Paper, Plotter or Template Processing
Comparing Paper Patterns, Cutting Plotters, and Acrylic Templates
There will always be discussion around what is better or what is the best way for processing patterns as a small business. Considering bias and personal preference, the bottom line is everyone will have their own preference, and no two people will feel the same. Our goal today is to compare the processing of patterns with paper, cutting plotters, and templates and discuss the pros and cons of each to help you navigate the market and make the best decision for you and your small business.
To compare the three, we have come up with some crucial factors that the team and I felt would largely influence decision-making for not only small businesses but also homemakers and larger entities. Please consider personal situations and needs before making a decision for your own circumstances. With all that said, let’s dive in…
My Personal Experience
I ventured into the world of acrylic templates after investing in quality printers and plotters for the at-home sewer. We currently hold four printers: one sublimation, two laser jets, and one inkjet, in addition to two cutting machines (Brother and Cricut) and now our laser cutter. We have used all for processing purposes and are using our personal experience to inform this blog. Feel free to get in contact with us to discuss this information further if you wish to dive deeper into this comparison.
The Elephant in the Room: COST!
The initial startup cost for all three options is a huge balancing beam.
Paper Patterns
With a printer, you could purchase a budget $80 printer and come out with an initial cost well below that of the other options. However, the ongoing price of maintaining this machine and replacing ink comes at a continual higher price that then pushes the cost-effectiveness out of the window. So, let’s budget on a mid-range $300 printer, with maintenance approximately $80/bimonthly. With budget paper at approximately $30/box (5 reams), that’s an initial startup of $300 plus $55/month maintenance. That isn’t too bad considering the ability to also use the printer for other purposes and benefits for your small business.
Cutting Plotters
The diverse range of at-home plotters varies greatly in price from a $200 second-hand machine to a $2k sewing-specific branded machine. For the purposes of this discussion, we are only comparing mid-range items. Therefore, we will budget on a $1000 startup price for the at-home plotter, with an additional $80 for the larger cutting mats and $75 for the rotary cutting attachment, making our initial cost $1155. Ongoing costs include replacement blades, cutting mats, or retacking them, as well as cleaning solutions for current mats. Maintenance costs can range from $1-$20/quarter, depending on the model, brand, and usage. For this discussion, we will consider $5 for the maintenance price per month. This machine is multifunctional and can also support paper craft and other craft avenues.
Acrylic Templates
Templates purchased from Brymaxx Precision Pty Ltd are engraved and laser cut. We choose to engrave our templates as extensive research showed UV DTF printing directly onto the acrylic does not provide long-term use due to scratching and friction wear. Engraving, though it may be scratched or worn over time, is permanent for the lifetime of the acrylic. Templates are designed to include all necessary markings for the entire sew. Initial investment ranges from $35-$160, with maintenance or ongoing costs being nil. Templates are single purpose, so each new pattern will have a similar initial cost.
Setup and Processing Time
Assuming you have the pattern, material, and procedure ready to execute:
Paper Patterns
You'll need additional resources such as sticky tape, glue, scissors, and paperweights, costing around $10 for scissors and $2 for sticky tape. A paper pattern can take approximately 10-15 minutes to piece together, cut, and sort into respective piles. Cutting a pattern using a rotary cutter takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, totalling 1.5 hours at $30/hour, or $45 to cut a pattern using paper.
Cutting Plotters
Setting up a cut requires a pattern in a format readable by vector software. This limits initial usability but can be mitigated with software that converts simple PDFs to vector files. Plotters are limited to a maximum cut width of 11.5”. Assuming the pattern is ready and organized, connecting your plotter and allocating mats takes around 30 minutes. Cutting time averages 1 hour, similar to paper patterns, with potential speed increases with experience.
Acrylic Templates
Templates eliminate the need for tape and cut stages, saving 30 minutes. Simply use the template to guide your rotary cutter. Processing time is 30-45 minutes, or $30 in labour costs, offering higher accuracy and faster processing than paper or plotter.
Additional Considerations
Fussy Cutting: Acrylic templates allow for perfect placement of key design features, which is challenging with paper and plotters.
Batch Cutting: Templates can batch process, cutting 3-4 layers of vinyl at a time. Plotters are limited to single layers and specific materials.
Reliance on Technology: Printers and plotters rely on electricity, cables, and wireless connections. Templates require only self-accountability for storage and maintenance.
Storage: Paper patterns require significant storage space and maintenance. Plotters need space for the machine and mats. Templates can be easily stored and catalogued with metal screw lock rings or hanging solutions.
Versatility: Printers and plotters have wide applications outside of pattern processing. Templates are single purpose but offer significant time savings, paying for themselves after a few uses.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, all of us have our preferences. Personally, I LOVE templates. When you weigh up the time saved with processing patterns with templates, it really is a no-brainer. Plotters offer higher accuracy than paper patterns if you're willing to learn new software. Both paper and plotters have their own sets of additional materials and considerations before commencing production. Templates offer higher accuracy, faster cutting times, and continuous usage, saving time and money in the long run.
Happy crafting, and may your tools always be sharp and your patterns precise!