xTool S1 20W Settings for Fabric

Cutting Settings

Engraving Settings

How to Set Up Fabric on the xTool S1 20W

1. 1Secure your fabric flat on the work bed using clamps, magnets, or a honeycomb pin set to prevent movement during the job.
2. 2Set your focus distance accurately — use the auto-focus probe if your machine has one, or measure manually with the focus gauge.
3. 3Keep a fire extinguisher or spray bottle nearby. Fabric is flammable — never leave the machine unattended while cutting this material.
4. 4Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
5. 5Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. The table lists both mm/min and mm/s — LightBurn defaults to mm/s, so use the mm/s value unless you have switched units. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
6. 6Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of fabric before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.

What to Expect When Lasering Fabric

Laser-cut fabric edges are sealed by the heat, preventing fraying — this is one of the biggest advantages of laser cutting textiles. Expect slight darkening or browning on cut edges depending on the fabric type and color. Engraving creates a visible surface texture change or color shift. Synthetic fabrics may melt slightly at the edges. The 20W output clears the majority of common materials in one to three passes, giving a good balance of speed and detail. Dense hardwoods and thick acrylic still benefit from a slower finishing pass.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✗Running at full power on the first attempt — always start with a test piece at the recommended settings and adjust incrementally. Going straight to maximum power risks burning through the material or causing fire.
• ✗Using the slow speeds you would need on a 5–10W machine — a 20W diode runs noticeably faster, and going too slow at this power causes excess charring and a wider kerf.
• ✗Leaving the machine unattended — lightweight fabrics are flammable and can ignite if the laser pauses or settings are too high.
• ✗Not weighing down or pinning the fabric flat — fabric that is not perfectly flat will produce uneven cuts and may shift during the job.

Tips for Fabric on Laser Machines

• ✓Pin or tape fabric taut to the bed to prevent movement and wrinkling.
• ✓Natural fibers (cotton, linen) cut cleanly while synthetics tend to melt.
• ✓Use low power and higher speed for delicate fabrics to avoid burning.
• ✓A honeycomb bed works best for fabric to allow airflow underneath.
• ✓Denim and canvas are the easiest fabrics to laser cut consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Materials for xTool S1 20W

Fabric Settings for Other Machines