Are you trying to find the best fabric cutting machine for sewing, quilting and/or designing?
As an avid crafter who use material both for sewing projects as well as for craft, I know how time consuming cutting fabric for panels and shapes can be.
Fortunately technology can make this step truly quick and easy for you. With innovative machines that have nifty features and abilities, the best fabric cutter will help you to create precision fabric cuts with ease!
Of course technology and innovation typically comes with a high price tag. So it is important that you find the best fabric machine for the money that you know will last you for many years to come.
So without further ado, here is the best fabric cutters’ 2024 buyers guide; together with the top 10 fabric cutting machine reviews to help you choose the right cloth cutting machine for your budget and your needs!
Fabric Cutter Comparison Guide
In this fabric cutting machines buying guide, we suggest you check out our comparison chart of the best fabric cutters and then read our fabric cutter reviews of the machines that best suit your requirements.
You can then read my reviews below featuring the best fabric cutter machine 2024 has to offer.
NAME | PRICE | CUT WIDTH | USE | INFO | STARS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 12" | Software | Electronic | |
 |  | 14" | Dies | Electronic | |
 | 12" | Software | Electronic | ||
 | 12" | Software | Electronic | ||
 |  | 10" | Dies | Manual | |
 | 6" | Dies | Manual | ||
 | 9" | Dies | Manual | ||
 | 6" | Dies | Manual | ||
 | Unlimited | Rotary Cutter | Electronic | ||
 | 2.5″ | To Make Strips | Electronic |
What is the Best Fabric Cutter Machine?
In our opinion, the Best Digital Fabric Cutter of 2024 is the Cricut Maker 3 Cutter!
The Cricut Maker 3 offers some of the best features and technology for those who wish to cut fabric! The machine can cut over 300+ materials from thin fabric such as silk to 2.4mm thick material (if you purchase the Knife Blade).
It uses a Rotary Blade that can create clean and precise cuts from sewing patterns. This blade can be used on fabric without the need for backing, spray starch or Terial Magic. It can cut straight lines, right angles or curves and deliver fabric cuts without tearing or snagging.
Cricut includes ready-to-make projects that come free with the Cricut Maker 3. Whilst some of these are free, there are also patterns available that you can purchase. You also have the option of uploading any pattern to use as well.
It is a totally innovative and powerful machine. It offers lighting-fast speed and intricate precision cutting. It will streamline your sewing process and speed up the boring aspect of cutting out your panels so that you can get to your sewing machine quicker. So clever!
Wondering what you can make with your Cricut Maker 3? Why not browse our Cricut Maker 3 fabric project ideas here. You can also get some great ideas of fun things you can make with felt here. We love this machine!
NOTE: If you are a quilter, we recommend you save your dollars and check out the AccuQuilt GO Fabric Cutter. This cutter is the best fabric cutter for quilting and a lot cheaper than the fancy Maker 3.
For more information about why we recommend this machine as the best fabric die cutting machine, read our Cricut Maker 3 Review. I also suggest you browse through the Best Cricut Maker 3 Bundle Deals as well.
How to Choose the Right Fabric Cutter for You!
Find below some guidelines to follow in order to help find the best fabric cutter for your needs.
1. Fabric Cutting Machine Price
Keep in mind that you will always get what you pay for when it comes to fabric cutting tools.
If you are after a really basic manual die cutting machine, you easily pick up a one up for around $80, but if you are after a more versatile and electronic machine that can cut out fabric automatically, then you will need to be prepared to pay a higher price tag of around $300-$500.
2. Cutting Size
What size cuts would you like to create? Are you after a machine to cut fabric strips or sewing panels?
A cheap machine might only cut up to 2.5" in width, which is okay for those who wish to create fabric strips, but still pretty limiting. Invest more money and you can buy a machine that can cut up to 14" in size.
3. Size & Portability of the Machine
Another important feature of a machine is whether it is portable to take along to sewing or craft workshops and retreats.
If you often use a machine in a location away from an electric point, you might also prefer a manual crank cutter.
Think about how much space you have available in your craft room for the machine.
4. Type of Machine
You get two main types of fabric cutting machines. Either manual or a digital fabric cutting machine.
The best choice is to invest in an electric fabric cutter. Of course an automatic fabric cutting machine will cost you more money, but it will also save you loads of time and for many of us, time is money!
Of course if you are after a fabric cutting machine for home use, you might want to save your pennies and settle for a manual fabric cutting machine. These machines take up less space and are also easier to carry around.
