What All Can You Do With a Cricut Machine

Every bit Cricut machines take skyrocketed in popularity, artists and crafters worldwide have become increasingly curious nigh what they have to offer.The problem is, Cricut machines are remarkably flexible devices…they've got then much to offer that people quickly get lost and dislocated!

Here, we'll dispel some of the curiosity and questions surrounding Cricut machines, their advantages, nuances, and diverse potential uses!

Contents

1 What is a Cricut?
2 50+ Things Y'all Demand to Know Earlier Ownership a Cricut
3 Section 1 – Choosing a Cricut machine
- 3.1 Q1: Exercise I Really Need a Cricut? Will it Exist Useful for Me?
- 3.2 Q2. Are There Cricut Alternatives?
- 3.iii Q3. How do Cricut machines Compare to Other Brands
- iii.4 Q4. Why Choose Cricut Machines Over Other Brands?
- three.5 Q5. Why Did I Buy a Cricut Machine?
- iii.vi Q6. What Cricut Machines Are There?
- iii.7 Q7. Are Cricut machines Expensive?
- 3.8 Q8. What is the Best Cricut Motorcar?
- 3.9 Q9. Is Getting a Cricut Worth It?
- iii.10 Q10. Which Cricut Car Should I Purchase?
- 3.11 Q11. Tin I Utilise a Cricut for My Business?
4 Section 2 – Using a Cricut machine
- 4.1 Q1. What Materials Can I Cut with a Cricut?
- iv.2 Q2. Where Can I Get Cricut Materials?
- 4.3 Q3. Are Cricut Materials Expensive?
- iv.4 Q4. How Does a Cricut car Piece of work?
- 4.5 Q5. How Does the Cricut Adaptive Tool Organisation Piece of work?
- 4.6 Q6. Does a Cricut Describe?
- 4.7 Q7. Does a Cricut Work as a Laminator?
- four.viii Q8. Does a Cricut Emboss?
- 4.9 Q9. Does a Cricut Sew together?
- 4.ten Q10. Can a Cricut Machine Cutting Fabric?
- 4.11 Q11. Does a Cricut Cut Wood?
- iv.12 Q12. What Sort of Projects Tin can I Do With a Cricut?
- 4.13 Q13. Where Can I Download Projects and Files?
- 4.14 Q14. What Are Cricut Infusible Ink Sheets?
- 4.15 Q15. What are Cricut Mats?
- 4.16 Q16. What Blades and Tools are Available for Cricut Machines?
- 4.17 Q17. When Do I Replace the Bract?
- 4.18 Q18. Practise I Need Other Accessories for my Cricut?
5 Department iii: Cricut EasyPress
- 5.1 Q1: What is the Cricut EasyPress?
- 5.2 Q2. How Practice Yous Employ the EasyPress?
- 5.iii Q3. What is the Cricut Mug Press?
6 Section 4: Miscellaneous
- vi.one Q1. Exercise I Need to be Tech-Savvy to Use a Cricut machine?
- six.2 Q2. I've Heard of Cricut Mystery Boxes, What Are They?
- 6.three Q3. Can I Connect my Cricut via Bluetooth?
- 6.4 Q4. Tin can I Get Gratis Project Files for the Cricut?
- 6.5 Q5. What is Cricut Access?
- 6.half dozen Q6. What are Cricut Free Images of the Calendar week?
- six.7 Q7. Do I Need an Internet Connection to Use a Cricut?
- 6.8 Q8. Are Cricuts Reliable?
- 6.ix Q9. Can I Go Spare Parts for my Cricut?
- 6.10 Q9. I Accept More than Questions?
seven Summary

What is a Cricut?

The Cricut machine is an all-in-i piece of cake-to-use craft cutting machine.

The current models are the Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy.

They work very similarly to printers in that yous send them an image or design via USB or Bluetooth (for some models).

Simply, instead of printing the design, they cut it out. The concept is simple just the possibilities are nearly countless.

Cricut machines can cutting loads of different materials including paper, vinyl, fabric, t-shirt transfers, craft foam, sticker newspaper, woods, and simulated or real leather. You tin can use them to cut out lettering or patterns, stickers and t-shirt transfer designs, wooden components, and foldable carte du jour or foam to create 3D objects.

