
If you have the Cricut Maker, use the rotary blade.
Only the Cricut Maker supports this blade, so if you are shopping for a Cricut and plan to cut ANY fabric (bonded or unbonded) my suggestion is you invest in the Cricut Maker right away.
The rotary blade works with both bonded and unbonded fabric. When you do an appliqué project, you are using bonded fabric because you have an iron-on adhesive such as Heat n Bond or Wonderunder on it.
Prepare your Fabric to Cut with the Cricut Maker:
Start by preparing your fabric as you normally would for a quilt applique project.
Step 1: Prepare your piece of fabric
Prepare your piece of fabric for applique fusing. Place the adhesive on back of your chosen fabric (paper liner should face up).
Place and hold iron on the paper liner for 2 seconds. Repeat until entire surface is bonded.
Allow to cool.
Step 2: Choosing a Cricut Cutting Mat for fabric
Place the fabric on your Cricut cutting mat, adhesive side down. I like to use the pink fabric grip mat for this project. You don’t want to use a mat that is overly sticky or has too much grip.
Step 3: Load your Cricut Mat into the machine
Step 4: Choose the correct setting for cutting fabric
Since I like to remove the paper backing from the fusible bonding, I use the “cotton” setting for cutting applique pieces.
As the software prompts, make sure that you choose “rotary” blade.
Step 5: Hit “Go” and let the machine do the work!
It really is that easy and once you master this cutting technique you are going to look at quilted applique projects in a new way because your Cricut will make cutting it so easy!
Want to put your skills to the test? Make a quick and easy Rainbow Quilted Wall Hanging. A downloadable file is available in The Lucy Bird Freebie Library.
I can’t wait to see what you make! Leave a comment here or find me on Facebook or Instagram! I’d love to connect with you!
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