Brother CM300/CM350 ScanNCut cutter reviewed | Extensive review

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: April 7, 2023

Attention crafters, this unit is great to have at home! You can do a lot with the Brother CM300 or CM350 ScanNCut.

You can turn your scanned images, photos or hand-drawn sketches into unique cutting designs, without the involvement of a PC, without software and without a cartridge.

Just; scan, cut and create.

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It has a large scanning and cutting area: the 12 x 12 inch cutting mat is included, but you can also upgrade to a larger cutting mat to create even more designs and then cut.

Editing on the screen is also easy with this Brother ScanNCut, because you can do that on the large LCD touchscreen.

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What can I do with the Brother CM300/CM350?

A lot can be done with this one slicer:

• You can combine figures, drawings and fonts directly on the screen
• You can add detailed designs in seconds and then easily group them together for cutting

No more tripping over wires when uploading data to your machine: the CM350 offers you multiple connection options, it can be used as a standalone but also with your PC.

The ScanNCut machine has the ability to scan and cut immediately.

The 30% larger screen prevents you from having to press your nose against the screen to see what you are doing, which is very nice.

Compatible Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10

Benefits

• wireless data transfer function
• large screen
• the software is free
• over 600 built-in designs
• cutting 12 x 24
• works (also) without a PC as a standalone
• no expensive cartridges needed

Cons

• the ScanNCut software may be a bit basic compared to its competitors and some features a bit limited
• the price of this machine will put some people off
• it takes some time to fully understand this device

The main features of this Brother CM300/CM350 cutting plotter

Just like I wrote before, you can view and cut your scanned image(s) on the large touchscreen directly, without measuring or using a computer.

You can easily edit all designs on screen: you can adjust designs - including embroideries - by resizing them, changing the shape or position, you can also use only part of your design or rotate your design and much more.

Thanks to its space-saving auto-layout options, you get the most out of your material and use even the smallest scraps of fabric.

You can scan to USB with this device, you can also scan important documents, files, illustrations, photos and more and then save them on your USB.

This ScanNCut gives you the option to add a seam allowance of ¼ inch, the space needed for sewing fabrics together.

Its large scanning and cutting area makes it easy to cut out a wide variety of designs of all sizes.

My Experience with the Brother CM Series ScanNCut

Despite all the great instructions and manuals, you will have to invest some time in understanding the machine and the way it works.

Fortunately, YouTube has a plethora of guides and how-tos, so explore the device and try it out.

You will make mistakes and you may end up cutting through your mat, so if you are afraid of failure then this is not the right device for you.

Here's a YouTube tutorial on how to use the Brother CM350 ScanNCut:

I did an introductory lesson myself when I bought this device, it was ideal for me and helped me a lot to understand this device and explore all its possibilities.

The Brother CM ScanNCut is full of creativity, I encourage all owners to find a course for this machine, or at the very least watch YouTube tutorials.

Of course, this device also needs maintenance and accessories, just like any other device.

I have invested in a cutting blade that I use exclusively for fabrics. I use the sheet that came with the machine for paper and vinyl.

I have also invested in a 12 x 12 standard mat en a 12 x 24 scanning mat.

Finally, I would like to emphasize to please read the manual (although I hate it myself), but it will give you valuable information.

In the manual you can find:

• how to clean the mats
• how to paste them again
• how to prepare the fabric

Conclusion

It would be nice if we could just put the fabric in and it would come out pre-cut, but unfortunately that's not the case.

You really need to follow the instructions for preparing the fabric or other materials to be successful.

However, this device has endless possibilities for anyone willing to invest in both the purchase of this machine and the time to learn to use it properly.

also look at my review of the pen holders for the Brother ScanNCut for even more possibilities!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.