5 What comes in the Cricut explore air 2 box? 
Recollections Cardstock: Recollections cardstock is an affordable brand of 65lb cardstock that you can find online and at craft stores. 10 What is a Cricut blade, and how to pick one? But cut fabric and over 100 other materials. Cricut offers 4 different sizes of EasyPress to accommodate all different uses and surfaces. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Now that you know the basic steps for cutting paper, lets talk about all the different types of paper materials that you can cut with a Cricut machine. You can check how to change a blade in this video: As I explained above, Cricut released new blades that are only compatible with the Cricut Maker. We also use different blades depending on the materials we want to cut. Design Space offers a marketplace where you can find free files as well as purchase the ones that are for sale, Etsy is also an excellent place to search for designs.I sell my hand-lettered files in both Etsy (HowJoyful Files) as well as my Studio Website here.
The first thing to try is to increase the cut pressure.
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Because the Cricut Maker allows you to use a special blade that was designed to handle stretch and a mat that is specially designed to hold the fabric. This type of adhesive-backed cardstock works without a cutting mat, so you can just load it into your Cricut and start cutting.
Deep-point blade: (BLACK) this blade has a steeper blade angle (60 degrees vs. the 45 degrees of the fine-point blade), and its made of harder and more durable steel.Recommended for intricate cuts using materials like chipboard, magnet, stamp material, stiffened felt, foam sheets, cardboard, and some fabrics. What Types of Paper and Cardstock can Cricut cut? The Basic Cricut toolset was the first thing I purchased after getting my machine, I knew I wanted all the little tools that make weeding, cutting, and taking things from the mats a little easier. Cricut offers a wide variety of pens that you can purchase and that fit in the tool holder. The most popular cut file format is .SVG. By Author Joy Kelley - Under Categories Crafting, Cricut. LightGrip machine mat: (BLUE) is perfect for lightweight materials and can be used with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore family, perfect for: StandardGrip machine mat: (GREEN) is perfect for a wide range of medium-weight materials, this mat can also be used with the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore family, perfect for: StrongGrip machine mat: (PURPLE) is perfect for heavyweight materials and can also be used for the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore family, perfect for: FabricGrip machine mat: (PINK) this is a special mat that combines increased strength and density plus a light adhesive perfect for a wide variety of fabrics. Youll want to use smooth cardstock for Print Then Cut projects, invitations, or stamping projects. This can help you save so much time and making it perfect for projects that require a lot of different cuts! Smooth cardstock has a nice clean surface for projects that will include writing, printing, or drawing. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. I know getting a cutting machine is a big investment, and many times, the things we want to make with the machine CAN be made by cutting by hand.But just the time this little machine can save for you, to me, is more than enough to start saving to get one. The Cricut machines can cut so many materials! If you love Cricut crafts, dont miss these related posts. Cricut has released a new type of Smart Material cardstock that you can use with the Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, or Cricut Joy. 14 Do I need a computer to use the Cricut Machine?
Kraft Board: very sturdy, versatile material that you can use to make home decor, mini books, boxes, box cards, tags, banners, and more. DIFFERENCE 1 The most significant difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2 (the latest models for Cricut machines) is the cutting power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av4z6lRZVRs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhugZonAzQk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MMYg6ExohI. It can be hard to find the right instructions for applying these materials with a Cricut machine. 15 Do I need the internet to work with a Cricut? The folks at Cricut are also revolutionizing the industry by bringing sublimation printing to crafters fingertips with one of their latest releases, Infusible Ink! Solid Core cardstock is dyed the same color all the way through. You can select a premade image from the Design Space library or create your own design. And dont worry, well talk about the best cutting mats and Cricut blades to use in just a little bit. There are many other options for cutting machines. But once you purchase them, they are forever in your library. At this moment, 3 different Cricut models encompass the Cricut family. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and more. The Cricut Design Space App is compatible with most tablets and smart devices. After hours of research and calls to customer service, I finally found help and finally figured things out. 11 Do all blades work with all Cricut Machines? A backing material or stabilizer is used to hold fabrics and other woven materials that have a percentage of stretch. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cutting cardstock with Cricut. AnEasyPress machine is a heating device that allows you to easily transfer Iron-On, HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl), or infusible ink designs to your desired surface. 21 Can I use any pens with the Cricut machine? This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. I want to take the guessing and frustration out of the equation, and with this post, hopefully, most of your questions and hesitations will get answered and cleared! To cut a project, you need to log into Design Space. Yes, you can cut thick materials like balsa wood and leather but only using the Cricut Maker. Tell me in the comments below! The program the web-based version and the app that allows you to edit, upload and purchase files to craft are called Cricut Design Space, and they are entirely FREE to use, the only thing you would need to pay for is if you want to purchase projects or files. DIFFERENCE 3 The Adaptive tool system. 9 What are Cricut mats, and why are there so many? DIFFERENCE 2 Attached to the upgraded cutting power are new tools that were introduced to be used exclusively with the Cricut Maker. 10 times the cutting power. 