Best electric rotary cutter
Hercules HRK-100
5-Speed Electric Rotary Cutter for Cloth, Leather, Natural and Synthetic Fabrics – 4″ Single & Multi-Layer Round Knife Cutting Machine
Buy at Amazon.com
best FOR intricate cuts
Cricut Maker
Smart Cutting Machine – With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac
Buy at Amazon.com
best for quilting
Accuquilt GO! Big 55500
Electric Fabric Cutting System, Cut two 6″ wide dies side by side with up to six layers of fabric at the press of a button
Buy at Amazon.com
Cutting machines are a great way to improve the efficiency of your sewing and quilting. They offer consistent, effortless, and quick cuts that scissors don’t match.
Unfortunately, there are many machines on the market. Each offers something different at varying prices. This can make choosing a cutting machine overwhelming.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve done the research and I’m going to share what I learned with you. In this post, I am going to review the best cutting machines on the market.
Let’s dive in.
1. Hercules HRK-100 5-Speed – Best Electric Rotary Cutter
Specifications
Features
What I Like
Continually using your hand to cut fabric can get tiresome, and spending most of your time on the cutting phase of a project is not ideal.
Using an electric rotary cutter is a great way to solve both of these problems.
The Hercules rotary cutter has 5 speeds that you can adjust depending on the number of materials you are using or the fabric’s thickness.
This is great if you cut a variety of different materials and layers.
Certain materials need faster speeds to prevent fraying. This rotary cutter will allow you to do that.
This rotary cutter is also excellent for those with arthritis who don’t want to hold or press down on rotary cutters for long periods.
The Hercules is easy to maneuver with rolling wheels on the base.
It also uses a switch power button, eliminating the need to strain your hand by pressing down on a trigger like other models.
Using an electric rotary cutter is a great way to solve both of these problems.
The Hercules rotary cutter has 5 speeds that you can adjust depending on the number of materials you are using or the fabric’s thickness.
This is great if you cut a variety of different materials and layers.
Certain materials need faster speeds to prevent fraying. This rotary cutter will allow you to do that.
This rotary cutter is also excellent for those with arthritis who don’t want to hold or press down on rotary cutters for long periods.
The Hercules is easy to maneuver with rolling wheels on the base.
It also uses a switch power button, eliminating the need to strain your hand by pressing down on a trigger like other models.
What I Dislike
If you travel often with your rotary cutter, this may not be the best option unless you are ready for the extra weight.
This rotary cutter uses a large blade, much bigger than the blades used on traditional handheld rotary cutters.
This makes it challenging and nearly impossible to cut precise patterns and sharp corners.
Another thing I didn’t like is the short wire.
This short wire is disruptive, although you can solve it by using an
extension cord.
This rotary cutter uses a large blade, much bigger than the blades used on traditional handheld rotary cutters.
This makes it challenging and nearly impossible to cut precise patterns and sharp corners.
Another thing I didn’t like is the short wire.
This short wire is disruptive, although you can solve it by using an
extension cord.
Who Should buy
If you are cutting lots of fabric, especially thick or multiple layers, then an electric rotary cutter is a great way to improve your productivity.
This rotary cutter is a great option if your keep you keep your rotary cutter in one location or don’t mind the added bulk when moving around.
If you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands the Hercules rotary cutter is a great option.
You can use this rotary cutter without gripping or squeezing anything.
There is a switch to turn on and it can be easily pushed with the sliding pads.
This rotary cutter is a great option if your keep you keep your rotary cutter in one location or don’t mind the added bulk when moving around.
If you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands the Hercules rotary cutter is a great option.
You can use this rotary cutter without gripping or squeezing anything.
There is a switch to turn on and it can be easily pushed with the sliding pads.
2. Cricut Maker – Best For Intricate Cuts
Specifications
Features
What I Like
What I like most about this fabric cutter is how versatile it is. You can cut intricate patterns in over 300 different materials. It is easy to adjust blade length or swap out blades completely.
In addition, the customization you can achieve is unmatched.
I also like how it has different attachments based on the fabric you are cutting whereas other similar machines using one cutting blade for everything.
The 2x speed mode is also a blessing when you are looking to speed up your workflow and get things completed in bulk.
In addition, the customization you can achieve is unmatched.
I also like how it has different attachments based on the fabric you are cutting whereas other similar machines using one cutting blade for everything.
The 2x speed mode is also a blessing when you are looking to speed up your workflow and get things completed in bulk.