The cutting capability of a Cricut machine does vary between models. The electric current top-spec Cricut machine is the Cricut Maker which can cut all of the to a higher place materials.

Cricut are deceptively uncomplicated. They're pretty sophisticated machines and they can get disruptive, or at least, people tend to have a lot of questions when it comes to Cricuts.To assist answer the puzzlement and confusion that surrounds Cricut machines, we've compiled this epic list of Cricut questions and answers.

Permit's become stuck in!

50+ Things You Demand to Know Before Buying a Cricut

The purpose of this commodity is to respond all of your Cricut-related questions.

Information technology's the ultimate Cricut FAQ!

Section 1 – Choosing a Cricut machine

Q1: Practise I Really Need a Cricut? Will it Be Useful for Me?

Cutting is a fundamental process for craft of diverse kinds.

If y'all find yourself cutting a lot, so you'll benefit from a Cricut automobile. Cutting complex shapes and patterns manually with scissors is painstaking and achieving a professional cutting tin be very tricky.

Cricut machines simplify the whole ordeal, which doesn't only save time, but as well ensures professional and accurate results. Of course, Cricut machines tin also cut things out which wouldn't be possible by mitt.

Cricut machines aren't just useful for crafters and artists of all types, simply they're also useful for a variety of other creative enterprises or small-scale businesses that need to create personalized labeling, stickers, or other branded content.

If you fit into any of these categories then a Cricut machine would exist neat for you.

Q2. Are There Cricut Alternatives?

A Cricut is a die-cut auto, and aye, at that place are other dice-cutting machines available.

Cricut is the most popular make of cutting machines and accept more often than not stellar reviews. They do accept some getting-to-grips with as at that place are so many possibilities, just one time you've got your fix-upwards dialed in, Cricut machines are simple to use.

Alternatives come in the form of dice-cutting machines from Silhouette America and Blood brother.

Q3. How practice Cricut machines Compare to Other Brands

The standards of die-cutting machines are very high. This is reflected in the Amazon reviews of various die-cutting machines.

Whilst you will always find negative ratings, some of these seem linked to a misunderstanding of how to use the product and/or load/transport designs to the car.

With some patience and perseverance, there is no doubtfulness that Cricuts are not bad quality machines that will serve you for years to come.

Whilst the standards amongst other brands are besides high, Cricut machines are probably the leaders of the commercial dice-cutter market.

Q4. Why Cull Cricut Machines Over Other Brands?

Cricut machines are flexible devices that can be used for much more than just cutting.

Cricuts take the power to cut stickers and transfers every bit well as wood, carte, cream, and all other major craft materials.

Some Cricut machines, like the Cricut maker, can besides engrave materials including metal and acrylic plastic.

Non all other brand cut machines have these features, thus making the Cricut make a very solid one for eclectic artists and crafters also equally pocket-sized business owners.

And so there's the fact that Cricut machines are the nearly pop die cutters. You can find parts for them – like spare blades – at most major crafts shops. This makes them one of the more than convenient die-cutters to run considering they're very well supported.

Q5. Why Did I Buy a Cricut Machine?

Considering yous want to cut awesome things!

Maybe you're an creative person, perchance y'all're a crafter, mayhap you just like to create your ain cards and want to step this up to a new level.

You might own or run a minor business and need a solution for labeling, branded items, or even marketing collateral.

Or, y'all might be a graphic designer that wants to get some of their designs cut out precisely and accurately.

There are loads of reasons to buy a Cricut car!

Q6. What Cricut Machines Are At that place?

At that place are currently iii Cricut models:

The Cricut Maker is the most advanced (and expensive) Cricut machine. It can cut the well-nigh materials and is capable of high-quality engraving.
The Cricut Explore series (currently the Explore Air 2) is the intermediate model. It can cut most of the same materials as the Maker simply has much less cut force, and so it'due south really only suitable for soft materials such equally card, paper, and vinyl. Doesn't have embossing or engraving functionality, simply can score.
The budget cutter, the Cricut Joy, is the simplest of the trio and is designed for cutting soft materials simply. All the same great for cutting carte and paper.

The Cricut Maker is the flagship model right now. If yous want to cut through the maximum amount of materials including wood and plastics, and you want to deboss or engrave likewise, and so the Maker is the best shout.

