This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Inside: Learn About the Cricut Maker
If you follow me on Instagram then you saw that I recently acquired a Cricut Maker cutting machine.
Longtime readers will know that I had another brand of cutting machine. For a while it worked great, but there were some glitchy problems that I couldn’t resolve.
But those days are over! It only took one project with the Cricut Maker to realize that this machine is a ideal for people who sew, quilt, and craft.
Below, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this amazing machine.
Easy Setup
Cricut has made setting up and getting started amazingly simple.
- Unbox the Cricut Maker and pull out the open me first cards.
- Plug in and power up your machine
- Log in and start your set up
- Walk through a simple project (everything’s included!)
- Explore other projects!
It’s seriously that easy. From there, you can start cutting to your heart’s content.
Click here for a short video tour of the Cricut Maker.
Design Space
With any cutting machine, you’ll need software to help with design adjustments such as size or mat placement. Cricut’s got this covered.
Design Space is Cricut’s companion app that lets you design and cut with Cricut machines. During the set up process you will be prompted to create a Cricut account which allows you to log in and begin your first project.
From there, you’ll be able to access the Cricut Image Library with thousands of images, pre-designed projects, and fonts to choose from. Grab a hot beverage, sit back, and start saving some of your favorites. Note: Add your favorite images to the Canvas and play around with the design. You only pay for the ones you use.
And, don’t worry about not knowing exactly how to use the software. On the home page are videos to help you with any project.
Additional Cutting Options
You aren’t limited to using just Cricut Design Space projects either. Create a project from scratch or upload SVG files created by other designers. The Cricut Maker will cut them all beautifully.
I really like the “Ready-to-Make” projects found in Design Space. They walk you through each step, start-to-finish. These projects include materials, Cricut Maker cutting instructions, plus a detailed tutorial for completing the project. Perfect for those just starting out.
A good example is this Half Hexi Quilt project. It takes the guess work out of fabric choice and cutting. Plus, you will get perfect hexies without needing to purchase a new ruler.
photo via Cricut
What’s Included with the Cricut Maker
Each Cricut Maker comes with:
- Cricut Maker Machine
- Rotary Blade + Housing
- Fine Point Blade + Housing
- Fine Point Pen
- Two 12″ x 12″ Cutting Mats (Pink and Blue)
- 50 Ready-to-make projects
- Materials for your first project
Watch this quick video to see everything included!
Cricut Maker Accessories
Once you get started with your Cricut Maker you may want to invest in a few additional supplies. While none of these items are required for using your Cricut Maker, they are very useful as you begin making more projects.
Below are a few I recommend for those just starting out.
How the Cricut Maker Works
Prepare to be amazed.
The Cricut Maker uses an Adaptive Tool System with a mathematical algorithm to create precise and exact cuts. (I know, big words…but, what does it mean?)
What this means is Cricut makes a variety of tools that allow for all sorts of creativity.
Since introducing the Maker, Cricut has continued adding new tools for cutting and scoring a variety of materials.
- Cutting & Writing tools such as the Rotary Cutter, Fine-Point Blade, and Fine-Point Pen (all included with the Maker)
- Knife Blade
- Scoring Wheels
- Perforation Blade
- Cricut Pens
- and many more!
The Cricut Maker Cuts Fabric
The Cricut Maker comes with a Rotary Blade that is able to cut 360° in any direction which means it can effortlessly cut curves and tight corners. Just like a hand-held rotary cutter but more exact and precise!
This works so well because the cutting blade is specifically designed to cut fabric.
The machine comes with colored mats, but the pink mat is specifically designed for cutting fabric. It has a special adhesive that keeps the fabric in place while it’s being cut. Note: There are also ways to clean the mat when it gets covered in threads after excessive cutting.
The pink mat (fabric) comes in either 12″ x 12″ or 12″ x 24″ giving you lots of options for cutting out quilt pieces or (my favorite) applique designs.
Since I loves me some me some applique, and most of my patterns come with SVG files, this is a match made in heaven.
Watching the Cricut Maker cut fabric is a thing to behold.
The Cricut Maker Cuts a Lot of Other Things
While I am eager to use the Cricut Maker for cutting fabric appliqué designs, it’s also capable of so much more.
- Of course, it cuts paper. But not just any paper, it cuts an incredible variety of paper.