What I Dislike
What I dislike is that there is a learning curve to using this machine. You need to get used to the LCD touchscreen and the editing software to take full advantage of the features.
Another thing I dislike is that while the attachments are useful and perform well purchasing them can be expensive.
Another downside of this machine is that it is expensive compared to other models on the market.
Another thing I dislike is that while the attachments are useful and perform well purchasing them can be expensive.
Another downside of this machine is that it is expensive compared to other models on the market.
Who Should buy
This is perfect for quilters looking to cut intricate designs into their quilt. This machine allows you to cut different types of fabric precisely without any issues.
Cuts that would otherwise be very difficult to achieve, the Circuit Maker can do it with a push of a button.
Also, useful if you perform many other crafts, this cutter will give you versatility and customization on any canvas.
Cuts that would otherwise be very difficult to achieve, the Circuit Maker can do it with a push of a button.
Also, useful if you perform many other crafts, this cutter will give you versatility and customization on any canvas.
4. AccuQuilt GO! Big – Best Fabric Cutting Machine For Quilting
Specifications
Features
What I Like
What I like the most about the AccuQuilt Big is the size. This is a big cutting machine that allows you to make big cuts relatively easily. The easy of use is truly amazing. All you have to do is press a single button, and the machine does the rest.
This is a great machine if you want to do other tasks while you work. Overall, this product is built very well, along with all other Accuquilt products.
You don’t have to worry about breaking or wearing down.
This product is also very safe. It comes with anti-cut safety features; if you accidentally place your hand near the cutter, it will automatically stop.
This is great if you work around kids or others. You don’t have to worry about any accidents.
This is a great machine if you want to do other tasks while you work. Overall, this product is built very well, along with all other Accuquilt products.
You don’t have to worry about breaking or wearing down.
This product is also very safe. It comes with anti-cut safety features; if you accidentally place your hand near the cutter, it will automatically stop.
This is great if you work around kids or others. You don’t have to worry about any accidents.
What I Dislike
There are a few things that I don’t like about this machine. The fist is that although it does fold up, it is cumbersome. It is often confused as a portable machine, but in my opinion, it’s not.
The foldable feature works primarily as a way to store the machine compactly.
I also dislike how loud this machine is. Compared to other machines, this one can be a bit disruptive, primarily if you work around others or at night.
I also dislike the speed of this cutting machine. In my opinion, it is on the slower side and can have a lot of wait time.
The foldable feature works primarily as a way to store the machine compactly.
I also dislike how loud this machine is. Compared to other machines, this one can be a bit disruptive, primarily if you work around others or at night.
I also dislike the speed of this cutting machine. In my opinion, it is on the slower side and can have a lot of wait time.
Who Should buy
This is a perfect machine for people looking to cut multiple layers or if you cut quilting patterns frequently.
This machine is perfect for quilters looking to cut while they work on their quilt. With the automatic nature, you can have your pieces cut without worrying about it.
Also, perfect if you are looking for a large cutter that you can easily store away in a compact space.
This machine is perfect for quilters looking to cut while they work on their quilt. With the automatic nature, you can have your pieces cut without worrying about it.
Also, perfect if you are looking for a large cutter that you can easily store away in a compact space.
4. Brother CM350 – Runner Up
Specifications
Features
What I Like
The Brother C350 is full of advanced features that make this a great machine for cutting fabric.
I like the most about this machine because it has advanced technology that others do not have.
The first is the scan and cut features. This feature allows you to scan any image and have it cut into any fabric you want.
Another great feature is that the touchscreen allows you to edit all your cuts without a computer.
You can easily adjust the size, location, border width, and many other features.
While it comes with many advanced features, easy to learn and start using out of the box.
The greatest features about the Brother CM350 are the customization it offers and how easy it is to use.
I like the most about this machine because it has advanced technology that others do not have.
The first is the scan and cut features. This feature allows you to scan any image and have it cut into any fabric you want.
Another great feature is that the touchscreen allows you to edit all your cuts without a computer.
You can easily adjust the size, location, border width, and many other features.
While it comes with many advanced features, easy to learn and start using out of the box.
The greatest features about the Brother CM350 are the customization it offers and how easy it is to use.
What I Dislike
There are a few downsides when using the Brother CM350. My major complaint is how difficult it can be to adjust the cutting tip. No pre-set height will help you decide how long the cutter should be. This is especially problematic when cutting fabrics and may require continuous adjustments.