4 What is the difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut explore air 2? The first thing to know is that paper and cardstock come in different weights. You can use pre-folded Cricut Joy Insert Cards, or fold your own cardstock to use with the Card Mat. BUT I think that just like with any creative venture, you have to be open to learning. If you can cut simple designs without issue but have trouble with intricate designs, try cutting the more intricate image using the Custom setting for Cardstock Intricate Cuts. This blog post will explain the different types of cardstock that your Cricut can cut, and show you how to cut them for the best results every time. Light cardstock (65lb) feels like a standard greeting card, and can usually still feed through a home printer. Or, you can select the More Pressure option on the Make Screen. But now that I finally understand how cutting machines work, and that I have my own shop with hand-lettered cut files. The opinions and text are all mines. To learn more about this mat and how to use it better check this Cricut help article. Cardstock comes in a variety of finishes, as well. In Design Space, you are also allowed to upload your own files and use the editor to create files as well as edit them. You can use cardstock to make all sorts of paper crafts, including greeting cards, banners, gift boxes, wall decor, paper flowers, and so much more. How to Cut Paper or Cardstock with Cricut. The paper fibers in AC Cardstock are designed to give better results in cutting machines like Cricut so you get the detail you want without fraying. In fact, paper and cardstock are some of the most popular materials to cut on Cricut cutting machines. For more help about how to work offline, please refer to this help section on the Cricut website. Swap. Remove the debris, and try again. When I first started working with cutting machines, I remember being SO OVERWHELMED! Because the Cricut will do the rest, watching it work is one of my favorite parts of a project! The introduction of Infusible ink products has been a game-changer because Infusible Ink heat transfers are permanently infused into your base material. weight, textured, solid-core cardstock. 22 How to write using pens with the Cricut Explore Air 2. Here are a few solutions to try: The paper is curling when I take it off the mat. You may also need to clean the blade. The Cricut Joy Card Mat is a cutting mat designed with a divider to protect the back of a folded card while cutting a design on the front. You can access their library of design by subscription, by paying per project OR (and this is what I like the most) you can upload your own files and artwork! Its small and portable, but unlike the big siblings, this one does not electronic, so no access to Design Space or automatic operating. You can use your favorite brand of cardstock with Cricut. If you choose to use Cricut brand Deluxe Paper and Cardstock, youll find the exact settings in the Materials list in Cricut Design Space. This white core can be distracting, especially on projects with intricate cuts. The Cricut cutting mats have been optimized to allow you to cut a variety of different materials easily. What if the Fine-Point blade doesnt cut all the way through the cardstock? Lets start by walking through the steps to cut paper or cardstock with a Cricut cutting machine. A THE CRICUT MAKER: This is the latest release from Cricut. As a general rule, the heavier a paper is, the thicker it is. HowJoyful LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for sites to earn advertising fees by linking toAmazon products. Here are a few tips for cutting intricate cardstock designs cleanly: With printable sticker paper, you can print your own images and cut them out with your Cricut. Turn the mat upside down, and peel the mat away from the project. Like Amazon, Joanns, Michaels, etc. Place the paper or cardstock onto the blue LightGrip mat. For more details about infusible ink, check this help section here. You can access the app wirelessly on some machines, via your computer, tablet, and even mobile device. The blue mat has a light adhesive that releases cardstock well.
On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. It controls the pressure to make sure you can cut different thicknesses and densities of materials. Cricut Design Space (iOS) allows you to design and cut projects without an internet connection. Open Design Space. You may NOT use any of my projects to create items for sale without acommercial license. Because each point of difference needs a little more explaining, I'm dividing this into 3 different parts. Youll also learn tips for cutting intricate designs, and how to remove the paper from the cutting mat without tearing or curling. After reading this Cricut for beginner guide, you will know if a Cricut is right for you and what model will help you the most! Youll want to use the scoring tools on the inside of the project, or the valley of the fold. You can see the whole process in the video below: Yes, you can cut fabric and felt with your Cricut, but the way you cut and blade used is different depending on the machine you have. Dont try to peel your project off of your mat by one corner that will cause curling or tearing. When your design is finished, click Make it. Even if you already have a Cricut cutting machine. Use the Cricut LightGrip Mat. Plus, there are so many different types of paper and cardstock how do you know where to start? They also released a version for Android, and depending on the machine you have, you could connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and cut from your device. Yes, according to the Cricut website, the only machine that has full embossing capabilities is the Cuttlebug Machine.
You can import files as well as create them by using the tools in Design Space, like shapes, cut, group, weld, or tracing images. If white edges are distracting from your design, you will want to switch to a solid core cardstock. Letter-size (8.5 by 11) is great for printing. White Core cardstock has, as you would expect, a white inner layer.
So when I say that I can confidently understand how frustrated some of you can be with your machines, its because Ive been there.
If we wanted to make a comparison, we could say that the force of each machine can be compared to the pressure you apply when cutting vegetables. Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. I am a self-taught English speaker and I started this blog as a way to improve in my language journey. It can be hard to get nice clean cuts on designs with tiny detail. If you are using another sticker paper brand, you might need to use less pressure to produce a kiss cut. Try changing the pressure setting to less or choosing a different material setting like sticky note or washi.. It's light, thin, and durable for comfort and portability. Where to go to download the app (I used it on my iPad, and where to go to create the Cricut ID. Hi Lu! The new technology that holds most of these blades is called QUICKSWAP and allows you to simply press the quick-release button at the top of this versatile housing, snap your desired tip into place, and get making. You can choose from several types of paper and cardstock.
Youve heard the buzz and wondered what a Cricut machine is? The other blades are compatible with the Cricut Explore family AND the Cricut Maker. Press. 28 What are cutting files (SVG, DFX, etc)? And the possibilities of creation when you pair them with the new tools and custom designs are out of this world! Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Cricut Joy. What Blades to Use for Paper and Cardstock, Working with Insert Cards and the Card Mat, Tips for Cutting Intricate Cardstock Designs, Tips for Writing and Drawing on Cardstock, Tips and Tricks for Working with Cardstock.
