Nothing? Silence? Wow...would have thought at least one person might have had a present-day take on the situation...
Applique Cutter Reccomendation
Hello out there folks;
Ok, I have done the searching, read a dozen or more threads on this subject, and still feel there's merit to kicking this dead horse one more time, for two reasons:
1) Most of the threads on the subject are getting old. There's new equipment out there.
2) Some (most) of the information is....inconclusive and more opinion than "heck yeah, here's how".
Ok, here goes. I want to do multi layer twill appliques. Doesn't everyone?
I know the answer to my question is the Ioline. It does it all, the cutting, multi layer kiss cut, creates the sew disk. This is best most favorite option number 1. It's also a wheelbarrow full of money.
Is anybody out there doing similar work WITHOUT an Ioline? I'm talking about layered up twill all kiss-cut in one stack. Anyone doing this with the GS-24 (new version of the GX-24)? How about the Silhouette Cameo? Some other machine? How are you creating your sew files? Twill Stitch Pro?
Based on cost alone, I'd like the answer to be Twill Stitch Pro and a Cameo 3, but I'm not interested if I have to cut all the layers separately then manually line them up. I'm basically looking for a less expensive alternative to the Ioline, but the same process. I get that with Ioline it's one program, one step....I totally want one, but I don't wanna spend that cash. I'm happy with a multi-step process.
Ok, there it is! Lemme have it!
Thanks; Mike
Ok, I have done the searching, read a dozen or more threads on this subject, and still feel there's merit to kicking this dead horse one more time, for two reasons:
1) Most of the threads on the subject are getting old. There's new equipment out there.
2) Some (most) of the information is....inconclusive and more opinion than "heck yeah, here's how".
Ok, here goes. I want to do multi layer twill appliques. Doesn't everyone?
I know the answer to my question is the Ioline. It does it all, the cutting, multi layer kiss cut, creates the sew disk. This is best most favorite option number 1. It's also a wheelbarrow full of money.
Is anybody out there doing similar work WITHOUT an Ioline? I'm talking about layered up twill all kiss-cut in one stack. Anyone doing this with the GS-24 (new version of the GX-24)? How about the Silhouette Cameo? Some other machine? How are you creating your sew files? Twill Stitch Pro?
Based on cost alone, I'd like the answer to be Twill Stitch Pro and a Cameo 3, but I'm not interested if I have to cut all the layers separately then manually line them up. I'm basically looking for a less expensive alternative to the Ioline, but the same process. I get that with Ioline it's one program, one step....I totally want one, but I don't wanna spend that cash. I'm happy with a multi-step process.
Ok, there it is! Lemme have it!
Thanks; Mike
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
I bought a laser engraver/cutter (chinese from ebay) to do the cutting. The nice thing is that it's repeatable, and if you're using a poly twill material, it seals the outer edge so it doesnt unravel.
Down side of course is then you'll want to use it for more than just cutting twill...
Andy
Down side of course is then you'll want to use it for more than just cutting twill...
Andy
You probably found a write-up I did years ago on twill stitch pro and the GX24. The GX24 finally gave up the ghost last year, replaced it with a GS24 since ALL of our cut files are already in CutStudio, didn't want to have to recreate hundreds of files...
I don't see any easy way to do multi-layer cutting on the GS24. I keep the GS24 mainly for cutting sign vinyl and HTV. For cutting twill, I have a KNK Zing we use - less wear and tear on the roland and I also cut fabric on the zing.
I don't see any easy way to do multi-layer cutting on the GS24. I keep the GS24 mainly for cutting sign vinyl and HTV. For cutting twill, I have a KNK Zing we use - less wear and tear on the roland and I also cut fabric on the zing.
Yessir. That's one of the threads I read through a couple of times. Helped quite a bit.You probably found a write-up I did years ago on twill stitch pro and the GX24.
Are you doing multi-layer on the Zing? It looks like it has some serious potential.For cutting twill, I have a KNK Zing
I to have done a bunch of looking into this. Not many other options out there. Been figuring on just saving up for a laser cutter. From what I have read the ioline is only really good for twill, where as a laser will do more types of felt, etc for the distressed looks. And it can do a bunch of other things.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
We do a lot of 2 layer greek letter shirts and stuff. For 4 inch letters, we use an accucut die cutter. Quick but expensive since every variation needs a new die... haven't bought a die since I bought the Zing. We do.2 layer but cut them seperately, heat press them onto the shirts, then use an embroidery machine to zig-zag the edges. Even with the ioline, 2 layer cutting is not a one step process, you have to adjust the blade for the 2nd cut. I suppose it might work on the zing, I never tried it.
I'm not expecting a one-step pushbutton operation. I'm ok with a process, so if the Zing/software can be manipulated such that I can do kiss-cuts....I think that's the winner. The Zing also claims a higher force capability (1000g) than even the Ioline (700g), so it should be able to do this....I'm thinking a 3-layer twill would be my max...but who knows?