Q7. Are Cricut machines Expensive?

As far equally craft technology goes, Cricut machines are not massively expensive.

If y'all compare them to all the ability tools and accessories you might need to perform a similar job then they start to wait slap-up value.

Of course, the upfront investment for a Cricut auto doesn't include material costs. But, the materials you feed into Cricut machines are generally pretty cheap.

If you run an arts and crafts concern then you'd probably see a return from your Cricut machine investment nigh immediately.

They are also competitively priced compared to other brands.

Q8. What is the All-time Cricut Automobile?

The Cricut Maker is currently the best Cricut automobile available. It'south their flagship model and has effectually 10x the cutting force of the Cricut Explore serial. This means it will make light piece of work of soft materials but can also cut much thicker, stronger materials.

The Maker also allows crafters to deboss and engrave everything from plastic to soft metal.

Q9. Is Getting a Cricut Worth Information technology?

If you notice yourself cut out a lot of intricate shapes then yes, a Cricut machine will do good you lot about immediately.

Arts and crafts can be painstakingly fourth dimension-consuming – Cricut cutting machines allow you to automate some of that work so you lot tin can concentrate on the creative side of things.

Q10. Which Cricut Machine Should I Buy?

It depends on your needs.

If you lot want to cut paper, card, and vinyl, or other softer materials then you lot'll be fine with the Explore Air 2 or Joy.

The Joy has a max textile width size of v.v" whereas the Maker and Explore Air two take a max fabric width of 12".

The Cricut Explore Air 2 tin can cut 100 or more materials but is limited when it comes to cutting thicker materials. It can score, but can't deboss or engrave.

Q11. Can I Use a Cricut for My Business?

Many people buy Cricut machines for business utilize.

Cricut machines tin help further a budding arts and crafts business concern, enabling you lot to upscale your offerings to serve more customers at greater volume.

Yous can also use a Cricut motorcar to create promotional items for your business, such equally packaging inserts and stickers. Creating fun, effective, and memorable marketing collateral and other promo materials is simple with a Cricut machine.

There are many examples of sellers and influencers across Etsy, Instagram, and YouTube that take used Cricut machines to constitute successful businesses.

Section two – Using a Cricut machine

Q1. What Materials Tin can I Cut with a Cricut?

Cricut machines tin cutting a wide variety of standard arts and crafts materials ranging from ultra-thin paper to card and wood.

The exact fabric compatible with Cricut machines varies between each model:

Cricut Joy:

About types of paper and cardboard including artboard
Atomic number 26-on transfers
Paper-thin simulated leather
Vinyl
Acetate film

Cricut Explore Air 2:

Everything above simply in thicker formats, and
Foil
Sticker paper
Felt and many other fabrics
Forest (basswood and balsa forest)
Gauss

Cricut Maker:

Cuts everything in a higher place much more easily
deboss and engrave a range of materials

Q2. Where Tin I Get Cricut Materials?

Materials for utilise with your Cricut machine are usually inexpensive and piece of cake to buy from all crafts shops also as jotter shops and even garden centers or hardware stores.

Y'all can besides cut a range of standard household materials like carte du jour and paper.

More specific materials can exist purchased online or from specialist art stores.

Cricut accessories are readily available online. In that location are loads of awesome accessories for Cricut machines, enabling users to create everything from vinyl transfers to debossed designs.

Q3. Are Cricut Materials Expensive?

Information technology depends on the textile. Some, like metallic foil, fabric, and basswood can exist pretty expensive. But card and newspaper are generally very cheap.

If you lot're working on smaller projects then the cloth toll of a Cricut is likely quite small. If your work mostly uses paper and card and so running a Cricut is really cheap.

Q4. How Does a Cricut machine Piece of work?

A Cricut machine is a digital cutting machine. Information technology links to Cricut Design Space on your PC, Mac, or smartphone.

Yous load designs into Cricut Design Space, arrange them, and then cutting them out of your chosen materials.

Cricut Design Space is free. Cricut Access is a subscription-based platform that grants you access to thousands of projects.

You can load your own designs/designs you download into Cricut Blueprint Space.

Q5. How Does the Cricut Adaptive Tool System Work?

The Cricut Maker has an adaptive tool arrangement that makes changing tools or blades really easy.