The texture gives the cardstock a sturdier feel, so its great for layering or 3D projects. If you have a Cricut Maker, you can cut fabric and felt using the knife blade and the FabricGrip Mat. You can find smooth matte cardstock, shiny glitter cardstock, metallic foil cardstock, patterned cardstock, pearl cardstock, and vellum cardstock. You can even find 12 by 24 sheets that will cover the larger size Cricut cutting mats. The Cricut Explore family would be more than enough for you. The cutting force for the Cricut Explore Air 2 is 400 grams, and the Cricut Maker has a cutting force of 4,000 grams.
Cricut Brand: Most Cricut cardstock is 80 lb. Medium cardstock (80lb) feels like a premium greeting card, and is great for making decor projects like banners. Have questions? Unlike the other machines, this is a hand-operated die-cutting machine that allows you to emboss and use metal dies. Read more.
Cricut can cut all sorts of paper materials, from delicate papers like crepe and tissue paper to heavier materials like thick cardstock and poster board. So, I could not pass the opportunity to share with you the unboxing of my machine, as well as the answers to some of the most common questions beginners, have about Cricut machines. Joy Kelley here, I am a full-time lettering artist with a passion for teaching and sharing my love for Calligraphy, lettering, crafts and all things creative! Your Cricut can also score cardstock to create crisp creases and sharp folding lines. Its a good idea to make a small test cut whenever youre using new materials. But, if youre new to Cricut, getting started cutting cardstock with your machine can be a bit overwhelming. Wondering what a Cricut cutting machine is and what does it do? Yes! Cardstock comes in a variety of sizes. And the purple mat has the strongest adhesive that works best with materials like poster board. Youre not alone. But what does it mean in crafting words? If you plan on cutting a lot of fabric I would recommend you to get the Cricut Maker instead of the Cricut Air2, this because with the Cricut Maker, you can just place the fabric in the mat and cut, with the other machine, you need to prep and add a backing to each piece you cut, and this can be time-consuming.
There are a bunch of different paper and cardstock brands on the market, and they each come in a variety of different finishes, textures, and thicknesses. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic. The Adaptive tool system technology controls the direction of the blades at all times. This blog post will show you the simple steps to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut machine.
That means that youll place your cardstock pretty side down so the Cricut can make the creases on the backside of the cardstock. You commonly find cardstock in 65lb, 80lb, and 100lb weights. How to Cut Vinyl with Cricut: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Blades for Beginners, Cricut for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Your New Machine, Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge, and How to Measure It, How to Knit Stockinette Stitch for Beginners, 20 Free Crochet Tank and Crop Top Patterns. For example, you may need to switch from Light Cardstock to Medium Cardstock. Then, you can test that the settings are correct by making a small test cut before you cut your whole project. Yes! IMPORTANT: Its worth mentioning that while older models some can be found used online. The next thing to consider is the texture of the cardstock. Getting a Cricut Explore Air 2 is probably the highlight of this month for me! They also have a washable fabric marker that can be used to mark the fabric before cutting. I personally think it mainly depends on what materials you are looking into cutting if you only plan to use the machine for paper-crafts, and vinyl. The paid subscription is called Cricut Access, this is a monthly or yearly subscription with tons of perks and files that you have access to. There seems to be confusion between Cricut Design Space and the Cricut subscription service called Cricut Access. You can even try patting a clean t-shirt all over your mat to add a little bit of fabric fuzz, and thus reduce the mats stickiness. Its my favorite mat for cutting cardstock, and it works well with almost every paper material. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. Yes! So each type of material has its own specific pressure settings. So don't get discouraged when the inevitable hiccups happen, EMBRACE them instead! You can cut using the Cricut Explore family using the Bonded fabric blade as long as your fabric has a stabilizer. For the Cricut Maker machine, there is no need to add a stabilizer or backing to your fabric before cutting. When the cut is finished, unload the mat. Here are a few tricks to solve some of the most common problems crafters have when cutting paper and cardstock with Cricut. Adding unseen speed and quality. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. It will curl, or worse, tear. But the people from Cricut make it as easy as possible to get you unboxed and making right out of the box! Download your content onto your device to use offline. Guide to Cricut Mats: Different Types and Sizes, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Tools and Accessories.
Flip the entire project over on a clean work surface and gently peel the mat off the project. Almost all types of paper and cardstock are cut with the Fine Point blade or Premium Fine Point Blade even cardboard and poster board. You can use Wonder Under, Heat n Bond, or even Freezer paper. Cricut Design Space also offers a Print then Cut functionality, that allows you to use your regular printer for the color portion of your project, and then bring that paper in for the cutting machine to make its part of the project. If your machine is tearing or dragging through your material on intricate cuts, you may need to adjust a few machine settings. Along with my machine, there was a set of cards that explained super simple how-to connect to the power. After that, if youre still getting tears, try using the Less Pressure.
Cut files are files that are specially formatted to be read by cutting machines and translate lines as cutting lines. To write with your Cricut Machine, you will need to make sure that your image or text is set to WRITE instead of CUT. BUT if you have a Cricut Explore Air or Air 2, and you want to give fabrics a try. And just like we use different knives for different uses in our Kitchen. I bought my very first cutting machine, about 6 years ago, to make banners and signs for my very first craft show. You can find the Cricut machine at Cricut.com but you can also purchase them from all major retailers. The Smart Set dial is a material selection dial that offers pre-defined settings to get the best results on paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric, poster board, and more. With the Cricut machines, you can create not only papercrafts or customizing apparel with vinyl, etching, or stenciling. Go slowly, and use your other hand to keep the cardstock flat on the table. I get it! UPDATE: Cricut has now released the CRICUT MAKER 3, this machine has all the same capabilities as the old Maker model, BUT it's now not only twice as fast, it's also compatible with Smart Materials (So they can cut without a mat). A cardstocks weight is measured in lbs (pounds). But you probably dont need to switch to the Deep Point blade or Knife Blade.