Top 10 Fabric Cutting Machine Reviews
Below you will find the best fabric cutting machines for home and small business use. We will have a close look at a top cutter machine for fabric.
I will outline the top features, the pros and cons of each in detailed reviews, which should help you choose the best machine for cutting fabric.
1. Cricut Maker 3 Review (Best Electric Fabric Cutting Machine)
The Cricut Maker 3 is our pick as the best Cricut fabric cutter in 2024. This machine is a brilliant buy and happens to be the top fabric cutting machine!
It is an electric fabric cutter machine and has the ability to work from ready-to-go images and sewing patterns. You can also send your own choice of images to the machine to cut.
We love this machine for fabric cutting as it is one of the few machines that has the ability to cut material as is, no need to stiffen the material or to use backing! YAY!!
It also has the ability to cut your sewing pieces right from sewing patterns. Simply browse the library that comes with the machine. There are hundreds of patterns available from top brands like Riley Blake. You can also upload your own pattern to cut as well.
PROS:
- Wireless & tablet docking station
- Can cut a range of material from the thinnest fabric to thick balsa wood
- Fabric pattern cutter
- The adaptive tool system automatically calculates the force need to cut the material
CONS:
- Bigger learning curve to get to know machine
- Premium price tag
OUR VERDICT:
The Cricut Maker 3 is one of the newest cutting machines on the market and it is our choice as the top fabric pattern cutting machine.
It has mostly been created to fill in the gap as one of the most impressive fabric die cutting machines, but it also has the ability to cut over 300+ other material as well.
Sewers will be thrilled to know that this machine can cut out their sewing patterns for them. Whilst other crafters will enjoy the fact that the machine can cut material up to 2.4mm in thickness.
In order to enjoy the fabric abilities of this beautiful machine, you will need to invest in two additional tools.
1. The Cricut Tools Craft Basic Set
2. A 12x24 FabricGrip Mat is required for many of the patterns (the machine does not come with any cutting mats)
>>> CLICK TO READ OUR FULL CRICUT MAKER 3 REVIEW OR CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO SEE THE AUTOMATIC FABRIC CUTTING MACHINE PRICE.
2. AccuQuilt GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Review (Best Fabric Cutting Machine for Quilting)
Our second favorite machine for fabric is the AccuQuilt BO! Big. It is our pick as the best fabric die cutting machine for quilting.
Our favourite features about this machine is that it is electronic. It reduces down cutting time with the ability of being able to cut 6 layers of fabric all at once.
You will need to purchase GO! fabric cutter dies for this machine. The machine can take dies up to 14" in size. You could also easily cut 2 x 6" dies side by side to maximize on time.
The machine delivers precision cuts and if you love quilting, you will love this brilliant machine.
PROS:
- Electronic Fabric Cutter
- Can cut 6 layers of fabric at once
- Produces professional quality cuts
- You can fold it up and carry it around by its handle
- Can cut up to a whopping 14" in width
CONS:
- Can only use the AccuQuilt brand dies
- Dies need to be purchased additionally
OUR VERDICT:
If you are a serious quilter, you will love the AccuQuilt GO! Big machine.
The machine has its limitations for those who wish to work with sewing patterns as you are limited to the dies that are produced by AccuQuilt, so if you prefer working from patterns, we highly recommend the Cricut Maker 3 machine.
Whilst some people find this machine to be a bit pricey, we think the extra $$$ is worth it for the sake of purchasing an electronic machine.
Unless you feel like exersizing your arm muscles, in which case you might prefer the cheaper manual AccuQuilt GO! machine below.
To get you started, AccuQuilt has included one free die as well as 6 patterns to accompany the die. All other dies will need to be purchased additionally.
Average Price of the AccuQuilt GO BIG: $599.99
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
3. Silhouette Cameo 4 Machine Review
If you are looking for an electronic home fabric cutting machine, then the Cameo 4 would be an excellent choice. The cutter is a 12-inch width desktop cutting machine that lets you make precision cuts in vinyl, cardstock, fabric, and more.
What we love about the new machine is that it comes with additional blades (in comparison to Cameo 3). And of course one of the new blades is a rotary blade to cut fabric.
This blade rolls across the material which enable you to cut a variety of material such as cotton fabrics, wool, felt, leather and more —without a special stabilizer backing.
The machine's ultra-smart system uses tool sensor technology that is smart enough to detect the tool you are using and triggers the software to change your cut settings automatically.
