Cricut vs Brother ScanNCut: Which Is Better for Quilters?
For quilters and applique, the Brother ScanNCut SDX325 is better: about $900 buys a built-in scanner, 140 quilt patterns, seam allowance in 1/4 inch steps and a 5 inch touchscreen that works without a computer. For general crafts like vinyl, iron-on and engraving, the Cricut Maker 4 is better at about $300.
The verdict
Brother ScanNCut is the better machine for quilters, and Cricut is the better machine for all-round crafting. The ScanNCut was built by a sewing machine company around fabric work, while the Cricut Maker was built around an app and a huge project library, with fabric as one of many materials.
The ScanNCut's defining feature is its scanner: lay a hand-drawn applique shape, a printed pattern or fabric on the mat and the machine scans it and cuts around it, with no computer. The Brother SDX325 can also add a seam allowance in 1/4 in increments and draw sewing lines with erasable pens. The Cricut Maker 4 cuts unbacked fabric with its rotary blade and costs far less, but it relies on Design Space on a phone or computer.
Cricut Maker 4 vs Brother ScanNCut: side by side
| Feature | Cricut Maker 4 | Brother ScanNCut |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $300 | About $900 |
| Scanner | No | Built in |
| Screen | None, uses Design Space app | 5 in LCD touchscreen |
| Built-in designs | Design Space library, optional subscription | 1,303 designs, 140 quilt patterns, 17 fonts |
| Fabric blade | Rotary blade with FabricGrip mat | Thin Fabric Auto Blade |
| Seam allowance | Add in your design | Adds seam allowance in 1/4 in steps |
| Blade depth | Set by material in Design Space | Blade sensor detects thickness up to 3 mm |
| Other functions | Cut, engrave, deboss and more | Cut, draw |
| Connectivity | Design Space on desktop and mobile | Wireless |
Is Brother ScanNCut better than Cricut for fabric?
For quilting fabric, yes, mainly because of workflow. Brother says the included Thin Fabric Auto Blade is designed for quilting and raw-edge applique, and blade sensor technology reads material thickness so you do not set blade depth. The seam allowance feature is the one quilters value most: cut a template shape, add a 1/4 in allowance, and the machine can draw the stitching line too.
The Cricut Maker handles fabric well with its rotary blade and FabricGrip mat, and it shines with fusible applique and lettering. Its advantage is range: vinyl, iron-on, Print Then Cut, engraving and debossing. If you mostly make quilts, the ScanNCut earns its price. If quilts are one hobby among several crafts, the Cricut is the better value.
| Machine | Screen and designs | Quilt features | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Maker 4 | App-based, Design Space library | Rotary blade for unbacked fabric | About $300 | Crafters who also quilt |
| Brother SDX85C | 3.5 in touchscreen, 251 designs | Built-in scanner | About $299 | Trying ScanNCut on a budget |
| Brother SDX125E | 5 in touchscreen, 682 designs, 9 fonts | 100 quilt patterns, scanner | About $450 | Most quilters |
| Brother SDX325 | 5 in touchscreen, 1,303 designs, 17 fonts | 140 quilt patterns, seam allowance, fabric blade | About $900 | Dedicated quilters and applique |
The middle model deserves a look: the Brother SDX125E keeps the scanner, a 5 in touchscreen and 100 quilt patterns for about half the price of the SDX325.
Do you need a computer for a Cricut or a ScanNCut?
A Cricut needs Design Space running on a computer, phone or tablet for every cut. A ScanNCut works standalone from its touchscreen, with built-in designs and the scanner, and it also connects wirelessly if you want to transfer designs. For quilters who find apps frustrating or want a machine that works the same way every time, that independence is a real advantage.
For multi-layer cutting of standard shapes, neither is the fastest tool; see AccuQuilt vs Cricut Maker. For more on the ScanNCut range, read the best Brother ScanNCut models.
Choose Cricut Maker 4 if
- You do vinyl, iron-on, cards and stickers as well as fabric.
- You want engraving and debossing.
- You are comfortable working in an app.
- Your budget is around $300.
Choose Brother ScanNCut if
- Quilting and applique are your main uses.
- You want to scan hand-drawn templates and cut around them.
- You want automatic seam allowances and sewing lines.
- You want a machine that works from its own touchscreen.
Our picks for fabric cutting
Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine
$299.99The best all-round crafter with rotary blade fabric cutting.
Check price
Brother ScanNCut SDX125E Cutting Machine
$449.99Scanner, 5 in touchscreen and 100 quilt patterns for about $450.
Check price
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX325 Cutting Machine
$899.99The quilter's flagship with 140 quilt patterns and a fabric blade.
Check price
AccuQuilt GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set
$699.99For cutting stacks of identical quilt shapes, up to 6 layers per pass.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Brother ScanNCut add seam allowance?
Yes. Brother says the ScanNCut SDX325 can add a seam allowance in 1/4 in increments, and it can draw sewing guidelines with air-soluble or water-soluble pens. That makes it practical for cutting quilt pieces and applique from templates, because the stitching line and cutting line come from the same shape.
Does the ScanNCut need a computer or app?
No. The ScanNCut works from its built-in touchscreen, using its built-in designs or shapes you scan on the mat. It also connects wirelessly if you want to transfer designs from software. A Cricut, by contrast, needs Design Space on a computer, phone or tablet for every project.
Which is easier to learn, Cricut or ScanNCut?
It depends on your comfort with apps. Many crafters find Cricut Design Space friendly, with guided projects and templates. People who prefer buttons and a screen on the machine often find the ScanNCut easier, especially for scanning a drawing and cutting it. Both have learning curves around mats, blade settings and material prep.
Is the Brother SDX325 worth the extra money over the SDX125E?
Can a Cricut Maker scan a drawing?
Not with a built-in scanner. With a Cricut, you photograph or scan the drawing on a phone or scanner, then upload the image into Design Space and clean it up there before cutting. It works, but it takes more steps than laying the drawing on a ScanNCut mat and pressing scan.
Sources
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.