When that happened, it was like the sky cleared open and heard angels sing. Another thing to try is to make a multi-pass or to cut the design more than once. Hola! First, make things easier on yourself and use the LightGrip cutting mat for almost all paper materials. If youre using a different brand of cardstock, thats okay. Cricut offers this blade, so you can keep it only for your fabric projects. There is no way that you can master the Cricut in your first 5 minutes with the machine. If that doesnt work, take the blade out of the blade housing and check it for debris or nicks. This will result in a cutting file ready to be cut in your virtual mat. And after that, youll get my best tips and tricks to avoid common paper-cutting mistakes. Choose the best match from the list of materials in Design Space. Let me show you around.
If at any point you have problems, Cricut has videos explaining every step, you can check most of them here. For more information about the Smart Dial, check this video by Cricut below: The Cricut Maker no longer has the Smart set dial, since it offers a different technology that we will cover later on. When the cut is finished, unload the mat. Posts may contain affiliate links. Some of the most common ones are: To see a full list of materials depending on your machine, refer to this page on the Cricut website. Its a smooth, solid core cardstock thats available in a rainbow of colors. Why? Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine, check this helpful article on the Cricut website, A lady never discusses the size of her craft stash, EasyPress: All you need to know and how to use it, A premium fine-point blade and blade housing (pre-installed), Fabric (with a stabilizer or without depending on your Cricut model).
Everything is explained along with 34+ questions and answers, so you can be confident that you are getting the right Cricut machine for your needs! If you have plans to cut thicker materials like chipboard, leather, or fabrics without stabilizers, the Cricut Maker would be the best machine for the job. Of course, if you have a Cricut Maker, you will not necessarily need to use a stabilizer. It may feel awkward at first, but flip the mat upside down and peel the mat off the paper not the other way around. Welcome to my corner of the web. Bazzill Cardstock: Bazzill paper is a high-quality cardstock with a canvas texture and solid core. Cardstock for Intricate Cuts differs from the regular Cardstock settings in two ways: it uses less pressure, and it makes two cutting passes. Additionally, there is a Beta version of Cricut Design Space that will allow you to install it in your computer to work offline. So to summarize, a Cricut machine is your dreamed right hand when it comes to creating! Cricut isnt cutting all the way through the cardstock. Technically, the Cricut Machine can NOT print, but you can use the pen holder to use a Cricut pen instead of the cutting blade (or use both at the same time depending on your Cricut Model). I am so excited to start sharing with you all the tutorials I have lined up to use the Cricut Machine! BUT with each project, you will be learning and building on your skills and confidence with the machine! Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. I think all of them are amazing, but the extra cutting power that the Cricut Maker allows WINS when it comes to the possibility of materials that it can cut. Check this helpful video about cutting mats here: Cricut blades are the workforce in the machine, they are the ones actually doing the cutting. You can buy them directly from the Cricut website or find them on marketplaces like Amazon. Cardstock can be smooth or have a slight texture. I want to share with you how wonderful creating with these machines can be and how much time they can save in your projects! If youre having trouble cutting intricate designs, try using the Cardstock Intricate Cuts material setting in Design Space. For example, if you select Glitter Cardstock as your material setting, Cricut will cut with a similar pressure as Medium Cardstock, but it will make the cutting pass twice instead of once. I would say its the most powerful of the family. Here are some of the qualities youll want to look for when purchasing cardstock to use with your Cricut machine. The level of complexity of cuts that you can make, not to mention the different materials make every crafter's dream come true. There are a few blades that are only compatible with the Cricut Maker (see them in question 4). Here is the list: Cricut Design space is Cricut's software program as well as a companion app that allows you to create, upload, and manage files to operate the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines. Offline capabilities for Cricut Design Space (iOS) allow you to design and cut using downloaded content without an internet connection. No flaking, no peeling, no cracking, and no wrinkling ever!
So, the Cricut maker and a rotary blade would be my recommendation that way you can cut thin and thicker fabrics without prepping. If you have a Cricut Joy, you can also cut paper on the special Card Mat. The Cricut Maker machines can use the Scoring Stylus or Cricut Scoring Wheel tools both the single and double Scoring Wheels. You might need to change the line time to make it work. Or maybe you are already thinking about getting one but are a little confused as to what model you should get? Each of the different types of paper and cardstock has a slightly different thickness and hardness. Most paper and cardstock materials cut best on the blue LightGrip cutting mat. You can read more about how to solve common paper-cutting issues in the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of this post. Youll learn about the different types of paper and cardstock you can cut, and the best brands of cardstock to use. Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram. Cricut Design Space also allows you to access a library of projects and files to download. The new Debossing tip for the Cricut Maker can help you create a stunning effect that even though it is not the same, its pretty close. If you want to save this post for later, feel free to save one of the images below =], Letters for wall: Create wall art tutorial and template, 27 of the best hand lettering quotes to inspire you. I personally was about ready to throw the towel (and the machine along with it after a couple of hours). There is also a sewing kit that is next on my shopping list because I cannot wait to make fabric projects with my Cricut.
Not necessarily, while Cricut Design Space is a computer-based software, and its compatible with Windows and Mac. Have you ever wanted to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut? For help to install and uninstalling Design Space, check this helpful article on the Cricut website. Scrapbooking size sheets (12 by 12) will cover the entire standard cutting mat. 2 Are there other machines that can do the same thing? Each machine that you purchase includes a blade, this is the models and blades: BUT it depends, there is definitely a learning curve, especially if you are not a very tech-savvy person. This mat was designed to be used with the Rotary blade or the Bonded-fabric blade.
