In this video, I show you how to use a DIY fabric stiffener on fabric so that you can use the fabric for earrings with your Cricut. The fabric stiffener does two things: it makes the fabric less flimsy and it holds the fabric fibers together well so that you have less frays and fuzz (like with faux leather). Some tips for you:
Wait until your fabric is thoroughly dry, waiting until the next day before you use it.
Iron or press your fabric to make it very flat. It will adhere to your mat better this way.
Tape is your friend. Use tape to hold the fabric down to your mat. Since the fabric is treated with the stiffener, it tends to get pushed around a bit by the blade if you do not adhere it down very well to the mat.
If your fabric has much of a texture, use strong grip tape behind it for extra hold.
I cut my fabric with the pretty side up. In case the fabric did not cut all the way through, I wanted to be able to snip off the back side instead of the front side. I do not know if this made a difference, but it worked very well for me.
If you know how to make it where the rotary blades meets back up with itself as it should, please let me know:
Settings I used:
Light Faux Suede - Light Fabric (Like Silk) Setting
Thin Cotton Fabrics - Light Cotton Setting
Upholstery/Curtain Fabrics/Denim - Heavy Fabric (Like Denim) Setting
Faux Leather - Shimmer Leather Setting (with more pressure added)
Burlap Fabrics - Burlap Setting