Updated on July 23, 2024
How to Use the New Cricut Maker 3. Learn about the newest Cricut machine and how to make four simple projects – vinyl labels, vinyl coffee mug, iron-on t-shirt, and stickers.
Have you heard the exciting news? Cricut has come out with two new machines – the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Explore 3!
Cricut sent me the new Maker 3 machine to try out and I can’t wait to share all about it with you.
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First of all, you may be wondering why there is no Cricut Maker 2. Because Cricut Explore 3 was launched at the same time as Cricut Maker 3, it was easier to give them both the same 3rd generation reference.
What is the Cricut Maker 3?
The Cricut Maker 3 is an electronic cutting machine that can be used to cut over 300 materials. It works with 13 different tools to create a variety of projects.
Just like the original Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore family of machines, you use the free Cricut Design Space software/app to design your projects.
Related: How to Install Cricut Design Space for Desktop
Some images and fonts are free with the software, but you will get the most value out of the app by signing up for a Cricut Access subscription.
What is New with the Cricut Maker 3?
While the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 have a lot of similarities, there are some things you can do with the Maker 3 you cannot with the original Maker.
- Max material width is now 13 inches (instead of 12)
- Max cutting length is 12 feet (instead of 24 inches)
- Compatible with Smart Materials. Smart Materials allow you to cut your material without a mat. (You can use Smart Materials with a mat on older machines)
- When using Smart Materials, Maker 3 will cut 2x faster than Cricut Maker fast mode
How Much Does the Cricut Maker 3 Cost?
Currently, the Cricut Maker 3 is available from Cricut.com for $399.99. You can also purchase it on Amazon for $399.00.
What is included in the box:
- Cricut Maker 3 Machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Welcome Card
- USB Cable
- Power Adapter
- Free trial subscription to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)
- Material for Practice Cut
The Maker 3 is also available in two bundle deals:
- Cricut Maker 3 + Essentials Material Bundle for $459.99
- Cricut Maker 3 + Everything Materials Bundle for $499.99
What are Smart Materials?
Smart Materials are materials that are designed to be fed directly into your machine. No mat needed!
These materials feed into the machine accurately, at a high speed, and keep everything perfectly aligned even on intricate cuts.
In order to use Smart Materials, the material must be at least 6 inches long and 13 inches wide.
If you end up with leftover smaller pieces of Smart Materials from a project, you can still use them with a cutting mat.
Currently, there are three types of Smart Materials:
- Smart Vinyl – removable and permanent
- Smart Iron-On – variety of styles: solids, glitter, holographic, patterened
- Can be cut up to 4 feet with a single image or 9 feet for a repeating image. You can layer up to 3 colors and it has been tested to last 50+ washes.
- Smart Sticker Paper – white, black, and multi-color packs
- Smart Sticker paper comes in 13″ x 13″ sheets. Just cut, peel, and stick.
Because no mat is needed, you can now cut longer projects with ease, up to 12 feet.
When using the new longer Smart materials, you may want to purchase the Cricut Roll Holder. It attaches to both the Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 and holds rolls from 4 – 75 feet. It also has a built-in trimmer.
Can Smart Materials be Used with Older Cricut Machines?
Yes! However, you can only use them on the older machines with a cutting mat.
What Tools Can I Use with the Cricut Maker 3?
- Premium Fine -Tip Blade
- Deep-Point Blade
- Bonded-Fabric Blade
- Foil Transfer Tool – fine, medium, and bold
- Scoring Stylus
- Cricut Pens & Markers
- Knife Blade
- Rotary Blade
- QuickSwap Tools
How Do I Create a Project Using Cricut Maker 3?
Below, I will share with you examples of projects you can make with each of the new Smart Materials – Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-on, and Smart Sticker Paper Cardstock.
Related: Learn how to use Cricut Design Space
In the coming weeks, I will be posting detailed tutorials on how to make each project, but for now I wanted you to see some of the fun things you can do with your new Maker 3.
Removable Smart Vinyl Labels
Use removable smart vinyl to create labels for your Home Management Binders. I used the removable vinyl so I can take the labels off if I decide to use the binders for something else.
I love the teal on teal look. It is hard to photograph, but in person it is easy to read. Now I know which binder is which, but the vinyl blends in with the binders on my shelves.
Permanent Smart Vinyl Coffee Mug
Who doesn’t love a cute coffee mug? Permanent vinyl is perfect for personalizing dishware. It is dishwasher safe (although you don’t want vinyl on any part where your food or mouth touches).
Anyone else love their coffee?
Permanent vinyl is also weather resistant and can be used on outdoor projects, like making a cute vinyl decal for your car.
Holographic Iron-on T-Shirt
The holographic iron-on is one of my favorites. I am so glad Cricut made it into a Smart Material.
I used this pretty iron-on to make a funny t-shirt that says “yeah nope.” I say that all the time, so this shirt is perfect for me. There are lots of pre-made t-shirt graphics available in Design Space.
Coloring Page Stickers
The new Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock is a material you may not be familiar with. The paper is cardstock weight, with an adhesive backing.
I think this will come in handy when you have intricate cuts to “glue” together. Now you can easily put your project together with no glue, just cut and place!
For these stickers, I had the Maker draw and then cut out some cute stickers.
Once they were cut out, I am able to color them in. Such an adorable project. My wheels are turning with a lot more ideas for how to use this new sticker paper.
If you have any questions about the Cricut Maker 3, please leave them in the comments. I will be creating a frequently asked questions post soon.
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