Recollections Cardstock: Recollections cardstock is an affordable brand of 65lb cardstock that you can find online and at craft stores. 10 What is a Cricut blade, and how to pick one? But cut fabric and over 100 other materials. Cricut offers 4 different sizes of EasyPress to accommodate all different uses and surfaces. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Now that you know the basic steps for cutting paper, lets talk about all the different types of paper materials that you can cut with a Cricut machine. You can check how to change a blade in this video: As I explained above, Cricut released new blades that are only compatible with the Cricut Maker. We also use different blades depending on the materials we want to cut. Design Space offers a marketplace where you can find free files as well as purchase the ones that are for sale, Etsy is also an excellent place to search for designs.I sell my hand-lettered files in both Etsy (HowJoyful Files) as well as my Studio Website here. The first thing to try is to increase the cut pressure.
Leave a comment: I love to hear your feedback.
Because the Cricut Maker allows you to use a special blade that was designed to handle stretch and a mat that is specially designed to hold the fabric. This type of adhesive-backed cardstock works without a cutting mat, so you can just load it into your Cricut and start cutting. Deep-point blade: (BLACK) this blade has a steeper blade angle (60 degrees vs. the 45 degrees of the fine-point blade), and its made of harder and more durable steel.Recommended for intricate cuts using materials like chipboard, magnet, stamp material, stiffened felt, foam sheets, cardboard, and some fabrics. What Types of Paper and Cardstock can Cricut cut? The Basic Cricut toolset was the first thing I purchased after getting my machine, I knew I wanted all the little tools that make weeding, cutting, and taking things from the mats a little easier. Cricut offers a wide variety of pens that you can purchase and that fit in the tool holder. The most popular cut file format is .SVG. By Author Joy Kelley - Under Categories Crafting, Cricut. LightGrip machine mat: (BLUE) is perfect for lightweight materials and can be used with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore family, perfect for: StandardGrip machine mat: (GREEN) is perfect for a wide range of medium-weight materials, this mat can also be used with the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore family, perfect for: StrongGrip machine mat: (PURPLE) is perfect for heavyweight materials and can also be used for the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore family, perfect for: FabricGrip machine mat: (PINK) this is a special mat that combines increased strength and density plus a light adhesive perfect for a wide variety of fabrics. Youll want to use smooth cardstock for Print Then Cut projects, invitations, or stamping projects. This can help you save so much time and making it perfect for projects that require a lot of different cuts! Smooth cardstock has a nice clean surface for projects that will include writing, printing, or drawing. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. I know getting a cutting machine is a big investment, and many times, the things we want to make with the machine CAN be made by cutting by hand.But just the time this little machine can save for you, to me, is more than enough to start saving to get one. The Cricut machines can cut so many materials! If you love Cricut crafts, dont miss these related posts. Cricut has released a new type of Smart Material cardstock that you can use with the Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, or Cricut Joy. 14 Do I need a computer to use the Cricut Machine?
Kraft Board: very sturdy, versatile material that you can use to make home decor, mini books, boxes, box cards, tags, banners, and more. DIFFERENCE 1 The most significant difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2 (the latest models for Cricut machines) is the cutting power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av4z6lRZVRs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhugZonAzQk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MMYg6ExohI. It can be hard to find the right instructions for applying these materials with a Cricut machine. 15 Do I need the internet to work with a Cricut? The folks at Cricut are also revolutionizing the industry by bringing sublimation printing to crafters fingertips with one of their latest releases, Infusible Ink! Solid Core cardstock is dyed the same color all the way through. You can select a premade image from the Design Space library or create your own design. And dont worry, well talk about the best cutting mats and Cricut blades to use in just a little bit. There are many other options for cutting machines. But once you purchase them, they are forever in your library. At this moment, 3 different Cricut models encompass the Cricut family. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and more. The Cricut Design Space App is compatible with most tablets and smart devices. After hours of research and calls to customer service, I finally found help and finally figured things out. 11 Do all blades work with all Cricut Machines? A backing material or stabilizer is used to hold fabrics and other woven materials that have a percentage of stretch. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cutting cardstock with Cricut. AnEasyPress machine is a heating device that allows you to easily transfer Iron-On, HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl), or infusible ink designs to your desired surface. 21 Can I use any pens with the Cricut machine? This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. I want to take the guessing and frustration out of the equation, and with this post, hopefully, most of your questions and hesitations will get answered and cleared! To cut a project, you need to log into Design Space. Yes, you can cut thick materials like balsa wood and leather but only using the Cricut Maker. Tell me in the comments below! The program the web-based version and the app that allows you to edit, upload and purchase files to craft are called Cricut Design Space, and they are entirely FREE to use, the only thing you would need to pay for is if you want to purchase projects or files. DIFFERENCE 3 The Adaptive tool system. 9 What are Cricut mats, and why are there so many? DIFFERENCE 2 Attached to the upgraded cutting power are new tools that were introduced to be used exclusively with the Cricut Maker. 10 times the cutting power. 