Another downside is that with intricate patterns, the cuts are not as sharp or precise with thicker materials. If you are quilting and want to make intricate patterns, this can be a problem.
This machine is also expensive, so be prepared to make a large investment that other fabric cutters.
Another downside is that with intricate patterns, the cuts are not as sharp or precise with thicker materials. If you are quilting and want to make intricate patterns, this can be a problem.
This machine is also expensive, so be prepared to make a large investment that other fabric cutters.
Who Should buy
This is a great cutting machine for quilters looking to add unique and intricate design patterns to their quilts.
Also great if you want to cut patterns to sew onto clothes.
This machine will allow us to make cuts that are typically time-consuming without an automated computer.
If you need to cut intricate patterns or designs on different fabrics and materials, then this is the perfect cutter.
This is not a cutting machine if you are looking to make basic cuts across multiple layers.
Also great if you want to cut patterns to sew onto clothes.
This machine will allow us to make cuts that are typically time-consuming without an automated computer.
If you need to cut intricate patterns or designs on different fabrics and materials, then this is the perfect cutter.
This is not a cutting machine if you are looking to make basic cuts across multiple layers.
5. AccuQuilt Studio 2 – Best Die Cutter For Multiple Layers
Specifications
Features
What I Like
What I like about this machine is how well built it is. Once you open this package you will realize this is a quality machine built with durable materials.
I also like that the hand cranks moves smoothly and allows you to move as fast as you want to cut. I prefer a manual fabric cutter to automatic fabric cutters because you can control the speed of your cutting.
Rather than waiting for the automatic rotary cutter to process at its own speed, I can crank it out as fast as I need to and move on to the next project.
Another unique feature that I really liked was the storage under the sliding panel. This is a features I have not seen on other products and found it very useful.
You can use it to store fabric, your dies, or anything when your not working and to keep your cleaning area clean you can even store any trash or scraps there for later.
This is a very useful feature that I think helps with the fact that this product is so large.
I also like that the hand cranks moves smoothly and allows you to move as fast as you want to cut. I prefer a manual fabric cutter to automatic fabric cutters because you can control the speed of your cutting.
Rather than waiting for the automatic rotary cutter to process at its own speed, I can crank it out as fast as I need to and move on to the next project.
Another unique feature that I really liked was the storage under the sliding panel. This is a features I have not seen on other products and found it very useful.
You can use it to store fabric, your dies, or anything when your not working and to keep your cleaning area clean you can even store any trash or scraps there for later.
This is a very useful feature that I think helps with the fact that this product is so large.
What I Dislike
The two major complaints I have with this product are that it is large and heavy.
This product is definitely made to last or with the professional in mind because it is massive.
It take up a lot of space and it does not fold like some other larger products do to make it more compact.
It is also much heavier than any other fabric cutter I have used coming in at 44 pounds.
Another downside I found is that the hand crank does come loose quite often.
It can be fixed by tightening the screw which is simple enough.
Another downside is that for the large size of the overall machine it does only offer a 6” cutting opening which is quite small.
This can be a downside if you cut multiple layers of fabric or deal with thick fabric consistently.
For most people this is not an issue but it can be in some cases.
This product is definitely made to last or with the professional in mind because it is massive.
It take up a lot of space and it does not fold like some other larger products do to make it more compact.
It is also much heavier than any other fabric cutter I have used coming in at 44 pounds.
Another downside I found is that the hand crank does come loose quite often.
It can be fixed by tightening the screw which is simple enough.
Another downside is that for the large size of the overall machine it does only offer a 6” cutting opening which is quite small.
This can be a downside if you cut multiple layers of fabric or deal with thick fabric consistently.
For most people this is not an issue but it can be in some cases.
Who Should buy
This is a great fabric cutting machine if you quilt often and in large quantities,
It also best for someone who has a large workspace and if they don’t travel often with their fabric cutter.
In my opinion this is a great fabric cutter that can last you a lifetime.
If you can look past the size and weight of this product it is a durable machine that you will not break or will go out of date.
The technology is timeless and it is durable which means once you buy this machine you won’t need another one.
It also best for someone who has a large workspace and if they don’t travel often with their fabric cutter.
In my opinion this is a great fabric cutter that can last you a lifetime.
If you can look past the size and weight of this product it is a durable machine that you will not break or will go out of date.
The technology is timeless and it is durable which means once you buy this machine you won’t need another one.