- Cardstock
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Foil Embossed Paper
- Craftboard
- Poster Board
- Pearl Paper
- Shimmer/Sparkle Paper
- It flawlessly cuts vinyl. Since vinyl is a quick way to embellish almost anything, expect to see pillows, mugs, t-shirts, etc. in the future. I can’t wait to try some of these vinyls!
- Basic Vinyl
- Adhesive Foil
- Patterned Vinyl
- Holographic Vinyl
- Cricut recently introduced Infusible Ink (something I can’t wait to try). When you use Infusible Ink the transfer actually becomes one with the material itself. The results are bright, beautiful, seamlessly smooth custom transfers that are peel-proof, flake-proof, and wash-proof. Learn more about Infusible Ink here.
photo via Cricut
For those who are want to go beyond just paper and fabric, the Cricut Maker cuts these items, too.
- Felt
- Washi Sheets
- Leather
- Aluminum
- Foil Acetate
- Balsa Wood
- Chipboard
- Basswood
As you can see, the Cricut Maker is an amazing machine. It has the ability to expand creativity and take things to the next level.
For me, it’s all about being a maker. Everyday, I must be making something and this is another tool that will take me a little further on my creative journey.
Can you tell me the difference between the Cricut Maker and all the other Cricut machines I see out there (like the Explore Air 2, etc)? I’ve been eyeing a Cricut for some time but don’t understand the differences between all these machines.
Great question. The main difference is in the available tools. The Explore Air would be best suited to cutting/scoring paper and vinyl. It can also draw. The Maker has the ability to cut a more precisely because of the Adaptive Tool System. The Rotary wheel cuts like a rotary cutter. The Knife Blade cuts like an X-acto knife, etc. If all you want to cut is paper or vinyl then the Explore Air would be a good choice. If you want to cut out fabric (like appliqué designs), then the Maker would be a better option.
So if I want the versatility of being able to cut anything I got a whim for (don’t know just yet what that will be) then the Maker would be my best option? I think I’m primarily wanting to cut the vinyl and stuff for making my own t-shirts/clothing item with the cute designs I’m seeing all over the sewing groups lately. (just so I know what to put on my wish list for Christmas – specifics for the hubby LOL)
Absolutely! Even with vinyl, the Maker has some amazing options. And the cuts are beautiful. Once you get started, you will come up with more things you’ll want to make. And it sounds like you’re interested in doing a lot of heat transfers so, you might as well put the EasyPress on the list, too. I’ll be talking about it next week.
Than you Leslie, I am thinking of buying a circuit and your blog describes it perfectly and answered my many question..
Can I still use my Cricuit cartridges with the Cricuit Maker?
I’m not absolutely sure about cartridges on the Cricut Maker, but I know they are compatible with the Cricut Air 2
I would really love to see a small project beginning to end – using the Cricut Maker to cut, then the application of the thing cut please,
I have the Cricut Explore Air 2. Is there a way to input a drawing of what you want to cut in fabric? Or do you have to choose something from Cricut or another designer? For example, if I wanted to copy a flower picture, is there a way I could put Steam a Seam on the back of the fabric and the machine cut out the pieces?
I’m not absolutely certain about this, but plan to explore all of it. Once I have a firm understanding, I’ll put this in a future post.
I have the Explore Air and I had so much trouble cutting fabric that I set it aside and haven’t used it in a very long time. Do you know if they have a fabric cutting blade that will fit mine like the new one?
The best way to cut fabric would be using the rotary blade which is only available on the Cricut Maker. I’m not sure if the Explore Air has a blade that is suitable for cutting fabric.
Hi Leslie,
I am new to quilting. I recently bought a Bernina 570 with the embroidery attachment after reading your article series All About Machine Embroidery (which was excellent). So now, I’m scared to death to make a quilt or even try the embroidery. When I used to sew years ago there were no rotary cutters. I have a difficult time using them accurately and the thought of all that cutting for a quilt is almost paralyzing 😱.
My question for you… Is the Accuquilt machine and the Cricut machine comparable? Are there people who cut fabric exclusively on these machines? Thanks for any suggestions.
I don’t know of anyone that cuts quilts exclusively on a Cricut Maker. However, it would be possible. The Cricut is really designed for all sorts of crafts, so I don’t know how it would work for cutting only fabric. The Accuquilt is designed to cut out fabric for quilts. I would look on Youtube and Pinterest to see if you can find people using these machines for quilt cutting.
Thanks, Leslie!