How to Use the Cricut Machine

The Cricut machine is an intuitive device that enables you to cut, draw and print designs on your materials with ease. All that’s required is placing the material onto a cutting mat before loading it into the machine.

Cricut machines feature a small blade that moves around material and cuts it along the lines of your design. This allows you to create personalized items like stickers, cards, home decor pieces and vinyl shirts with custom messages!

Design Space

Design Space is Cricut’s digital design app that works with their machines both online and offline. It boasts an expansive library of images, fonts and projects to choose from.

Design Space can be run on desktop computers and a variety of mobile devices (including iPhones and Androids). It also compatible with the Cricut Explore and Cricut Joy machines.

Design Space makes using your cutting device a snap. After downloading the software and setting up your machine, you can begin creating and sending designs directly to your cutting device.

You can also subscribe to Cricut Access for additional images, fonts and projects in Design Space. It’s an excellent way to save time and get creative faster!

Are you searching for a project idea, or creating something special with your Cricut? Design Space is an easy-to-use platform that works on multiple platforms including Windows, Macs, iOS and Android devices – making it the perfect one-stop destination. Downloading and using Design Space is free!

How do you use a cricut – Materials

The Cricut machine can cut a wide range of materials, such as paper, vinyl and iron-on. However, there are also some less commonly known alternatives like kraft board and cardstock stickers which may not be widely used by crafters.

Cardstock is an exciting material to use on cards, gift tags and scrapbooking projects. With an array of colors, thicknesses and textures available, cardstock will fit any project perfectly!

Create banners and other paper projects with ease!

Another popular material is iron-on or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). This type of vinyl has a sticky backing and can be applied to various surfaces, including fabric.

Transfer tape is essential when working with HTV or any vinyl that has a sticky back. This sticky material, typically with grid lines, helps you transfer the vinyl onto your base without shifting it during transfer. Stock up on this essential tool for working with adhesive vinyl!

Mats

Cricut cutting mats provide a secure way to hold your material while cutting, and then gently lift it away once your cut is complete. They come in various sizes and grips to accommodate different materials.

Utilizing the correct mat is one of the most essential steps in maintaining your Cricut machine. Some cutting mats, like the blue one, have a light grip which works best with tissue paper, light cardstock and other lightweight materials.

Other mats, like the StrongGrip mat, provide a firm grip and are ideal for heavier materials like glitter cardstock or chipboard. They’re also great on leather, balsa wood, and poster board.

Each mat features a clear film cover to shield its sticky surface from dust particles. After each use, replace this cover to keep your mat spotless and free of paper scraps.

How do you use a cricut – Settings

If you recently acquired a Cricut machine, now is the time to learn how to use it! To get started, unbox the device, install the software, create an image using its included design software, and place material onto its cutting mat.

If this is your first time using a Cricut, we suggest selecting a test cut to guarantee it cuts well on your material. This is especially critical if using a brand-new blade.

Once you’ve identified a setting that works, save it for future reference. Doing this allows you to quickly switch between materials while ensuring the settings cut accurately each time.

Cricut Explore Air 2 (and older) features seven pre-loaded material settings as well as a Custom option on their Smart Set dial. Utilizing these settings can help eliminate manual pressure, depth, and speed adjustments for easier cutting.