Getting creative with the Brother ScanNCut SDX225

If you’re new to using the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 electronic cutting machine, I hope you’ll check out my previous QUILTsocial blog posts about using this amazing machine. Some topics I covered are why the ScanNCut is great tool for quilters, several ways quilters can use the ScanNCut, and see how much fun it was to make fabric postcards using the ScanNCut! In those posts, I wrote about many of the basic tools on the ScanNCut SDX225, as well as how to use it for cutting fusible applique shapes and doing some basic drawing.

This week, we’ll discover how to cut stencils on the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 and use them with fabric stamping ink to create your own fabric designs! You’ll also learn more about drawing techniques and how to use them to draw seam allowance lines on fabric shapes for piecing and applique.

As I’ve suggested before, there are many YouTube videos available and I’ve found these very useful for learning so many techniques for the Brother ScanNCut SDX225. My favorite videos are from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and Alanda Craft.

Here’s a video on a good basic introduction to the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 and its 10 features by Julie.

There’s also lots of information on the ScanNCut on Brother website. You can download the manuals and all the pattern designs from their website.

You can create and edit designs quickly and easily on the 5″ LCD touch screen display. But, as you get more proficient, you’ll want to work on the program, ‘Canvas Workspace’. This is a free download program designed to be used with the Brother ScanNCut SDX225. This program lets you work remotely on your PC, tablet, or even on your phone and then wirelessly send your cut or draw files to the ScanNCut SDX225. Find here the download for Canvas Workspace.

Now let’s get started making and using some stencils! Stencil making was a new adventure for me, so I made lots of samples before attempting my first ‘real’ project. As you can see, some samples were less than perfect!

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Brother stencil sheets These reusable, self-adhesive stencil sheets help you design and cut your own stencils on your ScanNCut.

When I first started my stencil projects, I wasn’t able to get these stencil sheets, and so I had to improvise. I used clear plastic template material and even some plastic sheet protectors. I just cut off the edges of the sheet protector and then I had two pieces of plastic I could use to make stencils. The ScanNCut will cut any thickness up to 0.1″ [3mm], so that gives you lots of options for choosing a stencil material.

Stencil design

The Brother ScanNCut SDX225 comes with a whole library of stencil designs. Just select any of the 3 icons on this screen to open up all the available designs.

As with all the designs in the ScanNCut, you can resize them to any size you like just by touching the + or – key in the edit menu.

Ink stamp for fabric

There are many kinds available at craft or scrapbook supply stores. Make sure you choose one that is permanent on fabric.

Stencil brush, foam brush, or small pieces of foam

Fabric for stamping

Batiks and good quality quilting cottons work well.

Be sure to come back tomorrow and find out how to use all these tools on the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 to make your own stencils!

This is part 1 of 5 in this series

Go to part 2: Let’s use the Brother ScanNCut SDX225 to make stencils!