I bought the cutter just for this. However, it is a cumbersome process. You have to pull up your stitch file in computer, pull it into Brother's Scan n Cut site, convert to cut format, then send back to computer and over to scanner. I thought it was not worth the time taken unless you were going to cut that particular applique 8 or 10 times. Then, there's storing it on your computer where you can find it next time! Some few companies are now offering cut file formats with their machine format designs. Last I checked, Brother was the only one offering wireless download from computer to scanner on their newer scanners, which could be a step-saver. Basically you're taking a goose and trying to convert it into a duck.

There are a lot of youtube videos out there on cutters. You would be able to get an idea from those whether they would be something you would use.

Hi Doreen, I was wondering whether you could use battery operated scissors. I only suggest these as there wouldn't be as much pressure on your hands. The only other thing I can think of is to do really simple appliques with not a lot of fiddly cutting bits to do. Hope you can find something that will suit. Love Chris