Cricut

A Cricut is an electronic cutting machine that can meticulously cut a vast array of materials. The machine can cut large projects to intricate designs.

The number of materials that can be cut will depend on your machine (more about machines below)

In order to tell your Cricut machine how and where to cut the designs for your project, you will need to use the software program Cricut Design Space. 

It is free to use and you just need an email address to sign up!  You can sign up for a Cricut ID and access Cricut Design Space here.  You may also use the Cricut Design Space App* for phones and tablets. Find it on Apple and Google Play.

*NOTE: There are some limitations with using the app vs the PC version of the program.

There is the Explore Series, which contains the Explore, Explore Air, Explore Air 2 and the newest, Explore air 3.

You can find a detailed post about the Explore Air here.
You can find a detailed post about the Explore Air 2 here.

Next, is the Maker. The Maker has an adaptive tool system and some advanced features which allow you to cut more materials. The adaptive tool system includes a fine point blade, knife blade, rotary cutter, scoring wheel(s), perforated blade, deboss tool, wavy blade, and foil transfer tip(s). There is the original Maker and the Maker 3.

You may find a detailed post about the Maker here.

Last but not least is the Cricut Joy! The perfect accompaniment to an Explore or Maker machine or the perfect machine to get your feet wet with Cricut projects & crafts. The Joy has the Card Mat and the ability to cut up to 20 feet without a mat! There is the original Joy and the Joy xtra.

You may find a detailed post about the Cricut Joy here.

You may also find a very helpful comparison chart on this page here to help you decide which machine will best suit your needs and budget!

– Vinyl
– Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV or Iron-On)
– Paper
– Fabric
– Vellum
– Sticker Paper
– Tattoo Paper
– Magnet Paper
– Leather (real and faux)
– Suede (real and faux)
– Thin woods such as basswood and balsa wood
– Felt
+ so much more.  See the different cutting materials here.

You can use Cricut Design space on a computer, phone, or tablet.

An Internet Connection is not required to cut/write/or draw with the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker Machines. However, you will need an internet connection to initially set up your machines. Designs will be limited to images, fonts, and projects that you have saved for offline use.

You can choose designs, patterns, and fonts from the huge selection of options within Cricut Design Space! You have the option to pay per use or you may subscribe to Cricut Access and have full access to all included designs, fonts & patterns while your subscription is active.

You may also upload SVG files you designed or purchased as well as .png, jpg and.gif files!