Sewing Hack! Laser Cutting Fabric for FAST Production (using my Thunder Nova 35)

I HATE cutting out fabric. It is the least fun aspect of bag making... or any sewing project really. You can absolutely use a craft cutter, but they can be slow. The laser in this video is my big gorl! It's a Thunder Laser USA Nova 35 (100W) with a whopping 35" wide x 24" deep bed. I don't typically have videos of this one. In fact, I think it's the first? It's not as accessible to most given its size and power requirements, but Thunder does have smaller models that pack just as much of a punch and won't break the bank!
No, I'm not partnered or sponsored by them. ;)
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[@NicaMiller]

Once again sending this to my partner for further proof that I need a laser.

[@wandamosley9256]

You are so entertaining! I always wanted to make bags. I’m nearing retirement in about 5 yrs, but I’m ready to make a change from nursing. Enjoying your content.

[@kwilterkris]

This is amazing, I love this! . My middle daughter is a grad student and still lives at home. As a thank you to me, she will cut out several bags and interfacing for me when I am at work and she has some free time. I currently have about 7-10 bags and interfacing cut out in my to-do drawer. But when she leaves home, I will have to look into this

[@sweetp1015]

Omg! My husband knew I was going to need a larger laser. lol 😝 love this. You better believe I’m going to try and fit all I can in mine.

[@fiercekittenz]

That's what happened to me. I realized I wasn't going to be able to do anything at the level I wanted with a hobby-sized laser. It's why I eventually upgraded to the 35" bed. If I had the room for it, I would have gone for the 51".

[@karlh6692]

I have one and it also does a great job on eva foam for quilting, bag interfacing and pattern testing with a cheap material.

[@khristymadeit]

I have the same laser machine and I just started cutting out my bags. This is so funny. I stumbled across your video. Thank you!

[@fiercekittenz]

How do you like it?? I have the xTool S1 that I can use for smaller things without going down to the workshop. If I need to do big stuff though, I head downstairs!

[@khristymadeit]

@@fiercekittenz I have the thunder laser 130 W machine so it’s a big papa. I absolutely love it because I didn’t even know I could cut out my bag fabric and once I figured out that I could, I’m just loving it. I still struggle with the power setting I don’t like the darkening of the edges and I’m trying to figure out how to stop that completely. It’s just the settings. I think I need to play with a little bit more. If you have any tips on exactly what your settings are on your machine I’m sure it would probably be the same for mine.

[@fiercekittenz]

@@khristymadeit OH WOW!!! 130!!!! I don't know what those settings would be. I'm using the 100W here, so I suppose dropping the settings WAY down might not be possible for you?

[@khristymadeit]

@@fiercekittenz I can turn the power down. I just don’t know how far down I can go down to 10 I guess and do more than one pass. I don’t know that’s what I was gonna try next.

[@rebekahkui]

Wow that’s a beast lol. You have a slew great tools. That was impressive watching the laser

[@PhilbrookHandcrafted]

You have the coolest toys!!!

[@ritlua]

Not the ping at 9:55 making me look through all my tabs for the alert. 😂 Every day I get closer and closer to getting a laser...

[@bobbinwithbrittany]

Very cool machine! I want a robot assistant!

[@serephita]

Giving me equipment envy over here lol I hate cutting fabric, especially since my hands cramp so easily :( and I'm really bad at cutting out foam neatly.

[@garnersewingroom]

I need this so badly. I cut so many kits😊

[@aubiedoll]

I’m assuming you’re using Lightburn to send the file to the laser? Are you able to do another video showing how to utilize patterns purchased (say off Etsy) and importing them into Lightburn to create the file for the laser so that the sizing is accurate?

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes I am digitizing the pattern with Illustrator and then bringing it into Lightburn directly as a *ai file. I can do a video of this!

[@aubiedoll]

That would be awesome!

[@Lemonlime252]

@@fiercekittenz can you link the video you’ve made of digitizing to svg from pdf please and thank you!

[@robjavqa]

I like that you obviously have done a lot of research, well done. Have you considered using acrylic to make patterns for cutting fabric containing PVC, or other noxious substances. Your 100W tube will easily cut 4mm acrylic which could then be used as a template. I never tried this, but it might make life a bit easier.

[@fiercekittenz]

Been lasering for a while now... so I know quite a bit more than you think. I actually have several videos on making patterns.

[@cindynewcomb7139]

Wow!❤️❤️❤️

[@Puppy52]

I have laser cutter envy lol 😅

[@yourswagsquad9735]

First, thank you for your video. Just wondering what offset you might use when cutting the fabric with the laser? I also have a Thunder and I can't seem to dial this in. TIA

[@fiercekittenz]

I don't use any offsets at all.