Instead of dismantling the device to change tools, it has a quick-release housing that lets you lot bandy out tools safely and hands.

It also self-moderates the cutting pressure to account for inconsistencies in materials.

Q6. Does a Cricut Draw?

Aye, you can describe with a Cricut machine using the Cricut Depict characteristic.

This works in the aforementioned style every bit cutting, except instead of cutting, the machine volition draw your blueprint. A range of high-quality pens is available for the Cricut Describe feature.

This is excellent for when y'all want to outline a pattern for painting or coloring.

Q7. Does a Cricut Work as a Laminator?

The current serial of Cricuts have no lamination features. But that doesn't mean that this won't be a characteristic in the hereafter.

Q8. Does a Cricut Emboss?

Technically, no, a Cricut does not emboss. Embossing pushes material out so information technology 'pops up' from the blueprint.

But, instead of embossing, the Cricut Maker does have a deboss tool that does the opposite of embossing, by depressing the textile downwardly. This has the aforementioned effect in emphasizing the debossed design in much the same style as embossing.

In that location are tons of workarounds for getting emboss effects with the Cricut. This Cricut embossing tutorial is a good i.

Q9. Does a Cricut Sew?

The Cricut Maker tin can perforate, which tin can be very useful for sewing projects. Just no, the Cricut cannot sew in its own right.

Q10. Can a Cricut Auto Cut Fabric?

Yes, merely the Explore series tin only cut fabric when bonded to backing paper.

Backing papers stabilize the material to allow the blade to cut through information technology without catching or pulling the material.

The Cricut Maker, on the other hand, tin can cut cloth without a backing canvass.

If you lot're looking to primarily cut textile then the Maker is past far the best option.

Q11. Does a Cricut Cut Wood?

The Cricut Maker is the simply Cricut machine with plenty cut pressure to cut wood.

You lot're limited to basswood and balsa wood – only that'south still pretty much all you'll need for 90% of craft projects.

To cut wood, you'll need the Pocketknife Bract attachment.

Q12. What Sort of Projects Can I Do With a Cricut?

There are TONS of awesome Cricut projects online. Check out YouTube and Pinterest for near-limitless tutorials on various projects.

Some projection ideas include:

Abode decor including signs, labels, and decorations
Greeting cards and tags
Iron-on T-shirts using transfers
Stickers
3D items such as fold-up houses, origami, or other 3D objects
Cutting fabric for sewing and mode design
Modeling and 3D design
Newspaper flowers

Read our article 100+ Ideas for What You Can Make with a Cricut Machine for more inspiration.

Q13. Where Can I Download Projects and Files?

There are numerous ways to download Cricut project files. The principal file blazon yous'll be using is the SVG file type – there are loads of SVG cutting files available online for employ with Cricut machines.

You lot can also download a huge volume of projects through the Cricut software Design Space.

There are projects covering pretty much every genre or type of cut project.

A simple online search will indicate you to hundreds of gratis SVG files for Cricut cutting machines.

Q14. What Are Cricut Infusible Ink Sheets?

Cricut Infusible Ink sheets are colored sheets that you tin load into your Cricut machine for cutting transfers for dress design.

The sheets themselves come in a range of different colors and patterns. You cutting your design out of the sheet and use the sheet with a transfer automobile to press it onto t-shirts or other blanks.

Infusible ink is highly durable, vivid, and vesture-resistant. It offers a professional person way to make DIY transfers that y'all tin can use to design your ain wearable and other items.

To utilise Cricut Infusible ink, yous'll need both a Cricut cutting car and a heat printing like the Cricut EasyPress.

Q15. What are Cricut Mats?

Cricut mats are the bed, or mat, upon which you'll mount your materials for cutting.

In that location are 4 sizes available:

For the Cricut Joy: 4.five × vi.v in and 4.v 10 12in mats

For the Cricut Maker/Explore: 12 x 12in and 12 x 24in mats

For the Maker/Explore: there are 4 types of mat:

Light Grip (Bluish)
Strong Grip (Regal)
Standard Grip (Greenish)
Fabric Grip (Pink)

More grippy mats are suitable for thicker materials. Virtually machines come with the standard grip and for the vast majority of materials, this volition piece of work fine.