4 What is the difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut explore air 2? The first thing to know is that paper and cardstock come in different weights. You can use pre-folded Cricut Joy Insert Cards, or fold your own cardstock to use with the Card Mat. BUT I think that just like with any creative venture, you have to be open to learning. If you can cut simple designs without issue but have trouble with intricate designs, try cutting the more intricate image using the Custom setting for Cardstock Intricate Cuts. This blog post will explain the different types of cardstock that your Cricut can cut, and show you how to cut them for the best results every time. Light cardstock (65lb) feels like a standard greeting card, and can usually still feed through a home printer. Or, you can select the More Pressure option on the Make Screen. But now that I finally understand how cutting machines work, and that I have my own shop with hand-lettered cut files. The opinions and text are all mines. To learn more about this mat and how to use it better check this Cricut help article. Cardstock comes in a variety of finishes, as well. In Design Space, you are also allowed to upload your own files and use the editor to create files as well as edit them. You can use cardstock to make all sorts of paper crafts, including greeting cards, banners, gift boxes, wall decor, paper flowers, and so much more. How to Cut Paper or Cardstock with Cricut. The paper fibers in AC Cardstock are designed to give better results in cutting machines like Cricut so you get the detail you want without fraying. In fact, paper and cardstock are some of the most popular materials to cut on Cricut cutting machines. For more help about how to work offline, please refer to this help section on the Cricut website. Swap. Remove the debris, and try again. When I first started working with cutting machines, I remember being SO OVERWHELMED! Because the Cricut will do the rest, watching it work is one of my favorite parts of a project! The introduction of Infusible ink products has been a game-changer because Infusible Ink heat transfers are permanently infused into your base material. weight, textured, solid-core cardstock. 22 How to write using pens with the Cricut Explore Air 2. Here are a few solutions to try: The paper is curling when I take it off the mat. You may also need to clean the blade. The Cricut Joy Card Mat is a cutting mat designed with a divider to protect the back of a folded card while cutting a design on the front. You can access their library of design by subscription, by paying per project OR (and this is what I like the most) you can upload your own files and artwork! Its small and portable, but unlike the big siblings, this one does not electronic, so no access to Design Space or automatic operating. You can use your favorite brand of cardstock with Cricut. If you choose to use Cricut brand Deluxe Paper and Cardstock, youll find the exact settings in the Materials list in Cricut Design Space. This white core can be distracting, especially on projects with intricate cuts. The Cricut cutting mats have been optimized to allow you to cut a variety of different materials easily. What if the Fine-Point blade doesnt cut all the way through the cardstock? Lets start by walking through the steps to cut paper or cardstock with a Cricut cutting machine. A THE CRICUT MAKER: This is the latest release from Cricut. As a general rule, the heavier a paper is, the thicker it is. HowJoyful LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for sites to earn advertising fees by linking toAmazon products. Here are a few tips for cutting intricate cardstock designs cleanly: With printable sticker paper, you can print your own images and cut them out with your Cricut. Turn the mat upside down, and peel the mat away from the project. Like Amazon, Joanns, Michaels, etc. Place the paper or cardstock onto the blue LightGrip mat. For more details about infusible ink, check this help section here. You can access the app wirelessly on some machines, via your computer, tablet, and even mobile device. The blue mat has a light adhesive that releases cardstock well.
On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. It controls the pressure to make sure you can cut different thicknesses and densities of materials. Cricut Design Space (iOS) allows you to design and cut projects without an internet connection. Open Design Space. You may NOT use any of my projects to create items for sale without acommercial license. Because each point of difference needs a little more explaining, I'm dividing this into 3 different parts. Youll also learn tips for cutting intricate designs, and how to remove the paper from the cutting mat without tearing or curling. After reading this Cricut for beginner guide, you will know if a Cricut is right for you and what model will help you the most! Youll want to use the scoring tools on the inside of the project, or the valley of the fold. You can see the whole process in the video below: Yes, you can cut fabric and felt with your Cricut, but the way you cut and blade used is different depending on the machine you have. Dont try to peel your project off of your mat by one corner that will cause curling or tearing. When your design is finished, click Make it. Even if you already have a Cricut cutting machine. Use the Cricut LightGrip Mat. Plus, there are so many different types of paper and cardstock how do you know where to start? They also released a version for Android, and depending on the machine you have, you could connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and cut from your device. Yes, according to the Cricut website, the only machine that has full embossing capabilities is the Cuttlebug Machine.
You can import files as well as create them by using the tools in Design Space, like shapes, cut, group, weld, or tracing images. If white edges are distracting from your design, you will want to switch to a solid core cardstock. Letter-size (8.5 by 11) is great for printing. White Core cardstock has, as you would expect, a white inner layer.
So when I say that I can confidently understand how frustrated some of you can be with your machines, its because Ive been there.
If we wanted to make a comparison, we could say that the force of each machine can be compared to the pressure you apply when cutting vegetables. Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. I am a self-taught English speaker and I started this blog as a way to improve in my language journey. It can be hard to get nice clean cuts on designs with tiny detail. If you are using another sticker paper brand, you might need to use less pressure to produce a kiss cut. Try changing the pressure setting to less or choosing a different material setting like sticky note or washi.. It's light, thin, and durable for comfort and portability. Where to go to download the app (I used it on my iPad, and where to go to create the Cricut ID. Hi Lu! The new technology that holds most of these blades is called QUICKSWAP and allows you to simply press the quick-release button at the top of this versatile housing, snap your desired tip into place, and get making. You can choose from several types of paper and cardstock.
Youve heard the buzz and wondered what a Cricut machine is? The other blades are compatible with the Cricut Explore family AND the Cricut Maker. Press. 28 What are cutting files (SVG, DFX, etc)? And the possibilities of creation when you pair them with the new tools and custom designs are out of this world! Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Cricut Joy. What Blades to Use for Paper and Cardstock, Working with Insert Cards and the Card Mat, Tips for Cutting Intricate Cardstock Designs, Tips for Writing and Drawing on Cardstock, Tips and Tricks for Working with Cardstock.
