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Scan N Cut Techniques Class



Do you feel intimated by your Scan N Cut?  You will soon become confident in your ability to use it and be ready to experience all it has to offer….cutting fabric, creating stencils, glass etching, and more. And let’s not forget the world of vinyl - heat transfer vinyl (T shirts, garden flags, tote bags, pillows), removal vinyl (wall decorations), permanent vinyl (car window decals, signs, ornaments….) And did I mention bling?  Rhinestones!!!

For 2025, our class series will be offered at 2:00 pm the fourth Saturday of each month.  All SNC models will be welcomed but some techniques may be geared more toward the DX models. 

Please be sure you have the latest update loaded on your cutter, when applicable.  Brother Scan N Cut owners, check for updates here.

Review our Scan N Cut Basics videos on our YouTube channel.

2025:

February:  Canvas Workspace VIRTUAL LESSON

What is Canvas Workspace?

  •         FREE Brother owned proprietary software that complements the Brother Scan n Cut machine.
  •         Two versions of the software – Online Version and Download Version

Online requires you to be connected to the internet to use it.  Download version allows you to work “offline”.  The Download version will be used in class.

Canvas Workspace provides more detailed editing functions, imaging tracing and the ability to import SVG files.  You will learn how to transfer a file from Canvas Workspace to your SNC to be cut.  We will also discuss “Premium Functions” and how to activate them in Canvas Workspace and where to find the additional designs that are included with those functions.

In person is FULL.  Virtual is still available.

Class requirements:

  • Laptop/Computer with Canvas Workspace download version installed (see below). 
  • Scan N Cut Machine is not needed for this class. 
  • Paper/pen for taking notes.
  • USB stick for transferring designs to your Scan N Cut

Begin by going to:

https://support.brother.com/g/b/countrytop.aspx?c=us&lang=en

then follow the step by step instructions found here:  https://www.sewwhatde.com/shop/c/p/Brother-Canvas-Workspace-Download-Instructions-x88277617.htm  (Note this is a free download.)

IMPORTANT!!!

CANVAS WORKSPACE (download version) MUST BE INSTALLED ON YOUR LAPTOP/COMPUTER PRIOR TO COMING TO CLASS.



 March:  Adhesive Vinyl, Heat Transfer Vinyl and Iron On Foil


Learn the various types of vinyl – permanent, removable, and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and heat applied foil.  Use Canvas Workspace to import cut files/SVG’s (scalable vector graphics) into SNC.  Application of adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and foil will be included. Expand your creativity – the possibilities are endless using vinyls and foils

Supplies:

  • SNC machine and all accessories,
  • laptop with Canvas Workspace,
  • USB or Wireless connection for transferring your design to your SNC.   
  • Standard Mat/Standard Blade or Brother Vinyl Blade.
  • Adhesive vinyl,
  • transfer tape for adhesive vinyl and
  • item to place vinyl on.  

Adhesive vinyl can be applied to mugs, drinking glasses, label containers for organizing, or even wall for home decor,etc.  Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or foil can be applied to any flat item that can be ironed (blank t-shirt, tote bag, pillow cover, cloth napkin, etc). 


April: Fabric Cutting Techniques

Fabric prep is key to a successful cut.  Learn how to stabilize your quilting cotton using one of several options and which SNC blade and mat will give the best cut.  SNC built in quilt patterns will be used for hands on learning during class.  Scanning a pattern for applique and mastering “fussy cutting” fabric will also be demonstrated.  Discussion and demonstration of the Brother Rotary Blade will be included 

Supplies:
  • SNC machine and all accessories,
  • Selection of practice fabrics
  • Fabric Mat/Fabric Blade or Brother Standard Mat  with Fabric Adhesion Sheet applied / Standard Blade
  • Heat N Bond Lite or Terial Magic spray  

May: no class due to Memorial Day weekend

June:  Applique with Scan N Cut

Import a  .pes. phc or .phx applique embroidery stitch file into Canvas Workspace, extract the appliqué's cutting lines from the embroidery design and convert it to a  “.fcm" cutting file for the Scan N Cut.  This process enables you to take intricate embroidery designs and repurpose them for precise fabric cutting, ensuring that your applique pieces are perfectly shaped and fit seamlessly into your final project.

Supplies:
  • SNC machine and all accessories
  • laptop with Canvas Workspace
  • USB stick to transfer designs to your machine
  • Fabric for applique
  • Heat N Bond Lite or Terial Magic
  • very basic .pes, .phc. or .phx file format embroidery applique stitch file for practice
July:  Christmas in July - scan a printed pattern

It's time to start thinking about that holiday gift list.  Learn to scan a printed pattern into your Scan N Cut, transfer the scanned image into Canvas Workspace for editing purposes.  Import your edited design back to SNC, prep your fabric for the perfect cut and you are on your way to checking off that gift list!

