Die cutting fabric is a quick way to use up your fabric scraps. In today’s post learn how to iron on fabric to a shirt for a quick makeover. And if you need a refresher, check out my intro to your Die Cutting Machine post!
This post was created in partnership with Crafter’s Edge. All opinions, project ideas, and craftiness are my own 🙂
What is die cutting fabric?
Instead of using a ruler and a pair of scissors, you can use a die cutting machine to make precise cuts of fabric! This is especially handy when making a puff quilt, quilt with triangles, a Rainbow quilt with drunkards path design, or using face mask dies to mass produce masks at home
Supplies for die cutting fabric:
- A plain T shirt: Can be a new one or reuse an old one
- Crossover 2 die cutting machine
- Die set of choice: I’m creating a layered butterfly here using this Large Butterfly Fabric die set
- Fabric Scraps that are large enough as the die size. Cotton works best here.
- HeatnBond UltraHold Iron-On Adhesive, 17 Inches x 1 Yard or any kind of no sew glue
- A pair of scissors
- Iron
How do you die cut fabric?
A step by step tutorial walking you through the steps of die cutting fabric and iron-on heat transfer
Total Time: 1 hour
Cut your fabric scraps to size
Cut fabric to be slightly larger than the die size. Choose different colors for the layers of the butterfly. Make sure to have double the amount of fabric as you will need to cut two of each of the butterfly wings. 
Iron on the heat transfer adhesive onto each fabric piece
Iron on adhesive to the back of each fabric piece. Follow instructions on the packet of the adhesive you are using. 
Create your die cut sandwich
Create you die cut sandwich with the Large Metal Adaptor Plate in between touching the die-cut edge. 
Die cut your fabrics
Run your die cut sandwich through the Crossover 2 die cutting machine. I found the setting of 6 to 8 to work perfectly for my fabric. Die cut each part of the butterfly, twice. The iron-on adhesive stabilizes the fabric beautifully!
Don’t throw away your scraps!
Die cutting fabric is so addictive because it is SO easy! I like to die cut extras while I have all my supplies out. Make sure you have die cut all the layers before you start ironing. 
Adhere and place your die cuts onto the T shirt
Peel off the adhesive backing, and place each element onto your T shirt. It is basically like you’ve created a fabric sticker with the iron on adhesive and are now sticking it onto the T shirt. 
Iron your die cuts onto the T shirt
Iron down the first layer of the die cuts, in this case the larger butterfly wings. Make sure to center your design and go over each area with the iron for at least 30 secs at the recommended temperature settings. 
Add the details on top and iron again
Add the second layer of fabric die cuts on top and iron again. In a quick few minutes, you will have butterfly adhered to your T shirt!
Add the antennae to finish the butterfly
The die cut butterfly needed antennae, and I just cut a few strips from the ironed on fabric scraps using my scissors. You could embroider the antennae or use a fabric marker instead too. 
All done!
You guys, this was such a fun and easy T shirt makeover!! I am sure you will enjoy Die cutting fabric, I had my girls help choose the fabrics they wanted to use for each layer and it was fun crafternoon project for us.
Die cutting fabric FAQS
Can you die cut fabric?
Yes!! Die cutting fabric is possible with a steel die cut plate.
How to attach fabric to fabric without sewing
Use an Iron on heat transfer or a no sew glue to adhere your fabric die cuts. It’s quick and simple!