# Best cutting machines for fabric and quilting Source: https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-fabric Publisher: Blade & Mat. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://bladeandmat.com/how-we-pick Cutting fabric is harder than cutting vinyl. Unbacked cotton shifts and frays under a drag blade, so fabric work depends on the blade, the mat and how the machine holds the cloth. Brother ScanNCut machines lead here: Brother sells rotary and thin fabric auto blades, a tacky fabric mat, and the machines ship with built-in quilt patterns you can cut from the touchscreen. The Cricut Maker 5 lists fabric among its 300+ materials, and the Silhouette Cameo 5 Alpha lists fabric up to 3 mm. This guide compares each listing on the fabric blade included, the mat, the thickness limit, built-in quilting content and how you design. Seam allowance tools are not described in these listings, so check that on the product page if you plan to cut pieced quilt blocks. ## Picks ### 1. Cricut Maker® 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content, Slate Blue Card mat: Not stated; Scoring: Scoring Tool included; Pen/writing: Writes and draws, snap-in pen holder; Card supplies in box: Printable Vinyl and materials for up to 65 projects; Max cut width: 12 in (30.5 cm) The newest Maker. The listing states it cuts 300+ materials, including leather and foam core up to 3 mm, engraves metal and acrylic, and works with 13 tools. The pick for crafters who want one machine for everything. What the listing offers: - Listing states 3 mm cutting for thicker materials like leather and foam core board, plus engraving on metal and acrylic. - Works with 13 tools to cut, engrave, write, foil, score and deboss, and has a new snap-in pen holder. - Essential Bundle includes the Scoring Tool, Engraving Tool and materials the listing says cover up to 65 projects. Limits to know: - Specialty tools beyond those in the bundle are sold separately, so the full 13-tool range costs extra. - The listing does not state how it connects to your phone or computer; check the product page before buying. ### 2. Silhouette America Cameo 5 Alpha (α) - Smart Cutting Machine for Print & Cut - Quiet Operation with AutoBlade, Studio Software, Cutting Mat- Matte Black (Machine) Max material thickness: 3 mm; Max cut width: Not stated; Blades/tools: AutoBlade; cuts, sketches and embosses; Software: Silhouette Studio; Connectivity: Not stated Silhouette's main 12 inch class machine handles vinyl to fabric up to 3 mm thick, with 4-point print and cut registration and speeds up to 400 mm/s. The cheapest way here to leave Design Space behind. What the listing offers: - Materials up to 3 mm thick, including fabric and heat transfer, according to the listing. - 4-point registration with vertical and horizontal correction for accurate print and cut stickers. - Runs on Silhouette Studio software instead of Cricut Design Space. Limits to know: - The listing does not state cut width or connection type. - No engraving or debossing tool is mentioned, which the Maker line offers. ### 3. Brother ScanNCut SDX125EGY Electronic DIY Cutting Machine with Scanner, Plus Rotary Auto Blade Kit and Fabric Mat Max material thickness: 3 mm; Blades/tools: Auto blade plus CADXRBKIT1 Rotary Auto Blade Kit; Screen: 5 in touch screen; Connectivity: USB port and wireless; Built-in designs: 682 (100 quilt patterns, 9 fonts) The SDX125 machine bundled with Brother's rotary blade kit and a CADXMATF12 fabric mat. The cheapest way in this list to get a ScanNCut set up for fabric. What the listing offers: - Bundle includes the CADXRBKIT1 Rotary Auto Blade Kit and CADXMATF12 Fabric Mat, per the listing. - Same scanner and 3 mm auto blade as the SDX125E for paper, vinyl and chipboard work. - Costs less than the SDX325 while adding fabric-specific tools in the box. Limits to know: - Only 682 built-in designs, fewer than the SDX325 and SDX230Di listings. - The listing does not state the size of the included fabric mat beyond its model number. ### 4. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX325 Electronic Cutting Machine Max material thickness: 3 mm; Max cut width: Not stated; Blades/tools: Blade Sensor auto blade; Thin Fabric Auto Blade named; Software: On-screen editing, 5 in touch screen; Connectivity: Wireless network ready The top ScanNCut DX listing with the most quilt patterns and fonts and a focus on fabric cutting. Suits quilters who want the biggest built-in library. What the listing offers: - The listing names 1,303 built-in designs, including 140 quilt patterns and 17 lettering fonts. - Thin Fabric Auto Blade support is listed for quilting and raw edge applique pieces. - Blade Sensor Technology detects material thickness and cuts up to 3 mm. Limits to know: - Costs about twice the SDX125E while listing the same 3 mm limit and 5 in screen. - The listing does not clearly state what blades and mats ship in the box, so confirm before buying. ### 5. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX230Di Disney Cutting Machine, Includes 152 Built-in Disney Designs for Vinyl, Paper Crafting, and More, white/ red Max material thickness: 3 mm; Blades/tools: Blade Sensor auto blade; Screen: 5 in LCD touch screen; Connectivity: Wireless network ready; Built-in designs: 1,435 (152 Disney, 140 quilt, 17 fonts) A Disney-themed ScanNCut DX with the largest built-in design count in this guide. Worth it if Disney designs are part of what you plan to make. What the listing offers: - The listing states 1,435 built-in designs, including 152 Disney designs and 140 quilt patterns. - Blade Sensor Technology cuts up to 3 mm and detects material thickness automatically. - Wireless network ready for sending designs from a PC, phone or tablet. Limits to know: - The Disney styling and designs drive the price premium over the SDX125E. - The listing says it is for US 120 volt use only and other use voids the warranty. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.