 Supplies:

  • SNC machine and all accessories
  • laptop with Canvas Workspace
  • USB stick to transfer designs to your machine
  • Basic printed pattern / print out of basic clip art that can be scanned into your SNC.
  • Fabric
  • Heat and Bond Lite or Terial Magic

August - Creating stencils for glass etching

Using a built in design in your Scan n Cut we will create a stencil from adhesive vinyl.  You will then learn how to place the stencil on a glass item and apply etching cream such as Etch All or Armour Etch.  After required time, the etching cream is removed and your design revealed.

Supplies:

  • SNC machine and all accessories
  • scrap pieces of adhesive vinyl to cut your stencil
  • Clear glass item, such as a glass, mug, vase, or other container
  • Etching cream, application stick, and protective gloves will be available for $5.00

September:  Trick or Treat Scan N Cut Style, Brother Rhinestone Starter Kit

Use advanced techniques to create a custom Trick or Treat bag using materials like Glow in the Dark vinyl and Halloween fabric appliques. These methods can also be applied to apparel or home décor projects.  AND as a special “treat” step up your projects using the Brother Scan N Cut Rhinestone Starter Kit.  Using the activation card (in kit) and Canvas Workspace learn how to activate “Premium Function” to install your kit and “bling it on”!

Note:   Call the store for availability of Brother Rhinestone Starter Kit

Supplies:

  • SNC machine and all accessories
  • laptop with Canvas Workspace
  • USB stick to transfer designs to your machine
  • Blank fabric bag (tote bag, etc.)
  • Heat Transfer Vinyl for cutting design of your choice
  • Fabric with Heat n Bond Lite or Terial Magic if you prefer to do applique
  • Brother Rhinestone Kit (optional) if "bling" is your thing

October:  Creative Inspiration with Scan N Cut

Days are getting shorter, holidays are fast approaching and “to do” lists are growing longer.  Why not use your SNC to create personal gifts for family and friends using one of the “add on” kits available from Brother.  Foil Transfer Starter Kit, Paper Piercing Starter Kit, Embossing Starter Kit, and Calligraphy Starter Kit.  Examples of each kit will be demonstrated to get your creative juices flowing!   

Supplies:

  • notebook and pen for taking notes

November - 2025 SND Techniques Review, Q&A, Looking ahead to 2026

We have covered a lot of information!.  Still feeling some confusion?  Our last class of 2025 gives us the opportunity to review what we have learned over the year.  Bring any projects you would like to work on, any questions that need answers and lots of suggestions for 2026! 

Supplies:
  • Bring any project(s) you want to work on or show off
  • Questions
  • Ideas for 2026

December:  No class


Previous classes:

2023 

August - Glass Etching with your Scan N Cut

Now that you have mastered using your Scan N Cut for fabric projects, it’s time to expand the use of your SNC machine.  Learn the ins/outs of glass etching!  You will have a completed project by end of class.

Supplies for August:

Low Tack mat
Standard Blade (or for best results, the Vinyl Blade). 
Adhesive vinyl (removable or permanent) 12x12 inches,
Transfer tape 12x12 inches used to apply stencil,
glass object for etching (e.g. wine glass, plate, vase, clear glass container, etc.). 
Alcohol to clean glass item,
Etch All or Armour Etch cream for etching (available at craft stores or online.
Popsicle stick or small paint brush to apply etching cream. 
Disposable gloves.

This is a good project to use ANY color vinyl – e.g. colors you may have you don’t like or leftover scrap pieces large enough for the design).  Laptop/Canvas Workspace is not needed for this class.                                                                                                     

September - Adventures in Vinyl 

  

Discussion and samples of various types of vinyl – permanent, removable, heat transfer (HTV), glitter, glow in the dark, holographic, patterns
.  Learn the steps to create successful vinyl cut files, “weed” cut designs, apply designs using transfer tape or a heat press.  Use Canvas Workspace to import SVG (scalable vector graphic) and transfer by USB to SNC.

Supplies for September:

Standard Tack Mat,
Low Tack Mat,
Standard Blade or Vinyl Blade (for best cut).   
 Laptop with Canvas Workspace (download version) and USB stick for transferring designs from Canvas Workspace to SNC.  
Adhesive vinyl  (color of choice, 12x12 inch piece),
Transfer Tape for transferring design 12x12 inch piece). (Transfer tape is not needed for HTV. )
Blank cup/tumbler for “hands on” vinyl application.   
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) (color of choice 12x12inch piece). 
Blank flat item for HTV application (e.g. shirt, bag, pillow cover, apron, etc.). 
Baby Wipes (fragrance/alcohol free) for cleaning mat,
Lint roller to prepare HTV item.  

