Cutting Fabric with the Rotary Blade on the Cameo 4

So, I set out to create this adorable Thanksgiving tea towel!  (Guest towel from All About Blanks.)    I used the drawing tools & Flexi-shapes in Silhouette Studio software to create the design.  And the “Happy Thanksgiving” is from the Silhouette Design Store #22811, cut from Siser Heat Transfer Vinyl.

This design is cut from Ultrasuede fabric.   Ultrasuede is a soft, micro-fiber type of fabric, consisting of a polyester blend.  It feels like natural suede, but it is resistant to stains and can be washed in a washing machine.   The great thing about using it for this type of appliqué, there are no fuzzy edges & it doesn’t ravel.  So, you don’t have to sew it down – but it could be glued or adhered to another object with some type of adhesive.    I wanted to stitch it down for this project, however — it was great to not have to completely cover or secure the raw edges.  Just used a basic zig-zag stitch.

Tips on working with fabric and the Rotary Blade:

• Use a brand new, super sticky, or strong hold mat to secure the fabric.
• There is no stabilizer or backing needed
• Use a brayer or similar type of item to be sure your fabric is totally secured to the mat.
• Always test cut to be sure you are using the correct settings.
• Occasionally, a few threads do not cut all the way through — but are easily snipped with sharp scissors.

Facts About the Cameo 4 and Rotary Blade:

• The Rotary blade can ONLY be used in the Tool 2 Holder on the Cameo 4
• The Rotary blade can NOT be used on any other Silhouette machine.
• The Tool 2 Holder is where you will be able to increase the downward force for clean cutting on fabric
• Rotary Blades are currently not available, but will be shipping soon!!  I promise that I will be sharing that information as soon as they are available.

With the rotary blade in Tool Holder 2, you can select your design and Send it to Cut.   In the software, you must select Tool 2, as well as the type of materials you will be cutting.   There is no blade setting, but a Force & Speed.   I will be sharing more specific details for different fabrics in upcoming posts, but for today – -I just wanted to share with you that I am VERY excited about this & have been very successful in getting good, clean cuts on a variety of fabric!

These leaves are Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric — which is a thin, 100% cotton quilting weight fabric.

These shapes are ones that I created in Silhouette Studio, using the Flexi-Shapes feature.   They are cut from Ultrasuede fabric, that I described above.

These Flexi-Shapes have been cut from craft acrylic felt.   You can purchase this at most craft and fabric stores.

This heart is from the Silhouette Design Store & was cut from Benzie Wool Blend Felt.   I love this felt for appliqué – It is 20-35% merino wool, soft, flexible and approximately 1mm thick.   And they have so many beautiful colors!  

Three of the partners that I recommend for purchasing the Cameo 4 are Silhouette America, Heat Press Nation & Swing Design!  These are all great supporters of the All Things Silhouette Conference!

If you are attending the All Things Silhouette Conference, you can learn more about the Cameo 4 and Rotary blade in my class!!  We will be creating an adorable banner project!    We still have a few spaces remaining!

FYI – This post may contain affiliate advertising. This means that if you click a link in the post, I may make a commission based on your purchase. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, and the commissions I earn allow me to keep sharing tutorials & info with you.