Whilst we love the Cricut Maker 3 most of all, this machine is truly equivalent in fabric cutting abilities and comes at a cheaper price tag!
PROS:
- Can cut fabric (without the need for a special stabilizer backing)
- Can cut up to 12" in width
- Autoblade can detect the right blade depth for you
- It has Bluetooth capabilities, so you can design your pattern on the laptop and send it to the machine to cut out
- It is PC and MAC compatible
- It is electronic
- Cheaper than the Cricut Maker 3 and AccuQuilt Go Big!
- Comes in White, Black and Pink
CONS:
- Learning curve to get to know the software you have to use
OUR VERDICT:
The Silhouette Cameo 4 Die Cutting Machine is brilliant for those who wish they could afford the Cricut Maker 3 but just can't reach the dollar price!
It is a great little machine if you love to create custom patterns or if you want the flexibility of cutting panels of up to 12" in width. The machine doesn't operate with dies, so if you are a quilter, you might prefer the AccuQuilt or Sixxiz machines instead.
If you are after an electronic fabric cutter with a cheap price tag, then this is the one for you! We love how easy cutting fabric with the Silhouette autoblade is.
Still not sure? Why not read our full Silhouette Cameo 4 review here.
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
4. Brother ScanNCut SDX125E Review
The Brother Scan n Cut 2 CM650W is a super popular machine for those who love to scan in their own hand-drawn designs to cut out! Unlike the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cameo 4 mentioned above this machine is a stand-alone machine and doesn't require a PC.
If you love cutting your designs on material, then this will also most likely be the winning machine for you! We love the Brother die cut machine as it is a fairly simple machine to use. The Auto Blade that the machine uses will automatically detects the thickness of your material.
The Brother ScanNCut has a 12" x 24" scanning and cutting area, which is all that is needed for most hobbyist crafters. It has an LCD screen where you can edit files. It can reads SVG cutting files and PES embroidery files. You can also convert embroidery designs to cut data directly on the machine.
This cutter includes accessories for drawing, cutting fabrics and making fabric appliques. It also comes with 1303 built-in designs, 17 built-in fonts.
PROS:
- Wireless connectivity
- Can cut max width of 12"
- Scanning ability so you can use your own designs
- Works really well with fabric
- Can cut material of up to 3mm thickness
- Standalone machine (doesn't require a PC)
- It is very quiet
CONS:
- The manual that you can download is not detailed enough
- Can be challenging to find supplies for the machine - like a replacement blade or mat
OUR VERDICT:
The Brother ScanNCut SDX125E is the only machine that offer crafters the ability to scan in and cut their own art work, photos, images and more!
It doesn't allow much scope for custom work as you are limited to either the scanned art work of the library of images and fonts that comes with the machine.
Whilst it is a machine that has been designed to cut fabric used for quilting and raw edge appliqué purposes, it is not our favorite machine, but if you want to scan images and then cut them, then this Brother Fabric Cutter is your only choice.
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
5. AccuQuilt GO! Review (Best Fabric Die Cutter)
The AccuQuilt GO! is essentially the same machine as its big brother up above.
The cheaper price tag is due to the fact that whilst the AccuQuilt GO! Big is electronic, this machine is crank operated. It is the best die cutter for fabric if you are after a manual operated machine.
The GO! can also only cut up to 10" in width in comparison to the Big that cut up to 14" in width.
The machine is perfect for cutting fabric for quilting, so if you are interested in cutting panels from a sewing pattern, I suggest you look at the Cricut Maker 3 Machine instead.
Watch the short unboxing video below:
PROS:
- Can cut up to 6 layers of fabric at a time
- It can fold up for storage
- It is lightweight & Portable
- Produces professional clean cuts
- Can cut a decent 10" width piece
CONS:
- Can only cut with AccuQuilt dies
- Manual Operated
OUR VERDICT:
The AccuQuilt GO! is a great and affordable quilt fabric cutting machine. We love that it can handle dies of up to 10" in width.
The machine also have a flexible plate, which is so much better than the acrylic plate that comes with a Sizzix as they tend to warp.
As far as manual fabric cutters for quilting go, this would have to be our favorite machine.
Sure it is a bit more pricey than the Sizzix machines and yes it is limited to only using the AccuQuilt dies, but it is a brand that is focused on quilting as its main focus, which means that dies you can purchase will be brilliant.
Average Price of the AccuQuilt GO: $299.99
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
6. Sizzix Big Shot Fabric Die Cutting Machine Review
The Sizzix Big Shot Machine is one of the best die cut machines that is specifically designed for card-makers, scrapbook addicts as well as quilters.
