During our trip to Alaska, I kept seeing the most beautiful appliqué cuts — crisp edges, tiny details, shapes that would have taken forever to cut by hand. The pattern was Northern Wilderness by Marie Noah, and the moment I saw it, I knew those designs had to be cut by a machine to look that defined.
So… I bought a Brother ScanNCut 325.
I’ve just started using it, and while it took me a little time to get comfortable, it has already become incredibly handy. I was able to scan the appliqué designs straight into the machine and cut the fabric for my new Alaska quilt, Northern Wilderness by Marie Noah. The quilt has sixteen Alaskan scenes, and I’ve completed two so far — each one just as beautiful as the last.
I’ve learned a few things along the way:
- The mat is VERY sticky. Before placing anything on it, press your hands all over the mat to dull it a bit. If you don’t, delicate paper appliqué designs can tear while scanning.
- The right tools make a huge difference. I picked up the ScanNCut spatula and the brayer roller.
- The spatula helps lift pieces without curling or tearing.
- The brayer is fantastic for smoothing fabric so it lies perfectly flat. If the fabric isn’t flat, the blade can drag and your cuts won’t be clean.
As I’ve heard for years, good tools make the job easier — and that’s absolutely true with the ScanNCut. I’m excited to keep working through the remaining Alaska scenes and watch this quilt come to life.
I did hit some bumps when I started initially working with it but now I am really enjoying this machine. I am looking forward to all the possibilities while working with it.
Have you used this ScannCut? If so what has been your experience with it. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Happy Sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 