[@jenpatterson8309]

I would love to have one but not in my budget

[@delektaa]

Wow this is amazing! Have you tried cutting woven quilting cotton fabric with a (starter) diode laser? If I could cut all my quilt pieces like this, Id be a happy guy

[@fiercekittenz]

Yep!!! I have ;) I also have something cool coming that I can use in the sewing room too!!!

[@delektaa]

Thank you! cant wait!@@fiercekittenz

[@hilarymurphy9077]

Ok, I gotta be honest with you- although I've been curious about laser cutters and engravers, and have been enjoying your videos about them, I was not at all interested in buying one to use myself. Until now. For real.

[@fiercekittenz]

LOL! I get it. I’ll do the same tests with the LaserPecker2 tomorrow.

[@JC-pf3df]

Do you know if you can cut interfacings like Decovil light on a laser cutter? I’ve been trying to find out if that’s safe and pvc-free, but I have no idea

[@fiercekittenz]

Yup! It's safe. I've been doing this with most of my interfacings and canvas linings that don't have the PVC backing. Ottertex does make one. It isn't as "stiff" and self-interfaced as the type with the PVC, but it does work.

[@staceydanevicz82]

Hello! I'm wondering how you get rid of the smoke smell after using the laser on cotton fabrics? Thank you!

[@fiercekittenz]

I haven't really had that smell linger, but I'm not using a lot of power when cutting with the laser either. In this video I used my big boi Thunder Nova 35. I have other shorts and videos where I've used the xTool S1 diode laser (20W). It puts off a lot less smoke as the beam is quite a bit smaller than the Thunder's default head. I guess in general, using Febreeze or even vodka (yes, the alcohol) to spray over the fabric and let it air out would get rid of any lingering smoke smells though.

[@SheSewsDiscord]

For this machine, what software are you using to send the pattern? Also you mentioned "polyester that's laser safe." How do you tell if a certain polyester material is laser-safe? Thanks -- great video. : )

[@fiercekittenz]

I use Lightburn to send files over to most of my lasers. Basically you do NOT want to laser anything with "vinyl chloride" - that's the VC in PVC. When heated up, it will evaporate and form hydrochloric acid. That acid will eat your machine and lungs.

[@SheSewsDiscord]

@@fiercekittenz thanks! Is there anything else that is commonly in man-made fabrics that should not be lasered? And are there certain fabrics or fabric types that are more likely to have vinyl chloride? thanks again!

[@ericao8120]

Is all fusible interfacing safe to laser cut?

[@fiercekittenz]

It should be! Just make sure to look at the chemicals used in the material.

[@thelyfsoshort]

Is cordura (nylon) considered to be laser safe?

[@fiercekittenz]

As long as it doesn't contain any PVC you're fine - it doesn't appear like it does.

[@teresamurphy2756]

What about fleece? It's a plastic material. Have you tried any fleece?

[@fiercekittenz]

I haven’t done fleece, only flannel.

[@Sandisongiftcompany77388]

Do you like the laser better than say a cricut for cutting fabric?

[@fiercekittenz]

I do, but this laser has a much bigger cut area and it’s faster.

[@ayonghosh28]

What is the cost of the machine and running cost?

[@fiercekittenz]

So this one is about $10,000 USD. Operating costs are negligible IMHO. If you want something more affordable, take a look at the xTool S1!

[@DesignCutters]

On a similar pursuit, is it "legal" to purchase fabric that has copyrighted images/characters, and then make that fabric into various items to be sold? Presumably stores such as Walmart, Joanne, Hobby Lobby etc have already paid licensing to sell the fabric which they know people will make things with.

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes! That is "First Sale Doctrine" in a nutshell.

[@DesignCutters]

@@fiercekittenz This is interesting - I hadn't heard that term before. I'm still unsure about it though - couldn't a cartoon character company claim that the goods made from the licensed fabric would confuse the public into think the items were actually made by or endorsed by that cartoon company? I'm going to contact them directly and get their opinion.

[@DesignCutters]

Update - I have read that trademarked fabric usually has printed at the edge: "For Personal use only" which would mean no commercial selling of whatever you make.

[@fiercekittenz]

@@DesignCutters May want to talk to a lawyer, because the whole reason we have First Sale Doctrine is because Disney lost a lawsuit pretty badly some years ago.

[@Karen626]

Could you cut PU vinyl?

[@fiercekittenz]

PU yes! Just not PVC. It’s the chloride that disperses into an acidic acid when heated.

[@JukedTag]

I burned denim on a 55w Gweike with 10/30. (Ugh) Suggestions?

[@fiercekittenz]

It sounds like you are using too much power or don't have air assist toggled on in the software.

[@adejubeseun2771]

How much is the laser machine

[@fiercekittenz]

THIS one is about $10,000. There are smaller ones they offer (specifically the Bolt and the Nova 24) that are cheaper and don't have as big of a footprint.