If I understand it correctly, the ioline you have to set the blade to cut the top layer, then set the blade to cut through both. I've never used an ioline so I don't know how involved that is. For the zing, if I were to try it, I would probably buy 2 blades and blade holders and switch them instead of trying to change things each time. I would hate to lead you down a dead end street so all I can say is I've never tried it with the Zing. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't....
Fair enough! Like was said in the Apollo 13 movie...I don't care what it was designed to do...I care about what it -can- do... I think the Zing cutter is a promising alternative to Ioline...even with the purchase of TwillStitchPro...
I have been looking at getting DraWings X essentials instead of TwillStitch. Seems to have all the same Appliqué functions as TwillStitch, plus more vector digitizing capabilities.
I expanded to Embroidery from Heat transfers and Vinyl, so all my artwork is in Adobe Illustrator.ai format.
Anybody here have any experience with TwillStitch pro vs DraWings X?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I expanded to Embroidery from Heat transfers and Vinyl, so all my artwork is in Adobe Illustrator.ai format.
Anybody here have any experience with TwillStitch pro vs DraWings X?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I would also consider Hatch instead of twillstitch pro but I dont remember if it works with vector shapes. If it does, it would give you lettering capabilites as well. Maybe try their 30 day trial?
I have the 30 day trial of hatch right now. No vector capabilities what so ever, I actually have to save my work as a bitmap (raster) to open it in Hatch.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You've said you said you're not interested if you have to cut all the layers separately, then you say you'd be happy with a multi-step process. So what's it to be?Hello out there folks;
Ok, I have done the searching, read a dozen or more threads on this subject, and still feel there's merit to kicking this dead horse one more time, for two reasons:
1) Most of the threads on the subject are getting old. There's new equipment out there.
2) Some (most) of the information is....inconclusive and more opinion than "heck yeah, here's how".
Ok, here goes. I want to do multi layer twill appliques. Doesn't everyone?
I know the answer to my question is the Ioline. It does it all, the cutting, multi layer kiss cut, creates the sew disk. This is best most favorite option number 1. It's also a wheelbarrow full of money.
Is anybody out there doing similar work WITHOUT an Ioline? I'm talking about layered up twill all kiss-cut in one stack. Anyone doing this with the GS-24 (new version of the GX-24)? How about the Silhouette Cameo? Some other machine? How are you creating your sew files? Twill Stitch Pro?
Based on cost alone, I'd like the answer to be Twill Stitch Pro and a Cameo 3, but I'm not interested if I have to cut all the layers separately then manually line them up. I'm basically looking for a less expensive alternative to the Ioline, but the same process. I get that with Ioline it's one program, one step....I totally want one, but I don't wanna spend that cash. I'm happy with a multi-step process.
Ok, there it is! Lemme have it!
Thanks; Mike
There are cutters with greater cutting force than the ioline. My Silver Bullet for instance has a cutting force of 1250grams. I don't cut fabrics though so can't really offer any valuable advice other than to say that people I know who do cut fabrics spray them first with a fabric stiffener (which washes out) and use a hard-tack cutting mat.
I don't want to have to cut three separate pieces of fabric and then have to line them up by eye later on.You've said you said you're not interested if you have to cut all the layers separately, then you say you'd be happy with a multi-step process. So what's it to be?
I am ok with going from a program to make the sew disk to a program to do the cutting and jumping around on that stuff. I'm trying to get at a solution, like the ioline, where I stick down the layers on the cutter, then when it's done peel the whole applique stack off and take it over to the embroidery machine.
If I was doing only simple numbers and stuff then it would be fine to cut say a white background and a purple foreground and eyeball line them up in the hoop, but I want to be able to do more intricate stuff and I don't want to have to bother with registration marks or placement stitches or anything.
Guess you'll just have to bite the bullet then and buy an ioline. In a way, you've answered your own question! 😉
Bummer Jerome... I had the trial last year, didn't remember if it worked with vectors or not... Guess you would have to buy their higher level software to get vector capabilities. I will probably buy Hatch when I finally get fed up with Embroidery Office crashing constantly and just keep EO for vector stuff and sequin digitizing.I have the 30 day trial of hatch right now. No vector capabilities what so ever, I actually have to save my work as a bitmap (raster) to open it in Hatch.
I'm not sure how the newer version of twillstitch pro is, the earlier version I had was not very intuitive. Once I finally figured it out, it was decent.
To the OP - if you buy an ioline, IIRC it comes with the software to create stitch file so that's a plus. I've seen a couple of Ioline's pop up for sale on digitsmith in the last couple of months, might want to keep an eye open there.
Bummer Jerome... I had the trial last year, didn't remember if it worked with vectors or not... Guess you would have to buy their higher level software to get vector capabilities. I will probably buy Hatch when I finally get fed up with Embroidery Office crashing constantly and just keep EO for vector stuff and sequin digitizing.
I'm not sure how the newer version of twillstitch pro is, the earlier version I had was not very intuitive. Once I finally figured it out, it was decent.
