If you’ve ever wondered what a Cricut is, or been curious about the machine crafters are raving about, seen their projects posted on social media and asked yourself how they did those, then, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to acquaint you with the amazing Cricut machine!
What is a Cricut?
A Cricut is a machine that cuts and/or draws designs or patterns that you create on the Cricut Design Space app. Inside the Cricut, you will find a small, movable blade that cuts the design from the material you are using. Think of it as hi-tech scissors or cutters with a multitude of other functions. Because the process is computer aided, the Cricut machine can cut paper, vinyl, card stock, iron on transfers and other materials with precision and speed.
Why get a Cricut?
The Cricut eliminates the labor intensive part and executes your project flawlessly. What you could do with an X-acto knife or a pair of scissors (plus dozens of hours hunched over your project), the Cricut machine can do better and faster with a press of a button! And because the crafts look professional, you can even use your machine to sell your projects.
Which Cricut machine is right for me?
Choosing which machine to invest in depends on two things:
(1) what you plan to do with your machine and
(2) what materials you plan to use.
There are several machine models available for you to choose from: Joy, the Explore series, and the Maker series.
The Cricut Joy is the smallest machine from the Cricut family. It has a small footprint so it’s easy to store when you have a smaller craft space. With the Cricut Joy, you can cut, write and foil projects like stickers, labels, and cards. You can use this machine to cut with materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, iron-on and paper thin faux leather.
Maximum cutting width: 4.5 inches
Maximum cutting length: 20 feet (if using Cricut Joy Smart Materials)
Maximum design length: 4 feet
The Cricut Explore is a powerful machine that can cut various materials including paper, vinyl, cardstock, iron-on decals, fabric and leather backed with stabilizers. It is also compatible with different tools: Cricut Pens, Fine Point Blade, Foil Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus, and Deep-Point Blade.
Maximum cut size is 11.5 x 23.5 inches
Cricut Explore 3 (Coming soon!)
Launched just last May, the new Explore model will have a stronger motor that could cut up to twice as fast as the previous generations. Cricut Explore Air 3 machine can cut Cricut Smart Materials without mats so you can cut longer designs up to 12 feet (144 inches), mat free! Compatible tools and materials are similar to Cricut Explore 2.
Maximum cutting size: 11.5 inches x 12 feet (if using Cricut Smart Materials)
This is the ultimate crafting machine. More powerful and versatile than the Cricut Explore Air, the Cricut Maker can cut a wider range of materials - from delicate materials like crepe paper, to thicker materials like balsa wood.
It can use the blades mentioned for Explore Air 2, plus more! The Cricut Maker is compatible with the following blades too - Knife Blade, Wavy Blade, the Debossing Tool, the Foil Transfer tip, the Engraving Tip, the Rotary Cutter and the Perforating Tip.
Maximum cut size: 11.5 by 23.5 inches.
Cricut Maker 3
Just like the new generation of Cricut Explore, the Cricut Maker 3 delivers professional grade quality and speed. It has a stronger motor that increases its cutting speed and cutting force. Materials and tools are similar to the Cricut Maker. This new model is compatible with Cricut Smart Materials so you can design and cut long projects without a mat.
Maximum cut size: 11.5 inches x 12 feet (if using Cricut Smart Materials)
What else do I need?
When you buy a Cricut, the machine comes with many freebies to get you started. You’ll find a blade, a mat, a pen and some materials for your first project. After that, you’ll want to think about adding several more supplies so you can keep creating. For example, if you want to do paper based projects, look into scrapbooking paper, cardstocks or vellum. If you like vinyl projects, you might want to try adhesive vinyl, iron-on vinyl and transfer tape.
For tools: When you are just starting out, a Basic Tool Set would be best. This has all the essentials including a weeder, tweezers and a scraper - everything that will help you finish your project smoothly.
Many crafters also swear by the Cricut Brayer - it helps flatten your material on the mat - which ensures a cleaner cut too.
Confused which tool you will need? We suggest taking a look at the Cricut Bundles, which already includes all tools that you will need.
Do you need a computer to use a Cricut?
Yes, you do. You would need a computer or tablet to access Cricut Design Space and send your design to the Cricut machine. The Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker models have USB cable or bluetooth options while the Cricut Joy connects wirelessly through Bluetooth.
What software do I need to use Cricut? Do I need to buy it? How much?
When you purchase your Cricut, you automatically get access to a free Design Space account. Design Space is Cricut's proprietary software program that allows you to design, create and edit your project Familiarize yourself with the Cricut Design Space app and you’ll be on your way to great crafting projects.
Can Cricut print?
Cricut machine can draw and write using Cricut Markers. But, for your printing requirements, you will still need a regular printer.
Is the Cricut machine worth it?
If you love crafting, then yes, you’ll appreciate how quickly and intricately Cricut machine works. You’ll be so impressed with how professional-looking your crafts will come out and wonder why you didn’t get one sooner!
The Happy Station / Xarion Industries, Inc. is the official distributor of Cricut machines and accessories in the Philippines.
What types of materials can be cut or used with a Cricut machine, and are there any restrictions regarding material types?
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What are the main differences between the various Cricut models available on the market, and how to choose the model that best suits your needs?
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What is a Cricut, and what are the main functions it offers?
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Thank you for such a great, well detailed and very informative site. I’ve learned a lot and it makes me feel more excited to buy and try it.