📑 Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Step 1: Set Up the Design & Cut Settings
• Step 2: Install the Deep-Cut Blade
• Step 3: Load the Material
• Step 4: Start Cutting
• Step 5: Check the Result
• Video Tutorial
• Conclusion
• FAQ
• Keep Learning

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to cut thick materials with the C2 Vinyl Cutter. The demo uses faux leather, but the same five-step workflow applies to any thick material — the material preset and blade change, nothing else.

Here's a quick overview of what we'll cover:

Each step is short, and the whole process takes about two and a half minutes once the machine is set up. If you've used the C2 for standard vinyl before, the only new part is the blade swap in Step 2 — everything else follows the same IdeaStudio workflow.

Step 1: Set Up the Design & Cut Settings

First, press the Power button to turn on the machine.

Open HTVRONT IdeaStudio and connect your C2 Cutting Machine.

On the canvas, "Upload" your own design or choose one from the "Library".

Adjust the size and position of your design as needed, then click "Make" to enter the cutting settings page.

Next, select the cutting groups and adjust the parameters as needed.

Under "Operation", you can choose "Cut", "Score", "Foil", or "Draw". Here, select "Cut".

Since we're cutting faux leather in this demo, select "Faux Leather".

The "Making Force" will automatically adjust based on the selected material.

If this run were cutting adhesive vinyl for stickers or decals instead, the material preset would be different and the Making Force would settle at a lower value — the same workflow, just a different material dropdown.

Once everything is set, click "Add to Task" to open the "Task List".

Step 2: Install the Deep-Cut Blade

Thick materials need a deep-cut blade — the standard blade won't go through faux leather cleanly. Insert the deep-cut blade into the blade housing and make sure it's fully seated.

Open the tool clamp and carefully remove the existing housing.

Place the deep-cut blade housing inside and close the clamp.

Make sure it is securely installed before cutting.

Step 3: Load the Material

Place the faux leather flat on the cutting mat and press it down firmly.

Align the mat with the guides, then load it into the machine.

Step 4: Start Cutting

Double-check the material and cutting settings in IdeaStudio. When everything is ready, click "Add to Task" and then click "Start" to start cutting.

The C2 will cut the design using the selected deep-cut settings. Leave enough space in front of and behind the machine so the mat can move freely.

Step 5: Check the Result

Once the cut is complete, unload the mat. Before removing the material, check that the design has been cut all the way through.

Once confirmed, slowly remove the faux leather from the cutting mat.

And that's it — your faux leather project is complete. If the piece is going onto a T-shirt or tote next, the next step is a heat press; the cut panel just needs to be positioned and pressed once the setting is confirmed.

Video Tutorial

Watch the 2-minute 30-second walkthrough of the full deep cutting process.

Conclusion

Deep cutting on the C2 is five steps: set up the design, swap the blade, load the material, press Start, then check the result before lifting the mat. Once you've done it once with faux leather, the same sequence works for any thick material the machine supports.

From detailed everyday materials to materials up to 2 millimetres thick, the C2 gives you more ways to create. And if your next project swaps faux leather for Heat Transfer Vinyl, the five-step workflow stays exactly the same — only the blade and the material preset change.

FAQ

These are the questions that come up most often when running a deep cut for the first time.

What materials can the C2 Vinyl Cutter deep-cut?

The C2 handles materials up to about 2 mm thick with the deep-cut blade, including faux leather, thick cardstock, and heavier specialty sheets. For standard HTV or adhesive vinyl, the standard blade and its default material preset are the right starting point.

How do I know the design has been cut all the way through?

Before you lift the material off the mat, gently lift one corner of the design. If the faux leather separates cleanly without tearing, the cut went through. If you see fibres or a thin skin holding the pieces together, the blade didn't reach the mat — increase the Making Force in IdeaStudio and run the cut again.

What's the difference between the standard blade and the deep-cut blade?

The standard blade is designed for thin materials like HTV and adhesive vinyl — a shallow blade that cuts the top layer cleanly. The deep-cut blade extends further out of the housing, which lets it reach through thicker materials like faux leather, thick cardstock, and specialty sheets. Swapping blades is a two-minute job and doesn't require any tools.

Do I still need a cutting mat for faux leather?

Yes — for deep cutting, the mat is essential. It protects the blade and holds the material flat against the machine's rollers. Matless cutting is available on the C2 but is designed for specific materials (usually smart vinyl and similar) rather than thick materials. For faux leather, always load on the mat.

The cut went through but the edges look rough. What should I check?

Two things. First, check that the deep-cut blade is fully seated in the housing — if it's slightly loose, the cut line will wander. Second, check that the material is pressed firmly against the mat with no air pockets, since any gap lets the material lift as the blade passes. Both fixes take seconds to check.

Keep Learning

Deep cutting is the entry point to thick materials. Once your design is cut, the next step is usually applying it with a heat press — these UK guides cover the full heat press workflow.