The texture gives the cardstock a sturdier feel, so its great for layering or 3D projects. If you have a Cricut Maker, you can cut fabric and felt using the knife blade and the FabricGrip Mat. You can find smooth matte cardstock, shiny glitter cardstock, metallic foil cardstock, patterned cardstock, pearl cardstock, and vellum cardstock. You can even find 12 by 24 sheets that will cover the larger size Cricut cutting mats. The Cricut Explore family would be more than enough for you. The cutting force for the Cricut Explore Air 2 is 400 grams, and the Cricut Maker has a cutting force of 4,000 grams.
Cricut Brand: Most Cricut cardstock is 80 lb. Medium cardstock (80lb) feels like a premium greeting card, and is great for making decor projects like banners. Have questions? Unlike the other machines, this is a hand-operated die-cutting machine that allows you to emboss and use metal dies. Read more.
Cricut can cut all sorts of paper materials, from delicate papers like crepe and tissue paper to heavier materials like thick cardstock and poster board. So, I could not pass the opportunity to share with you the unboxing of my machine, as well as the answers to some of the most common questions beginners, have about Cricut machines. Joy Kelley here, I am a full-time lettering artist with a passion for teaching and sharing my love for Calligraphy, lettering, crafts and all things creative! Your Cricut can also score cardstock to create crisp creases and sharp folding lines. Its a good idea to make a small test cut whenever youre using new materials. But, if youre new to Cricut, getting started cutting cardstock with your machine can be a bit overwhelming. Wondering what a Cricut cutting machine is and what does it do? Yes! Cardstock comes in a variety of sizes. And the purple mat has the strongest adhesive that works best with materials like poster board. Youre not alone. But what does it mean in crafting words? If you plan on cutting a lot of fabric I would recommend you to get the Cricut Maker instead of the Cricut Air2, this because with the Cricut Maker, you can just place the fabric in the mat and cut, with the other machine, you need to prep and add a backing to each piece you cut, and this can be time-consuming.
There are a bunch of different paper and cardstock brands on the market, and they each come in a variety of different finishes, textures, and thicknesses. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic. The Adaptive tool system technology controls the direction of the blades at all times. This blog post will show you the simple steps to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut machine.
That means that youll place your cardstock pretty side down so the Cricut can make the creases on the backside of the cardstock. You commonly find cardstock in 65lb, 80lb, and 100lb weights. How to Cut Vinyl with Cricut: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Blades for Beginners, Cricut for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Your New Machine, Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge, and How to Measure It, How to Knit Stockinette Stitch for Beginners, 20 Free Crochet Tank and Crop Top Patterns. For example, you may need to switch from Light Cardstock to Medium Cardstock. Then, you can test that the settings are correct by making a small test cut before you cut your whole project. Yes! IMPORTANT: Its worth mentioning that while older models some can be found used online. The next thing to consider is the texture of the cardstock. Getting a Cricut Explore Air 2 is probably the highlight of this month for me! They also have a washable fabric marker that can be used to mark the fabric before cutting. I personally think it mainly depends on what materials you are looking into cutting if you only plan to use the machine for paper-crafts, and vinyl. The paid subscription is called Cricut Access, this is a monthly or yearly subscription with tons of perks and files that you have access to. There seems to be confusion between Cricut Design Space and the Cricut subscription service called Cricut Access. You can even try patting a clean t-shirt all over your mat to add a little bit of fabric fuzz, and thus reduce the mats stickiness. Its my favorite mat for cutting cardstock, and it works well with almost every paper material. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. Yes! So each type of material has its own specific pressure settings. So don't get discouraged when the inevitable hiccups happen, EMBRACE them instead! You can cut using the Cricut Explore family using the Bonded fabric blade as long as your fabric has a stabilizer. For the Cricut Maker machine, there is no need to add a stabilizer or backing to your fabric before cutting. When the cut is finished, unload the mat. Here are a few tricks to solve some of the most common problems crafters have when cutting paper and cardstock with Cricut. Adding unseen speed and quality. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. It will curl, or worse, tear. But the people from Cricut make it as easy as possible to get you unboxed and making right out of the box! Download your content onto your device to use offline. Guide to Cricut Mats: Different Types and Sizes, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Tools and Accessories.
Flip the entire project over on a clean work surface and gently peel the mat off the project. Almost all types of paper and cardstock are cut with the Fine Point blade or Premium Fine Point Blade even cardboard and poster board. You can use Wonder Under, Heat n Bond, or even Freezer paper. Cricut Design Space also offers a Print then Cut functionality, that allows you to use your regular printer for the color portion of your project, and then bring that paper in for the cutting machine to make its part of the project. If your machine is tearing or dragging through your material on intricate cuts, you may need to adjust a few machine settings. Along with my machine, there was a set of cards that explained super simple how-to connect to the power. After that, if youre still getting tears, try using the Less Pressure.
Cut files are files that are specially formatted to be read by cutting machines and translate lines as cutting lines. To write with your Cricut Machine, you will need to make sure that your image or text is set to WRITE instead of CUT. BUT if you have a Cricut Explore Air or Air 2, and you want to give fabrics a try. And just like we use different knives for different uses in our Kitchen. I bought my very first cutting machine, about 6 years ago, to make banners and signs for my very first craft show. You can find the Cricut machine at Cricut.com but you can also purchase them from all major retailers. The Smart Set dial is a material selection dial that offers pre-defined settings to get the best results on paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric, poster board, and more. With the Cricut machines, you can create not only papercrafts or customizing apparel with vinyl, etching, or stenciling. Go slowly, and use your other hand to keep the cardstock flat on the table. I get it! UPDATE: Cricut has now released the CRICUT MAKER 3, this machine has all the same capabilities as the old Maker model, BUT it's now not only twice as fast, it's also compatible with Smart Materials (So they can cut without a mat). A cardstocks weight is measured in lbs (pounds). But you probably dont need to switch to the Deep Point blade or Knife Blade.