When you choose new materials, make certain to cheque what mat you'll need. At that place'southward a fantastic guide on the Cricut site.

Q16. What Blades and Tools are Available for Cricut Machines?

The Cricut Joy uses only one all-purpose bract.

The following blades/tools are available for the Explore and Maker serial:

Premium Fine-Point Bract – For medium and light standard materials such as card, paper, and vinyl
Deep Indicate Bract – For thicker bill of fare, foam, and thick cardstock
Bonded-Fabric Bract – For cutting bonded fabric
Foil Transfer Tool – For creating foil transfers
Scoring Stylus – For scoring projects with fold lines/designs

The Maker has the following tools that apply the aforementioned QuickSwap housing:

Scoring Wheel – Efficient scoring
Double Scoring Bicycle – More than efficient doubled scoring
Debossing Tip – For debossing effects
Engraving Tip – For engraving a multifariousness of materials (including soft metals)
Perforation Blade – For creating wavy edges
Wavy Blade – For creating wavy edges
Knife Blade – For cut the thickest materials similar wood
Rotary Blade – For cutting non-bonded fabric

Q17. When Exercise I Supercede the Bract?

It's difficult to say as it depends on how often you're using your Cricut auto and what materials you're cutting.

Thick materials like card, wood, and faux leather will blunt blades the quickest. If yous find that your cuts are not so precise and clean every bit they usually are then consider changing the blade.

Q18. Practise I Need Other Accessories for my Cricut?

It depends on what materials you plan on cut.

Cricut offers their own accessories that include the post-obit:

Tweezers: For removing designs and materials
Weeder: To separate cuts
Spatula: To remove cuts from the mat
Scraper: For moving transfers
Scissors: For cutting materials prior to loading into the machine
Trimmer: To measure and trim materials accurately
Scorer: To score materials

You can use these recommendations as a guide to finding/sourcing your ain accessories – you might find that you can improvise, or yous may already ain some.

Department 3: Cricut EasyPress

Q1: What is the Cricut EasyPress?

The EasyPress is a rut press that allows you to accurately and efficiently transfer designs onto clothing or other blanks including tote bags, coasters, placemats, and more.

The EasyPress takes the place of the household fe for applying iron-on transfers. It's much better than an atomic number 26 as it disperses heat evenly and accurately over a surface which ensures an even impress.

There are 4 sizes of EasyPress:

nine x 9in EasyPress – Platonic for near applications including printing onto adult-size t-shirts and other clothing.

12 x 10in EasyPress – The largest model, suitable for the biggest items. Perfect for towels, pillowcases, and bags.

EasyPress Mini – Very similar to other models merely optimized for smaller clothing, e.g. children's or baby clothing, as well as pockets, hats, and even shoes.

Q2. How Practise Y'all Utilize the EasyPress?

You can utilise the EasyPress with most iron-on transfer materials or Cricut Infusible Ink.

Cricut Infusible Ink provides the best results and though information technology can be pricey, it provides an excellent way to brand pro-quality custom DIY clothing and other personalized items.

The deviation is that Infusible Ink actually penetrates the fibers of the fabric whereas transfers simply attach to it.

The general process is:

Create your transfer designs in Pattern Infinite
Use the Cricut Describe feature to describe onto the transfer canvas if necessary
Cutting them out of a transfer sheet
Utilise the EasyPress to transfer the designs onto your blanks

Q3. What is the Cricut Mug Press?

If you want to press your own mugs so the Cricut Mug Press could be the solution you're looking for.

Compatible with the Cricut ecosystem, the Cricut Mug Press uses Infusible Ink technology to print beautiful vibrant designs to compatible mugs.

It'southward currently available in the U.s.a. just will be available in the UK and Europe sometime in the second half of 2021.

Once you've purchased the mug press itself, the blank mugs for pressing are relatively expensive. The mug press is quick, easy, and safe to use. Perfect for home or concern use.

Section 4: Miscellaneous

Q1. Do I Need to exist Tech-Savvy to Employ a Cricut motorcar?

The Cricut pattern process is digital, so yous'll need to be comfy using the software.

The guidance and instructions surrounding Cricut are very detailed and in-depth, and at that place are hundreds or thousands of guides out there to assist y'all.

