[fiercekittenz] acknowledges that her large 100-watt CO2 laser cutter is great but points out that smaller or diode-based laser machines can perfectly cut fabric under the right circumstances.

Mastering laser cutting settings for fabric requires a balance of precision and experimentation. Start by testing on scrap material to determine the ideal power, speed, and frequency settings.

This is not as common in the hackerspace tool room, but laser cutters may be a suitable stand-in. Getting the machine into a production mode of simply cranking out clothes took some work.

Laser-guided cutting machines and computer-controlled sewing machines have been staples of the industry for years, but transferring fabric between such machines is still largely done by the human ...