Instructions Brother electronic cutting machines

With a Brother cutting machine, you can precisely cut paper, cardstock, vinyl and other creative materials for cards, stickers, textile projects, decorations and much more. Brother offers various cutting machines, including the well-known ScanNCut series and the Bellissimo CT1.

Although both machines are designed for creative cutting, they do not work in exactly the same way. ScanNCut is known for its built-in scanner and touchscreen controls, while the Bellissimo CT1 is primarily operated through the Artspira app and offers matless cutting. On this page, you can learn how Brother cutting machines work, discover the differences between them and find out what to consider when choosing materials, cutting mats and settings.

Which Brother cutting machines are available?

Brother offers a range of electronic cutting machines. The two main product lines are ScanNCut and Bellissimo.

Brother ScanNCut

The Brother ScanNCut is a cutting machine with a built-in scanner. This allows you to scan a drawing, image, pattern or stamped image, for example, and then cut out its contours.

Depending on the model, you can use built-in designs, fonts, a touchscreen, USB, wireless connectivity and CanvasWorkspace. ScanNCut DX models also feature an automatic blade that detects material thickness and automatically helps determine the appropriate cutting settings.

Brother Bellissimo CT1

The Brother Bellissimo CT1 is a compact cutting machine operated via the Brother Artspira app. The machine features an intelligent automatic blade that detects material thickness and automatically adjusts the cutting pressure.

An important difference compared with many traditional cutting machines is that the Bellissimo can also cut suitable materials without a cutting mat. Without a mat, you can use functions such as half cutting and perforating. For full cuts and certain specialist materials, you can use a Brother cutting mat.

With the Bellissimo, you can create stickers, vinyl projects, cards, decorations and much more. The machine supports full cutting, half cutting and perforating. With a separately available pen holder, you can also use the machine for drawing.

Basics: how does a Brother cutting machine work?

With a Brother cutting machine, you start with a design that you send to the machine or create directly on the machine itself.

With ScanNCut, for example, you can:

• choose a built-in design;
• scan an image or drawing;
• create or edit a design on the touchscreen;
• use a file from CanvasWorkspace.

With the Bellissimo CT1, you create and manage designs via Artspira. From the app, you can create, edit and send designs to the machine. Artspira offers options for creating stickers and text, as well as converting images into cutting data.

For both types of machines:

• use materials that are suitable for your machine and blade;
• make sure your design fits within the available cutting area;
• make a test cut first when using a new material;
• check whether a cutting mat is required;
• remove the cut material carefully;
• always check whether accessories are compatible with your specific Brother model.

Scanning and cutting with Brother ScanNCut

The built-in scanner is one of the key features of ScanNCut. You can scan drawings, text, stamped images, patterns or other images and then convert them into cutting data. Brother positions ScanNCut as the range that allows you to scan images directly and cut them out.

With Direct Cut, you scan an image and have the detected outline cut out directly.

With Scan to Cut Data, you first convert a scan into cutting data. You can then continue working with or save this data.

For the best scanning results, it helps if:

• the design has clear lines;
• there is sufficient contrast;
• the background is not too busy;
• the scanner glass is clean.

Designing with CanvasWorkspace and Artspira

Brother offers several digital options for its cutting machines.

CanvasWorkspace for ScanNCut

CanvasWorkspace is Brother’s design software for creating and editing designs for ScanNCut. You can adjust shapes, add text and use SVG files, among other things.

You do not always need CanvasWorkspace. Many ScanNCut models can also be operated independently using the built-in designs and touchscreen. CanvasWorkspace is especially useful when you want to create more detailed designs or prepare your own files.

Artspira for Brother cutting machines

Artspira is Brother’s creative app. With the Bellissimo CT1, the app is the main tool for designing and operating the machine.

In Artspira, you can:

• create your own designs;
• use text and shapes;
• convert images into cutting data;
• design stickers;
• send designs to the machine.

According to Brother, when you purchase and connect a Bellissimo CT1, you also gain access to 100 exclusive Bellissimo designs: 60 cutting designs and 40 Print & Cut designs. A separate printer is required for Print & Cut. Some additional Artspira features are available through Artspira+.

Cutting with or without a cutting mat

The cutting mat you need depends on the Brother model and the material you are working with.

Cutting mats for ScanNCut

With ScanNCut, you generally use a cutting mat onto which you place your material.

A low-tack mat is suitable for delicate and thin types of paper.

A standard mat is used for materials that require more adhesive strength, such as cardstock and various other creative materials.

For fabric and specialist materials, additional mats, backing sheets or accessories may be required.

Please note: ScanNCut CM, DX and other Brother mats are not automatically interchangeable. Always check compatibility with your specific model.

Bellissimo CT1 without a cutting mat

The Bellissimo CT1 has been specially designed to work without a cutting mat with suitable materials.

Brother lists vinyl, sticker material, paper and cardstock among the materials that can be used without a mat in certain cutting modes. Without a cutting mat, functions such as half cutting and perforating are possible.

Bellissimo CT1 with a cutting mat

Do you want to cut all the way through the material, or are you working with materials that need extra support? In that case, you will need a cutting mat.

