6 top tips for Brother ScanNCut SDX225 optimum maintenance

Yesterday I showed you how to use up the leftover hearts I had cut on my Brother ScanNCut SDX225.

Today I’d like to share a few tips and techniques I hope you’ll find useful when using your Brother ScanNCut SDX225.

Cleaning your cutting mats

After using the cutting mats a few times, you’ll notice little pieces of thread and fabric become stuck to the mat. Itʼs easy to remove these by using an alcohol-free baby wipe. Watch this video to get the details for ScanNCut maintenance

Restoring stickiness to cutting mats

You’ll also notice cutting mats will start to lose their stickiness after a while. There are a few different ways to remedy this. Have a look at this video for lots of tips on restoring stickiness on the ScanNCut mat.

Using a Scanning Mat

If you have an applique design of your own, you can scan it into the Brother ScanNCut SDX225. You’ll even be able to edit the file – change size, rotate, duplicate and more! Just print or draw your design on paper, place it on the scanning mat and load it into the machine. Then you can save it as a ‘cut file’ and the ScanNCut will cut all the pieces perfectly. You can find more information about the scanning mat.

Brayer

This handy tool is used to secure material firmly and evenly to your cutting mat. When you have your fabric or paper on the cutting mat, itʼs a good idea to place the plastic dust cover over your mat before using the brayer.

Spatula and Hook

The perfect tools for lifting delicate materials off your cutting mat, this Basic Tool Set includes a Spatula and Precision Hook Tool. Both tools come in super handy when removing fabric or paper pieces from the cutting mat.

Fabric Mat

This mat has recently been introduced by Brother for the ScanNCut SDX225. The fabric mat features tacky adhesive to secure fabric for cutting and can be used multiple times. It has been specially designed for thin cotton fabric (0.25 mm) and flannel (0.5 mm) without backing, making it perfect for cutting quilt pieces on your ScanNCut DX cutting machine. Be sure to use the fabric blade (beige cover) with this mat. I’ll be showing you techniques for using this mat in an upcoming QUILTsocial blog. Be sure to watch for it!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week and have learned some new techniques for using the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 electronic cutting machine and the Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 sewing machine. I look forward to seeing you back on QUILTsocial very soon to learn more about these two great machines!

This is part 5 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 4: Project ideas for using leftover fabric applique pieces!