Casserole Dish Hot Pads or Mini Wallhanging for Halloween



Whistlepig Creek Productions – Biggie Hots for Halloween Casserole Dish Hot Pads

Learn how to scan in and edit a purchased pattern using your Brother Scan N Cut.  10”x14” Hot Pad for casserole dishes or can be used as a mini holiday wallhanging.


Supplies for October:

Fabric Mat/Fabric Blade.
Laptop with Canvas Workspace (download version). 
Pattern available from Sew What. 
Fat quarter  --- Fabric 1 Background and Backing, 
Fabric 2  Border, 1/6 yd.
Fabric 3 Binding. 
Lightweight Fusible Webbing (Lt. Steam a Seam 2. 
Fat quarter or 1/3 yd Cotton Batting,
Fat quarter or 1/3 yd insulating batting. 
Additional fabric needed for appliques – see pattern. 
Sewing machine with matching threads.

November - Paper Piercing, Embossing and Calligraphy with Brother Scan N Cut

  

Brother Scan N Cut Kits – Embossing, Paper Piercing and Calligraphy

Using the SNC Paper Piercing Kit, cardstock and vellum create a personalized stationery set using designs included in the kit.  Emboss on metal using the SNC Embossing Kit.  Use the SNC Calligraphy Kit and no one will know you did not spend hours with pen in hand!
Class will demonstrate each kit and include “hands on” for those that have the kit(s) Don’t have the kit(s) listed? Come to class and learn what you are missing ….get inspired to take your SNC to a new level!!! 

Samples from all three kits will be available at Sew What! 

 NOTE:  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING ANY OF THE ABOVE KITS PLEASE CONTACT SEW WHAT ASAP TO ALLOW FOR ORDERING TIME IF THEY ARE NOT CURRENTLY IN STOCK AT THE STORE.                                                                    

Supplies for November:

Paper Piercing Kit/ Embossing Kit/Calligraphy Kit. 
All SNC mats/blades and accessories. 
Laptop with Canvas Workspace (download version).
Cardstock,
vellum paper,
Brother Embossing Metal Sheets,. 

This class will introduce you to the many resources available under the Canvas/Project tab of the Canvas Workspace software. Just in time for summer, we will applique a beach bag using the Hawaiian Quilt project.


Supplies:  SNC Machine and all accessories, Fabric Mat/Blade or Mat with High Tack Fabric Support Sheet. USB stick to transfer designs to your SNC. Cotton fabric – 3 colors, Iron-on adhesive sheet and a fabric bag.


If you wish to participate in class hands on, we recommend that you bring your cutter (and computer with Canvas Workspace for some projects) as well as the accessories that came with your machine, plus any extras you may have purchased along the way.  Each class will have a specific supply list detailed above.

Additionally, some helpful tools are:  Terial Magic (for working with fabric), a Non Stick pressing sheet (when working with fusible web), Clear Packing Tape (in case you cut through your mat), and a rolling tote to carry it all in!

Past projects:

January - New Owners Class/Refresher for Alumni



Over view of SNC for new owners or alumni who would like a “refresher”. After reviewing what the SNC has to offer, we will put our new skills to work creating a pattern for a dust cover for your machine, scan in the pattern, cut fabric and go over assembly details. Sewing of the dust cover will be completed at home so no need to bring a sewing machine to class

Supplies: paper, pencil, ¾ yard fabric, Scan N Cut Machine, all accessories with machine, Fabric Mat/Blade (or Mat with Fabric Adhesion Sheet)

February - Canvas Workspace





This class is an introduction to the free software that accompanies your Brother Scan and Cut Machine. We will be working with the “Downloaded” version (vs. Online Version which requires an internet connection). Canvas Workspace provides more detailed editing functions, imaging tracing and the ability to import SVG files. You will learn how to transfer a file from Canvas Workspace to your SNC to be cut.  We will also explore “Premium Functions”, how to activate them in Canvas Workspace, and where to find the additional designs that are included with those functions.

https://canvasworkspace.brother.com/en

Supplies:SNC machine and all accessories, Laptop with Canvas Workspace download version installed and a USB stick to transfer designs to your machine. (https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/161448/~/how-to-download-canvasworkspace-for-pc)

March - Scan N Cut DX Roll Feeder





This class will teach you how to install the Scan and Cut DX Roll Feeder.  Using the roll feeder you are able to cut up to 6 ft of vinyl (without a mat).  In addition to the designs that come with your roll feeder, there are two other design packs available for purchase from Sew What.  This is a great way to create large scale wall designs, banners, etc.