The machine works with Sizzix fabric dies (although you can use dies from other brands as well). You can cut up to 8 layers of fabric if you use the right technique.
The Big Shot die cut machine works with a crank and it is small enough to cart around to craft or sewing events and workshops. This fabric shape cutter can handle all sorts of materials from paper, vellum, fabric, chipboard, and cork, making it truly versatile.
PROS:
- Small and portable to take along with you
- Can cut using dies and emboss with embossing folders
- Very powerful crank feature that can cut through multiple layers of material
- Super modern and sleek look
CONS:
- Manual crank operation
- Limited capabilities, can only cut up to 6" in width
- Extra costs involved when purchasing Sizzix Big Shot dies for fabric.
OUR VERDICT:
In our opinion, the Sizzix 660425 Big Shot is by far the best manual die cutting machine on the market in 2024! If you are after an affordable machine that is small enough to cart around, and you don't mind the labor of the crank, then this is the one for you!
Whilst you will be limited to cutting fabric shapes from dies, this nifty machine is powerful enough to cut through 8 layers of fabric all at once. If you sandwich up your die properly you should get some beautiful clean fabric cuts.
A hot favorite by a brand that we all trust and love!
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
7. Sizzix Big Shot Plus Cutting Machine Review
In most ways the Sizzix Big Shot Plus is similar to the Sizzix Big Shot; essentially the machine is just giving you a larger cutting space (can cut up to 8.5 x 11") to work with.
It is a really popular combo die cutting embossing machine and it has the ability to cut all sorts of materials from fabric, to paper, vellum, chipboard, and cork. It is still lightweight and portable and it also still features a crank mechanism.
There are a wide range of Sizzix fabric cutting dies available, and the beauty of this machine is that you can use dies from other brands as well.
PROS:
CONS:
- Has a crank instead of an electronic feature
- Limited capabilities, mostly used for cutting with dies and embossing with folders
- Extra costs involved when purchasing dies and embossing folders
OUR VERDICT:
This Sizzix Fabric Cutter is perfect for those who are after a great fabric die cut machine! The Big Shot Plus offers a wider cutting width than its little brother the Big Shot.
It is a brilliant machine for those who love to enjoy their craft with groups and friends, due to its lightweight and portable features. You might even wish to purchase the whole Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit!
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
8. AccuQuilt GO! Baby Review
The AccuQuilt GO! Baby is essentially the same machine as its big brother the AccuQuilt GO! up above. The cheaper price tag is due to the fact that whilst the AccuQuilt GO! can cut up 10" in width, the Baby can only cut up to 6" in width.
The machine is perfect for cutting fabric for quilting, so if you are interested in cutting panels from a sewing pattern, I suggest you look at the Cricut Maker 3 Machine instead.
PROS:
- Can cut up to 6 layers of fabric at once
- Small and portable
- Folds up for storage
- Produces precision cuts
CONS:
- Can only cut with the AccuQuilt brand dies
- Can only cut up to 6" in width
OUR VERDICT:
The AccuQuilt GO! Baby is a great and affordable quilt fabric cutting machine. As far as manual fabric cutters for quilting go, this would have to be our favorite machine, but we do prefer the electronic AccuQuilt GO! Big machine above this one.
One of the negatives of the Accuquilt Fabric Cutter is that you are limited to only using the actual AccuQuilt dies, but they do have a lovely extensive die library, so you will most likely find that if you are a quilter, you won't need to go beyond their dies that are on offer.
Average Price of the AccuQuilt Baby: $129.99
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
9. Reliable 1500F Electrical Rotary Cutter Review
If you are looking for an electronic home fabric cutting machine, then the Cameo 4 would be an excellent choice.
This fabric cutting wheel is lightweight, electronic and truly super easy and simple to use! It is best for light to medium weight material, so if you need to cut thicker material or felt, we suggest you have a look at the material cutting machines listed above.
We love this cutter and really feel that it is the best rotary cutter for fabric on the market in 2024!
PROS:
- It is lightweight and easy to use
- It has a powerful engine for efficiency
- It has a powerful engine for efficiency
- Built-in sharpening mechanism - very clever!
- Been designed to prevent cloth jamming
- Ultra sharp 4" round blade for precision cuts
CONS:
- Can't cut thicker materials, best to stick to light to medium weight material only.
OUR VERDICT:
We absolutely love the Reliable Rotary Material Cutter in combination with a machine.
