Easy Guide For How To Get Started With Cricut

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Are you considering buying a Cricut Machine? And don’t know how to get started with Cricut?

Or maybe you just bought one and are looking for a beginner’s guide to the Cricut machine? If you answer yes to either one of these questions, this post is for you!

If you are unsure of which machine to get try Which Cricut Should I Buy? and if you are stuck between Cricut VS Silhouette check this Side By Side comparison.

Everything You Need To Know To Get Started With Cricut

I will help do a quick rundown of all about the Cricut so that you can see all the incredible ways to utilize this machine in your crafting needs. Since Cricut began there are now a handful of Cricut machines to choose from. So which do you want?

The Cricut Family is great for a wide variety of projects and crafts. You can use it for die-cutting, cutting wood, and print then cut. You don’t need to be a graphic designer because with the design space software and Cricut Access you have access to 1000s of designs and images.

What’s The Difference Between Cricut Machines?

• Maker 3- Maker 3 is very similar to the Maker machine, except it has the ability to cut up to 20 feet long, and you can use it without a mat!
• Maker – Cricut Maker quickly and accurately cuts over 300 hundred materials, from the most delicate paper and fabric to the tough stuff like matboard, leather, and basswood. Now your creative potential is exponential.
• Explore Air – Performance meets value. Cricut Explore Air gives you the professional-quality results you crave with the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity for wireless cuts and a double-tool holder for a clutter-free environment. 
• Explore Air 2 – Cut and write up to 2X faster than previous Cricut Explore models with this DIY speed machine. The Cricut Explore Air 2 cuts over 100 materials — everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric.
• Explore Air 3 – Cut and write up to 2X faster than Cricut Explore Air 2 and it also cuts smart materials.
• Explore One – Cricut Explore One is a smart cutting machine for DIY projects and crafts that’s easy to learn and simple to use. Cut, write, and score 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on.
• Cricut Joy – The Cricut Joy is the smallest version of the machine. It has the ability to write and cut up to 20 ft long but only 4.5 inches wide.

The Cricut Maker Machine

The Cricut Maker is the newest released Cricut machine and it has a lot of incredible features. They are very similar to the Explore line, but they seem to carry a few more perks. 

• Rotary Blade | They offer a rotary blade that will cut through fabric that is unbonded. That means you don’t need a stabilizer as the Explore machines require. 
• Scoring Wheel | This is a nice upgrade from the Scoring Stylus. Saves time and offers a clean line. 
• Knife Blade | You can use this to cut thicker leather and even items like balsa wood, which is incredible for crafting.  
• Basic Perforation Blade | Creates perfect tear-offs and easy peel-aways using paper, cardstock, acetate, poster board, and more
• Wavy Blade | Quickly create a fun wavy edge on a variety of popular materials.
• Fine Debossing Tip | Customize projects with crisp, detailed debossed designs – no folders necessary (buh bye cuddle bug)
• Engraving Tip | Engrave unique and permanent designs on a variety of materials.

Cricut also announced here in July 2019 that there will be a ton of new products pushed out on the market.

As soon as I get my hands on them, you can rest assured this will be your place to come for crafts using the Cricut line! 

The Explore Air and Air 2 

The biggest difference between Explore Air and Air 2 is the size difference. Air 2 is the larger size that will allow you to cut and write up to 2 times faster. The Air is a smaller more compact size if you don’t plan to do large projects, or maybe have minimal crafting space.  

Cricut Explore One 

Explore One is a machine that I recommend to beginners in crafting. There are limited features but enough that you are able to create and design incredible crafts.

This is the lowest price point as well, so if you are on a budget this could be a great starter machine. Then as you learn and grow, you can always upgrade later to one of the other machines. 

The Cricut Joy

I made an entire post about this special little guy. You can read more here, Cricut Joy|What I Need To Know About This Cute Little Machine. I love this machine, it features a card mat and can cut materials, just as the other machines can cut with the fine point blade. You can also cut with, or without the cutting mat.

What Are Some Things You Can Make With A Cricut Machine 

• DIY Wall Art | You can snag free SVG files that you can use and create wall art. Crisp, clean wall art that will look like store quality. 
• Teacher Tote Bag | I used infusible ink ( a new accessory you can buy). The ink infuses into the tote, vs a classic vinyl overlay. This will elevate your crafts greatly. 

Any of the machines are incredible to own. It is a matter of what you plan to use it for, the space you have, and what type of crafts you plan to use. 

Which Cricut Is Best

1. Cricut Maker | If you want all the bells and whistles along with a fast and quiet machine. 
2. Explore Air 2 | This is a more affordable machine that comes close to standing next to the maker version! 

Cricut has a whole slew of products and materials. I love Cricut Infusible Inks and Vinyl Projects these are probably my favorites. And they make designing easy with Cricut Design Space.

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