Supplies:  SNC Machine and all accessories including the DX Roll Feeder.
Laptop with Canvas Workspace download version, USB stick to transfer your design. Roll of
vinyl (permanent or removal adhesive vinyl) – available for purchase from SEW WHAT. Two
additional Premium Packs of designs are also available at Sew What as a
“Pre-Order"

April - Scan N Cut Rotary Blade





Using the Rotary Blade/Kit see how to cut delicate materials such as tulle, sequin or velvet without fraying. Cut materials without backing—no need for iron on applique sheet with rotary blade. 63 cut files included in the kit along with a project book for plush lettering, stuffed animals and more!  Using a built in design students will complete a 3D Bouquet Applique.

Supplies: SNC Machine and all accessories, SNC Rotary Blade/Kit (Pre order from Sew What) , Laptop with Canvas Workspace, USB stick to transfer designs to your SNC.  To complete the project students will need 4 types of fabric, iron on double sided adhesive, 3 buttons and ribbon.

May - Scan N Cut Applique Pillow Cover



In this class we will cut an intricate applique pattern using a "built in" design in your Scan N Cut.  (Design  AR-P105 under Patterns)  Design size (and fabric needed) will depend on your finished pillow cover size.

Supplies:  
SNC Machine and all accessories, 
Gold Fabric Mat and Gold Fabric Blade 
       (or Standard Mat with High Tack Fabric Support Sheet attached). 
Two pieces of cotton fabric (1 for wreath/1 for bird)
Heat and Bond Lite
Pre-made pillow cover (available for pre purchase at Sew What)
Design AR-P105  (This design is in your Scan N Cut under Patterns)
 
Pillow cover applique will be "finished" using a stitch of your choosing as your "homework".



June - Hawaiian Quilt Bag




July - Christmas in July!  Kringle No Sew Wreath featuring cork or faux leather




Supplies for July include

“Kringle” Wreath Pattern available for purchase from Sew What
Cork fabric or faux leather for leaves – 25”wide  1/3 yd
Contrast – cork fabric or faux leather for bow  25” – 1/8 yd
12” Grapevine or Straw Wreath for base
Jingle Bells for embellishment – 1 inch    
10-15 bells
Hot glue or permanent glue, scissors, chalk or removable pen


Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Details: You must have completed new owner's class or have a good understanding of the use of your cutter. Scan N Cut Basic videos available on our You tube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z67Y9J4K5vY&list=PLqEAsZPCCJMoTx-NztKzDHF5_5VtesHSQ
Instructor: Teresa Holton
Instructor Bio: Teresa currently teaches the Scan N Cut Classes. Previously she has taught Floriani Total Control and Premier Plus software classes as well as new owners sewing and embroidery machines classes.
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Models purchased from Sew What! inc. eligible for a discounted class rate of $29.99. Please call 302.397.8091 to enroll.

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This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.
To adequately prepare for classes and events, we ask that you please register at least 2 weeks prior to the start date.  Your space in class will not be held withhout payment.  Each class has a minimum, and maximum, number of students and may fill, or be cancelled, prior to your payment.

If a minimum number of students is not met, you will be notified, and your class fees refunded, at least 1 week prior to the class start date.  If you need to cancel cancel, please call the store at least 1 week prior to class for a full refund. No refunds of class or kit fees will be issued for cancellations under 1 week before the class start date. No shows will forfeit class and kit fees.


Upon registration, please review the list of supplies needed for the class on the class listing. All supplies should be purchased prior to class. Classes typically do not include time to purchase supplies. Unless otherwise noted, all supplies are available at Sew What! Inc.  Students will receive a 10% discount on all supplies listed.

We are diligent about enforcing copyright laws; if a book, pattern or embroidery design is required for a class, each student must purchase their own copy. There are no exceptions.

Students should bring their sewing machine with all of the appropriate parts (including the instruction manual, foot control and power cord). Students must be familiar with the basic operation (i.e. winding a bobbin and threading the machine) of their machine for creative classes, and the machine must be in good working condition. Alternatively, a student may pre-register to rent a sewing machine (when avail;able) for creative classes at a rental rate of $20 per class session.  Students who experiences great difficulty with their sewing machine during class may need to rent a machine.

Please be considerate of others. Do not bring children to class, wear heavy perfume or use cell phones during class. Please be prepared to start class on time.  Our doors typically open 30 minutes prior to your class start time to allow you to set up your sewing space. Classes begin and end promptly at the scheduled time.