When that happened, it was like the sky cleared open and heard angels sing. Another thing to try is to make a multi-pass or to cut the design more than once. Hola! First, make things easier on yourself and use the LightGrip cutting mat for almost all paper materials. If youre using a different brand of cardstock, thats okay. Cricut offers this blade, so you can keep it only for your fabric projects. There is no way that you can master the Cricut in your first 5 minutes with the machine. If that doesnt work, take the blade out of the blade housing and check it for debris or nicks. This will result in a cutting file ready to be cut in your virtual mat. And after that, youll get my best tips and tricks to avoid common paper-cutting mistakes. Choose the best match from the list of materials in Design Space. Let me show you around.
If at any point you have problems, Cricut has videos explaining every step, you can check most of them here. For more information about the Smart Dial, check this video by Cricut below: The Cricut Maker no longer has the Smart set dial, since it offers a different technology that we will cover later on. When the cut is finished, unload the mat. Posts may contain affiliate links. Some of the most common ones are: To see a full list of materials depending on your machine, refer to this page on the Cricut website. Its a smooth, solid core cardstock thats available in a rainbow of colors. Why? Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine, check this helpful article on the Cricut website, A lady never discusses the size of her craft stash, EasyPress: All you need to know and how to use it, A premium fine-point blade and blade housing (pre-installed), Fabric (with a stabilizer or without depending on your Cricut model).
Everything is explained along with 34+ questions and answers, so you can be confident that you are getting the right Cricut machine for your needs! If you have plans to cut thicker materials like chipboard, leather, or fabrics without stabilizers, the Cricut Maker would be the best machine for the job. Of course, if you have a Cricut Maker, you will not necessarily need to use a stabilizer. It may feel awkward at first, but flip the mat upside down and peel the mat off the paper not the other way around. Welcome to my corner of the web. Bazzill Cardstock: Bazzill paper is a high-quality cardstock with a canvas texture and solid core. Cardstock for Intricate Cuts differs from the regular Cardstock settings in two ways: it uses less pressure, and it makes two cutting passes. Additionally, there is a Beta version of Cricut Design Space that will allow you to install it in your computer to work offline. So to summarize, a Cricut machine is your dreamed right hand when it comes to creating! Cricut isnt cutting all the way through the cardstock. Technically, the Cricut Machine can NOT print, but you can use the pen holder to use a Cricut pen instead of the cutting blade (or use both at the same time depending on your Cricut Model). I am so excited to start sharing with you all the tutorials I have lined up to use the Cricut Machine! BUT with each project, you will be learning and building on your skills and confidence with the machine! Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. I think all of them are amazing, but the extra cutting power that the Cricut Maker allows WINS when it comes to the possibility of materials that it can cut. Check this helpful video about cutting mats here: Cricut blades are the workforce in the machine, they are the ones actually doing the cutting. You can buy them directly from the Cricut website or find them on marketplaces like Amazon. Cardstock can be smooth or have a slight texture. I want to share with you how wonderful creating with these machines can be and how much time they can save in your projects! If youre having trouble cutting intricate designs, try using the Cardstock Intricate Cuts material setting in Design Space. For example, if you select Glitter Cardstock as your material setting, Cricut will cut with a similar pressure as Medium Cardstock, but it will make the cutting pass twice instead of once. I would say its the most powerful of the family. Here are some of the qualities youll want to look for when purchasing cardstock to use with your Cricut machine. The level of complexity of cuts that you can make, not to mention the different materials make every crafter's dream come true. There are a few blades that are only compatible with the Cricut Maker (see them in question 4). Here is the list: Cricut Design space is Cricut's software program as well as a companion app that allows you to create, upload, and manage files to operate the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines. Offline capabilities for Cricut Design Space (iOS) allow you to design and cut using downloaded content without an internet connection. No flaking, no peeling, no cracking, and no wrinkling ever!
So, the Cricut maker and a rotary blade would be my recommendation that way you can cut thin and thicker fabrics without prepping. If you have a Cricut Joy, you can also cut paper on the special Card Mat. The Cricut Maker machines can use the Scoring Stylus or Cricut Scoring Wheel tools both the single and double Scoring Wheels. You might need to change the line time to make it work. Or maybe you are already thinking about getting one but are a little confused as to what model you should get? Each of the different types of paper and cardstock has a slightly different thickness and hardness. Most paper and cardstock materials cut best on the blue LightGrip cutting mat. You can read more about how to solve common paper-cutting issues in the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of this post. Youll learn about the different types of paper and cardstock you can cut, and the best brands of cardstock to use. Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram. Cricut Design Space also allows you to access a library of projects and files to download. The new Debossing tip for the Cricut Maker can help you create a stunning effect that even though it is not the same, its pretty close. If you want to save this post for later, feel free to save one of the images below =], Letters for wall: Create wall art tutorial and template, 27 of the best hand lettering quotes to inspire you. I personally was about ready to throw the towel (and the machine along with it after a couple of hours). There is also a sewing kit that is next on my shopping list because I cannot wait to make fabric projects with my Cricut.
Not necessarily, while Cricut Design Space is a computer-based software, and its compatible with Windows and Mac. Have you ever wanted to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut? For help to install and uninstalling Design Space, check this helpful article on the Cricut website. Scrapbooking size sheets (12 by 12) will cover the entire standard cutting mat. 2 Are there other machines that can do the same thing? Each machine that you purchase includes a blade, this is the models and blades: BUT it depends, there is definitely a learning curve, especially if you are not a very tech-savvy person. This mat was designed to be used with the Rotary blade or the Bonded-fabric blade.