If you just pulled your Cricut machine out of the box—or it’s been collecting dust while you try to figure it out—you’re not alone. Here are some Cricut tips for beginners to help you get started.
When I first got mine, I was SO excited… until I realized I had no clue what I was doing. YouTube tutorials left me more confused, and every “easy” project I tried ended up wasting my vinyl (and my patience 😅).
So if you’re looking for Cricut tips for beginners that actually make sense, here’s what I wish someone told me before I made that very first cut.
1. The Mat Really Matters
One of my biggest beginner mistakes? Using the wrong mat.
Cricut mats come in different grip strengths:
- LightGrip (blue): Best for copy paper and light cardstock
- StandardGrip (green): Great for vinyl, HTV, and regular cardstock
- StrongGrip (purple): Use for heavy materials like chipboard or leather
If you use a too-strong mat for delicate materials, you’ll end up ripping your project—or struggling to get it off the mat in one piece. Ask me how I know. 😅
👉🏽 Tip: Start with LightGrip or StandardGrip depending on your material.
2. Don’t Skip the Test Cut
It feels like a waste of time, but skipping a test cut is how you end up wasting everything else.
A quick triangle or circle test helps you see if the settings are right. I once ruined a whole sheet of glitter vinyl by not testing my blade pressure first. Rookie move!
👉🏽 Always do a small test cut when using a new material or blade.
3. Mirror for HTV (or Regret It Later)
If you’re using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) or Infusible Ink, you must mirror your design in Cricut Design Space.
Why? Because you’re cutting it backwards so it presses correctly onto your shirt or bag. I’ve forgotten to mirror designs more than once… and had to trash perfectly good vinyl.
👉🏽 In Design Space, toggle the “Mirror” switch before you hit “Make It.”
4. Know Your Tools Before You Cut
Cricut has a tool for everything—but it’s easy to get overwhelmed fast.
Here’s a super quick rundown:
- Fine-Point Blade: Your go-to for most materials
- Rotary Blade: Best for fabric and felt
- Knife Blade: For thicker materials like leather or wood
- Weeding Tools: For removing vinyl bits after cutting
- Brayer: Helps materials stick evenly to the mat
👉🏽 Want a printable version of this? It’s all inside my Cricut Made Easy eBook.
5. You Don’t Need Fancy Projects Right Away
You do not need to start with layered paper bouquets or multi-color decals. Your first win can be small—and still feel amazing.
Here are 3 easy project wins:
The key is building confidence with simple steps before you go all in.
6. Weed Before You Panic
The first time I looked at a cut design, I thought something went terribly wrong.
It looked like a jumbled mess—until I weeded away the excess vinyl and the real design appeared like magic.
👉🏽 Tip: Use good lighting and a pointy weeding tool. Start slow and don’t rush.
📘 Want All These Cricut Beginner Tips in One Place?
That’s why I created the Cricut Made Easy: Tips and Tricks for Beginners eBook.
It’s a complete guide for anyone who’s just starting out and wants to:
✅ Understand tools and materials
✅ Avoid costly mistakes
✅ Follow step-by-step beginner projects
✅ Feel confident using Design Space
✅ Stop wasting vinyl and time
This is the shortcut I wish I had when I started. Now it’s yours.
💬 You’ve Got This
Everyone starts somewhere—and sometimes that “somewhere” is a pile of ruined vinyl and a YouTube tab open at 2 a.m.
But it gets easier. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
With the right tools, some real talk, and a little practice, you’ll be making beautiful things in no time. Keep going 💕
