ScanNCutTutorials

ScanNCut Techniques: Cutting Vinyl & Understanding Direct Cut vs. Scan to Cut Data

I've got two quick and easy ScanNCut technique videos for you today!  Both of them are based on questions I get asked a lot.

First up is cutting vinyl.  The ScanNCut does a great job cutting vinyl, especially if you take a few extra steps to ensure that the finished design makes it to your final surface exactly the way you intended!  Watch the video for the how-to:

And here's the vinyl cut from the video:

from the Balzer Designs Blog: #ScanNCut Techniques: Cutting Vinyl & Understanding Direct Cut vs. Scan to Cut Data
from the Balzer Designs Blog: #ScanNCut Techniques: Cutting Vinyl & Understanding Direct Cut vs. Scan to Cut Data
This second video should clear up some confusion about the differences between "direct cut" and "scan to cut data."  

Essentially, you just have to think of "scan to cut data" as a cut file that can be manipulated and saved while "direct cut" is cutting exactly what you see.

from the Balzer Designs Blog: #ScanNCut Techniques: Cutting Vinyl & Understanding Direct Cut vs. Scan to Cut Data
Additionally, you can only cut around an image (not inside the loops) with "direct cut," unless you use my "direct cut" hack.

Hope that helps you get the most out of your machine!  

If you have ScanNCut questions, please contact Brother Customer Support: 1-877-BROTHER (877-276-8437), M-F, 9:00am to 6:00pm EST.  You can also fill out this online form.

Thanks for stopping by!

Disclosure: I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All opinions and projects are my own.

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

24 thoughts on “ScanNCut Techniques: Cutting Vinyl & Understanding Direct Cut vs. Scan to Cut Data

  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    Hope you are having a good time on your trip.
    Thank you for showing both of these videos. The cutting vinyl and the difference between Direct cut and scan to cut.
    I did see you other video and did my practice.
    I am doing a project now that I am using iron on vinyl on fabric. I am hoping that Brother will come out with iron on vinyl too.
    Cannot wait to see you on HSN. I will be watching. I love it when you come on HSN.
    Be safe and have a great time on your trip.
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Ahaaa Now I get it. Thanks Julie.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply
  • Julie, Thanks! That really cleared up some questions I had especially the transfer sheet for the vinyl.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *