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Updated on July 23, 2024
Cricut Commonly Asked Questions. Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cricut machines for both beginning and advanced crafters.
I get a lot of questions from readers about the different types of Cricut machines. Get ready, because today I am going to answer your questions in one convenient post!
I have owned Cricuts long before I was blogging – when they still used cartridges instead of software to design!
I am excited to partner with Cricut on this post to answer all your questions about the Cricut machines. Working with Cricut has been a dream come true because it is truly one of my favorite tools in the craft room.
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Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Today’s post is all about Cricut machines! What they are, what they do, whether they are hard to use, and if I think they are worth it to purchase.
Please be sure to leave a comment if there is any question about Cricut that I didn’t answer for you.
What is a Cricut?
Before we get into all the specifics about the machines, let’s talk about what is a Cricut. Cricut machines are electronic cutting machines.
All the machines use software called Cricut Design Space. This is where you will design your projects. Then, you send your design to the Cricut to cut, score, or draw.
RELATED: Cricut Design Space Basics
Cricut Cutting Machines
There are three types of Cricut cutting machines – Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, and Cricut Joy.
The newest versions are the Joy, Cricut Maker 3, and Cricut Explore 3. (Previous versions were Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2.) For this post, I will be referring to the latest models of each machine.
Compare Cricut Cutting Machines
Cricut Machine Tools
Cricut Joy: 3 tools
Cricut Explore 3: 6 tools
Cricut Maker 3: 13 tools
All three machines can use a fine-point cutting blade, foil transfer tool, and pens and markers.
The Explore and Maker machines can also use deep-point blades, a scoring stylus, and the bonded-fabric tool.
The Maker machine is the most versatile. It uses the Adaptive Tool System with QuickSwap Housing to quickly change between blades. It also has a rotary blade to easily cut fabric and a knife blade to cut thicker materials.
Blade/Tool Options for the Quickswap Housing:
- Scoring Wheels (Single & Double)
- Engraving Tool
- Debossing Tool
- Wavy Blade
- Perforation Blade
The cut force on the Joy and Explore is standard. The Maker 3 machine can cut with up to 10X more pressure using the adaptive tool system.
The new Explore 3 and Maker 3 machines can cut up to 2X faster than their older counterparts.
What Materials Can Each Machine Cut?
Cricut Joy: 50+ materials
Cricut Explore 3: 100+ materials
Cricut Maker 3: 300+ materials
All three machines can cut lightweight items like vinyl, iron-on (also called heat transfer vinyl or HTV), thin faux leather, plastic, and cardstock.
The Maker 3 machine is the most versatile in that it can cut over 300+ materials including leather, balsa wood, aluminum, fabric, felt, heavy chipboard, and more.
Material Size:
Cricut Joy: 5.5 in wide, up to 20 ft (max cut length 4 ft)
Cricut Explore 3: 13 in wide, up to 75 ft (max cut length 12 ft), 2.0mm thick
Cricut Maker 3: 13 in wide, up to 75 ft (max cut length 12 ft), 2.4mm thick
All three newer machines allow you to use Smart Materials. This includes vinyl, iron-on, and sticker cardstock that can be cut WITHOUT a cutting mat!
Note: If you purchase or own a Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker you can still cut Smart Materials, but you will need to place them on a cutting mat first.
What Does a Cricut Do?
Cricut machines can replace many tools in your craft room. I use my machine weekly to create things for the blog, around my home, and as gifts.
Die-Cut and Emboss
Many crafters have used a manual die-cutting and embossing machine. However, you are limited to the dies and embossing folders you purchase. When using a manual machine, dies come in pre-determined sizes and shapes, and you don’t have the option to customize them in any size you want.
With a Cricut machine, the sky is the limit! You can create just about any shape or design you want in Cricut Design Space in any size that you need.
Vinyl Labels
Like to organize? Create beautiful labels using your Cricut and vinyl. Vinyl comes in every color of the rainbow, including patterned vinyl.
You can use any of the Cricut fonts that are included in Design Space or even use fonts on your computer to create the exact style label in the size you need.
Stickers
Using the Print then Cut feature you can also create stickers to use in your planner, on water bottles, as labels, and more.
Custom Clothing
Purchasing personalized clothing can get expensive. With a Cricut machine and iron-on, you have unlimited options as to what you can create.
You can make shirts to celebrate your favorite things, for a family reunion, or even just to add a little flair.
Handmade Cards
There is nothing better than receiving a handmade, heartfelt card. The Cricut card mat and Insert Cards make this easier than ever.
Even if you have never made a card before in your life, you can create a handmade card in just minutes. Design Space offers so many pre-made card designs for almost every sentiment.
Scrapbooking
Make cardstock and patterned paper embellishments for scrapbook pages. You can cut out custom titles, ephemera, and die-cuts.
Party and Holiday Decorations
One of the first things I used my Cricut machine for was to create custom party decorations. For my daughter’s first birthday I was able to make an invitation, banner, large cardstock cupcake decorations, and favor toppers.
Custom Art Work
Using vinyl or iron-on you can create custom artwork for your home or business. I created a fun sign for my kid’s bathroom using a float frame and black vinyl.
The Cricut machines can do SO much more than these few examples I have given. You can cut leather, engrave metal, and even cut out fabric patterns for sewing. You will truly be amazed by all the things a Cricut can do.
How Much Does a Cricut Machine Cost?
Cricut Joy: $179.99
Cricut Explore 3: $319.99
Cricut Maker 3: $429.99
Many images, fonts, and shapes are available for free in the Cricut Design Space app. But to truly get the most out of the software, I recommend purchasing a Cricut Access subscription.
With a subscription, you will get access to 200,000+ images, 700+ fonts, a discount on licensed content, free shipping on orders over $50, and 10% off purchases, including machines.
Is a Cricut Worth It?
New and advanced crafters alike will find so many projects to make with a Cricut machine. It is seriously one of my favorite tools to use.
The Cricut machines are great for scrapbookers, teachers, card makers, craft sellers, creating custom t-shirts and clothing, personalized decor, handmade gifts, stickers, and organizing labels.
I think any crafter would find a Cricut machine to be a welcome addition to the craft room. But to know if it will be worth it for YOU, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
How Much Are you Willing to Spend? A drawback for some crafters is the price. The machines are not cheap, and then you have to purchase supplies and tools to go with them. If money is tight, the Cricut machine may not be the machine for you.
How Often Do you Create? If you only craft occasionally, you may not want to invest in a machine. I use mine at least weekly, so it is worth it for me, but if you are only going to pull it out a few times a year, it may not be for you.
Are You Somewhat Tech Savvy? (And if not, do you have the time to learn?) I do think Cricut Design Space is easy enough for anyone to use, but with any new software, there is a learning curve.
Along with a Cricut machine, you will need the Design Space program on a computer or the Cricut Design Space App on an Apple device or Android Phone.
Which Cricut Machine is Right for Me?
If you have decided to purchase a Cricut, let’s talk about which one to get. I don’t think every crafter needs the same Cricut machine. So which one should you choose?
This little machine is portable and lightweight. You can take it wherever you need to go. It is a great companion for someone who likes to make cards, create vinyl labels, or scrapbook, as it is the perfect size to take to a scrap.
This is the machine I would recommend for a beginning crafter.
Cricut Joy Pros:
- Least Expensive
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Perfect for small projects
- Great for beginning crafters
- Can cut single cuts up to 4′ long and repeated cuts up to 20′ long
- Cut, write, score, and foil
Cricut Joy Cons:
- Can only cut materials up to 5.5″ wide
- With only one tool holder you will need to manually switch the blade, pen, or scoring tool during a project
- Cannot cut as many materials as the larger machines
- Large designs will need to be broken up into multiple cuts
This machine is a step up from the Cricut Joy. It can cut twice as many materials and much larger projects.
For most crafters, this is the machine that I would recommend. It is not as expensive as the Maker 3 but can do almost anything your average crafter would want to do.
Cricut Explore 3 Pros:
- Great for both beginning and advanced crafters
- Can cut a variety of materials
- Most at-home crafters will find they can do almost everything they need to do from cutting cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to writing and print-then-cut
- Cut, write, score, and foil
- Cuts 13″ wide, up to 12′ long
Cricut Explore 3 Cons:
- Cannot cut as many materials as the Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 is the most advanced of all three machines. It cuts the widest variety of materials and is the only machine that uses the Adaptive Tool System to easily change between many extra tools.
This is the machine that I would recommend for advanced crafters or those that like to do a variety of projects.
If you think you may ever want to do things like cut leather, balsa wood, or fabric, then it is worth it to upgrade to the Maker 3.
Cricut Maker 3 Pros:
- Pro pick for the most serious and advanced crafters
- Can cut the most materials of any of the three machines (over 300 materials!)
- Adaptive tool system with QuickSwap Housing
- Cut, write, score, foil, deboss, engrave, and more
- Cuts 13″ wide, up to 12′ long
Cricut Maker 3 Cons:
- Most Expensive
- Extra tools add an extra expense to use the additional features of the machine
Is The Cricut Easy to Use?
Cricut machines use the Cricut Design Space software to design projects. It is very user-friendly and Cricut is constantly upgrading the features of Design Space to make it even easier to use.
Cricut offers many helpful tutorials on how to do just about anything in their help center.
Cricut Help Center: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000910813-Design-Space
You can download and try out the Cricut Design Space software before purchasing a machine. Learn more about how to install it on your computer.
Does Cricut Offer Any Other Products?
Cricut offers a wide range of materials and tools and accessories you can use with your machines.
Cricut also offers:
Whew! That was a lot of information. I hope it helped clear up some of your questions about Cricut. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments.
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