No thing what your project is, someone volition take produced a guide to help y'all.

Downloading projects via Cricut Design Space is also actually uncomplicated.

For those that don't want to use a PC or laptop to organize their designs, in that location is a smartphone app for the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore, available on both Google Play and iOS.

A separate app for the Cricut Joy is also currently available on both iOS and Google Play.

As far every bit die-cutting devices go, the Cricut range is the easiest to use.

This is partly why they're so successful, because they're accessible to anyone!

Q2. I've Heard of Cricut Mystery Boxes, What Are They?

Cricut used to periodically release a 'Mystery Box' filled with materials, unremarkably centering effectually a theme.

For example, this Mystery Box (currently in stock as of early to mid-2021), is Disney-themed.

Equally you might have guessed, they don't tell you what you get in the box, but you lot can be assured you're getting great value. At that place may be sectional accessories or materials that you can merely discover in that Mystery Box.

Well worth a look!

Q3. Can I Connect my Cricut via Bluetooth?

Aye, the Joy, Maker and Explore Air three (the 3 latest models), all allow y'all to connect via Bluetooth.

This means you can operate the Cricut from the sofa or chair and can tuck it away neatly in your firm or function!

Q4. Can I Get Complimentary Project Files for the Cricut?

Yeah! There are loads of sites online that provide 100% gratuitous project files prepare for loading and cut with your Cricut.

3 great sites are Printable Cuttable Creatables, this excellent Pinterest board, and Design Bundles.

Q5. What is Cricut Access?

Cricut Admission provides thousands of project files for i monthly subscription. It has 100,000 non-licensed images, many thousands of set up-to-make projects, and some 500+ fonts.

Cricut Admission provides very good value at $7.99 per calendar month and is ideal for beginners who want to experiment immediately with lots of different projects.

It'southward too very easy to get started with and set up since it runs from directly within Cricut Design Space. You can easily salve, cut, and access your designs in Access from Design Infinite.

Q6. What are Cricut Free Images of the Calendar week?

Cricut releases costless images and project files each calendar week. At that place is a category in Design Space called 'Gratuitous this Calendar week'.

Q7. Do I Need an Internet Connection to Use a Cricut?

Then long as yous've downloaded Design Space and some projects and so no, you don't demand to be connected to the internet to utilize a Cricut.

Q8. Are Cricuts Reliable?

Yes! Cricut has built an excellent reputation for the reliability of its cut machines.

As well, since Cricuts are so popular, they're backed by extensive replacement parts and accessories. Parts are well-stocked and readily available worldwide.

The simply things you accept to be aware of are irresolute the blades or tools when they get blunt and non pushing the motorcar with thick or tough materials.

Cricut has an extensive guide on how to set the proper cutting settings for your project. This tin either exist washed manually with a dial on the Explore series or in Design Infinite with the Maker.

The Maker is compatible with more materials than the Explore so the selections are a trivial more in-depth. However, it's very easy to dial in your cutting settings with any of the iii current Cricut devices.

Q9. Can I Get Spare Parts for my Cricut?

Yes, nearly spare parts for Cricut are readily available for the Cricut cutting machines.

You tin find them on the Cricut website, Amazon, eBay, or guild them from your local arts and crafts shop.

It's worth mentioning that the simply pats you lot'll probable need to supplant are the blades and tools, as they will inevitably wear out eventually.

Q9. I Have More Questions?

The Cricut website has a huge FAQ and how-to section roofing pretty much everything there is to cover nearly any Cricut device or accessory.

Don't forget to check out Cricut YouTube tutorials, of which there are thousands!

Summary

Cricut machines are cutting machines designed specifically for arts and crafters of all types and varieties.

These machines accept taken the dice-cutting earth by storm and have get some of the virtually popular arts and crafts devices in the earth.

Something so seemingly simple equally cutting has been totally transformed by Cricut machines. Some Cricut projects are astounding and artists and crafters volition probably never run out of new ideas for how to employ the Cricut.

From dress blueprint to card making, modeling, and fine fine art, Cricut cutting machines are very adaptive and flexible.

The Cricut Blueprint Space app and software add to the overall functionality of the Cricut brand. Everything is super like shooting fish in a barrel to use and access. You don't need to exist a technological whizzkid to use Design Infinite either.

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