To the OP - if you buy an ioline, IIRC it comes with the software to create stitch file so that's a plus. I've seen a couple of Ioline's pop up for sale on digitsmith in the last couple of months, might want to keep an eye open there.
I got the trial of the highest version of hatch. It is not promising for me only because My only graphic design background is Adobe Illustrator and everything Wilcom seems very bitmap based.
Also recently got the demo version of TwillStitch pro. It is supposed to open Illustrator files but I am having issues with it as well. I use Creative Cloud 2018 and when I open my .ai files (i am trying just a basic large chest collegiate arch text) all the objects (letters) are center aligned on top of each other. Unusable. I tried to save as far back as a CS5 with same results.
Saved file as a .svg and it opened in TwillStitch with the proper layout, but somehow it is resized from original vector so that is no help either.
My impression of the demo of TwillStitch is that it is a bit outdated, and definitely not very intuitive on top of the fact there is very little support (like 3 very outdated youtube videos) and especially for someone just starting out with no previous digitizing experience.
I really want to get an understanding of hatch just incase I need to make minor adjustments to the .emb file I get from my digitizer along with the .dst.
Leaning more and more towards getting DraWings X. It looks promising as it is 100% vector based. The people who have been helping me get started love it. They showed me a few things and digitized some of my files quick with it. Wasn’t in love with the results, but we did it in 5 minutes, So Im sure with some tweaking it would be fine. The work they are doing is amazing.
Drawings X also appears to do all of the Appliqué functions as TwillStich, and they at least have a bunch of training videos on there site. I am a little leery of having to deal with Digital Art Solutions, I don’t like any of those all-in-one business in a box solution companies, and every time I talk to them all they talk about Corel Draw so they can sell me the rest of there software. I work with primarily corporate businesses and graphic designers who provide me with .ai for everything. Corel isn’t happening.
As for actually cutting the Appliqué, For now I figure I can get the twill on a carrier sheet from Stahls and cut in my graphtec cutter.
I have seen a few used iolines, but I am nervous it can only really do kisscut twill. I don’t want to lay out that kind of money for that specific of a use. This would be nice but Many of my clients want me to start putting out a distressed look with fabrics, which my understanding really requires a laser cutter.
Unfortunately when this thread started I was hoping someone would chime in about more specifics with lasers. I have seen some stuff about kisscutting twill with laser but setting different cut strengths to only cut through certain layers, but nothing in depth.
I have barely had my embroidery machine 2 months and I feel like 6 months of planning and research is already completely out the window. Everything has been more complicated or not worked as expected.
Only bright side is I am selling so many cap jobs to current printing customers and just sold the biggest screen printing job I have ever had just because the order has a few embroidered hoodies for the owners wives and a few hats.
Within a few months I am probably gonna need another machine just so I can keep one set up full time for caps and one full time for flats. Good problems.
Anybody have more info on Lasers?
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Sorry, no experience with them. I was seriously looking at lasers earlier this year. I was toying with buying one of the chinese lasers for around $3.5K but really could not find anyone who was using one for cutting fabric. I looked at a couple at ISS-AC and really liked them until I heard the price tag... I don't have enough business to justify spending $20K+ on a laser and I don't see enough other opportunities right now to expand into. I think it was US Laser? had one that really intrigued me, they were using some HTV from Stahls and using the laser to cut the entire design out of a sheet of HTV.... no weeding, the laser did it all and the level of detail was amazing. Nice, but not at that price...Anybody have more info on Lasers?
Thanks to everyone so far for the responses. I think this is a good discussion to have. The way technology changes it's prudent to stay on top of new ways of doing things. I'm nowhere near needing a laser but it is a good option.
The ONLY thing the Ioline has going for it that sets it apart is the included software that lets you design, cut, and create a sew disk all in one program. Is this worth seven grand? I'm not so sure. Is the Ioline cutter unit worth seven grand? Absolutely not.
As to the kiss-cut layered material original question, I think, after much more research, I'll basically have to risk the cost of a cutter and try it myself since nobody else has tried it. (Probably the Zing.) Just because something wasn't designed to do something, doesn't mean it can't do it.
-Mike
I completely disagree. The Ioline cutter unit itself in my opinion is not that special. I think the regular version is only good to 210g of force. (Not sure what the high force version is rated at.) The flatbed design is sturdy, but cuts down on speed capability because you're not just moving the medium being cut, you're moving a whole big heavy table. Other cutters that just use medum stuck to a mat can cut much faster and more accurately since they don't have as much mass to fling around.Guess you'll just have to bite the bullet then and buy an ioline. In a way, you've answered your own question!
The ONLY thing the Ioline has going for it that sets it apart is the included software that lets you design, cut, and create a sew disk all in one program. Is this worth seven grand? I'm not so sure. Is the Ioline cutter unit worth seven grand? Absolutely not.
As to the kiss-cut layered material original question, I think, after much more research, I'll basically have to risk the cost of a cutter and try it myself since nobody else has tried it. (Probably the Zing.) Just because something wasn't designed to do something, doesn't mean it can't do it.
-Mike
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
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