Whilst we prefer one of the machines listed above to handle cutting shapes and panels; a fabric cutter roller is really beneficial to cut off excess material, to shorten pants, or simply to cut strips.
It is much easier to grab when time is limited and when you feel confident in your own freehand cutting abilities. Grab this fabulous rotary cutting machine for fabric, you won't be disappointed!
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
10. Simplicity Electric Fabric Strip Cutter Machine Review
If your passion is to cut fabric strips, you will love this Simplicity Electronic Strip Cutter for fabric. This little powerhouse of a machine can cut through paper, felt, fleece, cotton, lightweight wool and so much more.
The machine operates like a sewing machine with a foot pedal. It has an adjustable guide to cuts strips from 1/2" to 2 1/2" in width.
You will get two machines blades with the machine: a blade for straight cutting and one for pinking. You could also choose to purchase additional blades: large wave blade, small wave blade, deckle blade, perforating blade, and scallop blade.
The machine has one job, so it really isn't very versatile, but if you are after a way to cut strips quickly and easily then this might just be the machine for you!
PROS:
- Machine cuts with pressure which means the blades will last longer
- The machine is quick and automatic to save you time
- Great tool for all your recycling and re-purposing projects
- It delivers beautiful clean fabric cuts
CONS:
- It can cut through one layer at a time only
- Instructions that come with the machine could be more helpful in regards to setting tension for the cuts.
- Takes time to practice the art of straight cuts
OUR VERDICT:
The Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine is a great material cutting machine if you want to save time on cutting all of your fabric strips. Once you get the hang of this machine, can you easily and quickly cut out strips for your sewing or quilting projects.
It is important to note that this machine has one main function - it is a fabric strip cutting machine ONLY, and that it can only cut up to 2 1/2" in width.
Many crafters struggle to get the hang of cutting a straight strip, so be prepared to waste a few material strips before you manage to get the hang off this machine.
We much prefer to use one one of the machines listed above, but if all you want to do is to cut strips, then this is the machine for you.
>>> CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO BUY NOW.
FAQ
Find below a list of some of the most common question, together with some helpful answers which will be beneficial to your research process.
1. What is a Fabric Cutting Machine?
A fabric cutting machine is a machine that has the special blades that can cut through fabric. You can different types of fabric cutters.
Your manual fabric cutters are designed as die cutting machines. They are crank operated and can cut out smaller shapes or quilter squares, but their ability is limited by the cutting dies that are available.
The newer digital fabric cutters have the ability to cut using images found online. The Cricut Maker 3 also has the ability to cut panels from online sewing patterns - but is limited in cutting size.
Rotary cutters are fabulous for simply cutting your fabric (instead of using scissors). They are great when you need to make straight cuts as you can quickly roll the circle blade along a steel ruler or fabric mat.
Lastly fabric strip cutters are electronic cutters that have the ability to cut strips of fabric, which is great for quilting purposes.
2. Can Cricut Cut Fabric?
Yes, Cricut Machines can cut fabric. The Cricut Explore Cutters have the ability to cut fabric, but you have to bond the fabric prior to cutting.
The Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3 have been designed for fabric crafts and it has the ability to cut fabric without the need for a stabilizer.
3. Where can I find a Commercial Fabric Cutting Machine
If you are looking for something a bit bigger and more commercial than the machines listed above, we highly recommend you check out the Accuquilt Studio 2 Fabric Cutter.
This premier fabric cutter is strong enough to handle the larger amount of quilting done in quilt shops and fabric craft retail stores. It can cut up to 10 layers of fabric at a time. You can also fit more than one die in the cutter as well.
Click here to see if this cutter will be suitable for your store.
4. Where can you find patterns?
If you are only starting out with fabric projects, we recommend you do a quick search to find some free patterns. There are many free patterns on offer - sometimes in return for your email list. We love the detailed free patterns from Accuquilt.
Verdict on the Best Machine for Cutting Fabric
So here we are at the end of the guide, and here is your quick summary about which cutting machines we recommend.
If you wish to cut sewing panels for sewing projects, we highly recommend you invest in the Cricut Maker 3. If you wish to cut Quilt block and shapes, then the Accuquilt Go BIG! is for you.
So hopefully you will have another look at our fabric cutter reviews in our fabric cutting machine buying guide above and see if you can find a suitable machine for your needs and for your budget.
Now that you have found a new fabric cutting machine for your office or business, why not hop over to our craft blog section. We have loads of tutorials, project examples as well as step-by-step posts.
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