The Bellissimo CT1 is compatible with cutting mats measuring:

• 305 × 305 mm;
• 305 × 610 mm.

Frequently asked questions about Brother cutting machines

What is the difference between Brother ScanNCut and Bellissimo?

ScanNCut is best known for its built-in scanner and the ability to work directly on the machine. The Bellissimo CT1 is operated via Artspira and is designed for flexible cutting both with and without a cutting mat.

Do I need a computer?

Not always for ScanNCut. Many models have a touchscreen and built-in designs, allowing you to work directly on the machine.
⁠The Bellissimo CT1 is operated via the Brother Artspira app on a compatible mobile device.

Can I use my own designs?

Yes. With ScanNCut, you can scan designs or use files via CanvasWorkspace.
⁠With the Bellissimo CT1, you can create your own designs and convert images into cutting data using Artspira.

Which Brother cutting machine has a scanner?

The ScanNCut series has been specifically developed around its built-in scanner. This allows you to scan physical images, drawings and patterns directly into the machine.

Can the Bellissimo CT1 cut without a cutting mat?

Yes. Matless cutting is one of the key features of the Bellissimo. With suitable materials, you can half cut and perforate without a mat. For full cuts and certain specialist materials, you use a cutting mat.

Which cutting mat do I need?

This depends on the Brother model and the material you are using. Always check the product code and compatibility of the cutting mat before use.

Why is a test cut important?

A test cut shows whether the material, blade, cutting pressure and, if applicable, cutting mat work well together. Even with machines that have automatic settings, a test cut is recommended when using a new material.

Can I draw with a Brother cutting machine?

Yes, various Brother cutting machines support drawing with a suitable pen holder. For the Bellissimo CT1, a separately available pen holder is required. 

Maintaining your Brother cutting machine

Keep your Brother cutting machine clean and regularly remove paper scraps, dust and small cutting debris.

With ScanNCut, the scanner is also important. Follow Brother’s maintenance instructions when cleaning the scanner glass.

Store cutting mats with their protective sheet in place to protect the adhesive surface. Replace mats and blades when cutting results become less precise.

Always follow the maintenance instructions for your specific Brother model.

Which Brother cutting machine is right for you?

Choose a Brother cutting machine that suits the way you like to work.

Would you like to scan, design directly on the machine and process physical drawings straight away? Then a Brother ScanNCut is a logical choice.

Do you prefer working from an app, want a compact machine and like the idea of cutting without a mat? Then the Brother Bellissimo CT1 offers a different way of working.

Both product lines allow you to create a wide range of projects, from cards and stickers to vinyl designs and personalised decorations.

Discover Brother cutting machines

Explore our Brother cutting machines and discover which model best suits your creative projects. Compare ScanNCut and Bellissimo and choose the machine that matches your materials, designs and preferred way of working.

Which materials can you cut?

Depending on the model, blade and application, Brother cutting machines can handle a variety of materials.

For example:

• paper;
• cardstock;
• sticker paper;
• vinyl;
• heat transfer vinyl;
• flocked heat transfer vinyl;
• fabric;
• felt;
• cardboard.

Not every material works the same way with every machine. Always check the specifications of your Brother model and the compatibility of the blade, cutting mat and any other accessories you use.

Always make a test cut first when working with a new material.

Cutting paper and cardstock

Paper and cardstock are popular materials for Brother cutting machines. They are ideal for cards, labels, scrapbook projects, decorations and paper shapes.

With ScanNCut, use a mat that suits the thickness and delicacy of the paper.

With the Bellissimo CT1, certain types of paper can be processed without a cutting mat when using functions such as half cutting or perforating. For full cuts, use a suitable cutting mat.

Cutting vinyl and stickers

Both ScanNCut and Bellissimo can be used to create projects with vinyl and sticker materials.

The Bellissimo CT1 is particularly well suited to this. In Artspira, you can create sticker designs, and the machine supports:

• half cutting;
• full cutting;
• perforating.

For Print & Cut, you will need a separate printer in addition to the Bellissimo. Are you using material on a roll? With the Bellissimo CT1, you can use the included roll feeder guide to feed suitable vinyl without a cutting mat.

Cutting heat transfer vinyl and flocked vinyl

You can also use a Brother cutting machine to create designs for personalising textiles.

When working with heat transfer vinyl or flocked vinyl, always check how the material should be positioned and whether the design needs to be mirrored.
⁠Always use the correct material type, blade and, if required, cutting mat for your machine.

Cutting fabric and felt

Would you like to cut fabric or felt? First check whether your Brother model, blade and accessories are suitable for the material.

Place the fabric as flat as possible and use a suitable backing sheet or special mat where necessary. A test cut is particularly important with textiles, as thickness and texture can vary considerably.

Accessories for Brother cutting machines

In addition to cutting and drawing, you can expand the possibilities of Brother cutting machines with various accessories. These include extra mats, blades, pens, foil transfer sheets, embossing tools, calligraphy accessories, stamp sets and rhinestone kits.

These accessories are especially useful if you want to get more out of your machine or create projects with extra detail, shine or texture.

Want to make your designs sparkle even more? Discover how to use the Rhinestone Kit to add rhinestone details to ScanNCut projects.