I personally was about ready to throw the towel (and the machine along with it after a couple of hours). You can also try honing the blade by repeatedly poking it into a small ball of aluminum foil. You can check how to change a blade in this video: As I explained above, Cricut released new blades that are only compatible with the Cricut Maker.
And it's the reason why the Cricut Maker is 10 times STRONGER than the Cricut Explore Air 2. Textured cardstock has a slight surface texture that often resembles a weave or a grid. Hola! 4 What is the difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut explore air 2? This blog is reader-supported. They have them (at the moment) in two different colors, Mint and Purple. It works perfectly for projects like: Cricut EasyPress 10 x 12 inches: This is the biggest size of the EasyPress and its perfect for bigger projects where you need a larger area to transfer like: Cricut EasyPress Mini: This is the latest release from Cricut and its the perfect shape for small projects in awkward places or surfaces, like: The Cricut BrightPad is basically Cricut's version of a light pad, created to illuminate projects for easier crafting and reduced eye strain. I am a self-taught English speaker and I started this blog as a way to improve in my language journey. Cardstock for Intricate Cuts differs from the regular Cardstock settings in two ways: it uses less pressure, and it makes two cutting passes. Yes, according to the Cricut website, the only machine that has full embossing capabilities is the Cuttlebug Machine. Most paper and cardstock materials cut best on the blue LightGrip cutting mat.
Design Space offers a marketplace where you can find free files as well as purchase the ones that are for sale, Etsy is also an excellent place to search for designs.I sell my hand-lettered files in both Etsy (HowJoyful Files) as well as my Studio Website here. Its a good idea to make a small test cut whenever youre using new materials. As a general rule, the heavier a paper is, the thicker it is. DIFFERENCE 3 The Adaptive tool system. Youve heard the buzz and wondered what a Cricut machine is? Solid core cardstock is the best choice for projects where youll see a lot of paper edges, like rolled paper flowers. In fact, paper and cardstock are some of the most popular materials to cut on Cricut cutting machines. Because the Cricut will do the rest, watching it work is one of my favorite parts of a project! If you rip or tear the cardstock, you will most likely see the white core showing through on the edges. I get it! When I first started working with cutting machines, I remember being SO OVERWHELMED!
Join the Cricut Facebook Group! You commonly find cardstock in 65lb, 80lb, and 100lb weights. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. You can read more about how to solve common paper-cutting issues in the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of this post. Cricut isnt cutting all the way through the cardstock. This allows you to create printable, or use different color markers to create images on paper. It can be used in different software including but not limited to, Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Sure Cuts A Lot, Adobe Illustrator, etc. Have you ever wanted to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut? This can help you save so much time and making it perfect for projects that require a lot of different cuts! If you need a little help getting started, youre in the right place. The paid subscription is called Cricut Access, this is a monthly or yearly subscription with tons of perks and files that you have access to. You can cut using the Cricut Explore family using the Bonded fabric blade as long as your fabric has a stabilizer. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. For example, if you select Glitter Cardstock as your material setting, Cricut will cut with a similar pressure as Medium Cardstock, but it will make the cutting pass twice instead of once. Corrugated Cardboard: strong, textured cardboard material thats great for 3D crafts, sculpture, and adding interest to layered paper projects. Poster Board: a thicker material with more rigidity than cardstock that you can use to make bulletin board decorations, school projects, party decor, and more. In Design Space, you can tell your machine to either cut, write (using the pens) or score the material in your mat. If that doesnt work, take the blade out of the blade housing and check it for debris or nicks. Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. Adding unseen speed and quality. It may feel awkward at first, but flip the mat upside down and peel the mat off the paper not the other way around. Because the Cricut Maker allows you to use a special blade that was designed to handle stretch and a mat that is specially designed to hold the fabric. A backing material or stabilizer is used to hold fabrics and other woven materials that have a percentage of stretch. For more details about infusible ink, check this help section here. Once youve removed the larger pieces, use the spatula tool or flat tweezers to lift any remaining small paper pieces from the mat. Guide to Cricut Mats: Different Types and Sizes, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Tools and Accessories. You might need to change the line time to make it work. The paper fibers in AC Cardstock are designed to give better results in cutting machines like Cricut so you get the detail you want without fraying. If you want to cut through both layers to make loose, individual stickers, choose more pressure or select a different material setting like Medium Cardstock. Its perfect to use with fabrics that have a stabilizer or backer iron-on.Just like we keep scissors that are only for fabric, so we can prolong their life and quality. I will make an update once I've experimented with the adapters and other brands of pens. Or maybe you are already thinking about getting one but are a little confused as to what model you should get? Everything is explained along with 34+ questions and answers, so you can be confident that you are getting the right Cricut machine for your needs! Swap. I do want to point out that for me, just the fact that I can successfully cut way thicker materials with the Cricut, was a strong enough reason for me to make the switch.
This little power marvel allows creatives a smooth-making experience as we have never before. The Explore One machine requires a separate accessory adapter to use the Cricut pens. Now that you know the basic steps for cutting paper, lets talk about all the different types of paper materials that you can cut with a Cricut machine. Light cardstock (65lb) feels like a standard greeting card, and can usually still feed through a home printer. Use the Cardstock for Intricate Cuts setting. It has a smooth texture and a solid core. Maybe you still are a little intimidated by the process and overwhelmed by the confusing instructions youve found before. The program the web-based version and the app that allows you to edit, upload and purchase files to craft are called Cricut Design Space, and they are entirely FREE to use, the only thing you would need to pay for is if you want to purchase projects or files. Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram. For more help about how to work offline, please refer to this help section on the Cricut website. Turn the mat upside down, and peel the mat away from the project. D CRICUT CUTTLERBUG: This is how the original Cricut used to operate and look. Place the paper or cardstock onto the blue LightGrip mat. And there will be mistakes because you are learning something completely new. HowJoyful LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for sites to earn advertising fees by linking toAmazon products. Cardstock can be smooth or have a slight texture. The first thing to know is that paper and cardstock come in different weights. You are welcome to link to my content using one picture and sharing a link back to the original source, always giving proper credit. No flaking, no peeling, no cracking, and no wrinkling ever! 21 Can I use any pens with the Cricut machine? The texture gives the cardstock a sturdier feel, so its great for layering or 3D projects. Where to go to download the app (I used it on my iPad, and where to go to create the Cricut ID. But the people from Cricut make it as easy as possible to get you unboxed and making right out of the box! Getting a Cricut Explore Air 2 is probably the highlight of this month for me! You can use your favorite brand of cardstock with Cricut. Vellum: a semi-translucent paper thats perfect for making elegant envelopes, lanterns, and more. Cricut Design Space also allows you to access a library of projects and files to download. The Cricut Explore machine offers the ability to cut a shape and use the pen at the same time thanks to the dual tool holder. If your blade has dulled, you may need to replace it with a new blade. It can be hard to get nice clean cuts on designs with tiny detail. After reading this Cricut for beginner guide, you will know if a Cricut is right for you and what model will help you the most! Even if you already have a Cricut cutting machine. If you love Cricut crafts, dont miss these related posts. But now that I finally understand how cutting machines work, and that I have my own shop with hand-lettered cut files. I am going to go deep, but in bite-size portions, so its easy to understand and follow for any kind of crafter =]. Cricut offers this blade, so you can keep it only for your fabric projects. The green mat has a slightly stronger adhesive that works well with thicker materials like heavy glitter cardstock. Yes, you can cut thick materials like balsa wood and leather but only using the Cricut Maker. And after that, youll get my best tips and tricks to avoid common paper-cutting mistakes. For the Cricut Maker machine, there is no need to add a stabilizer or backing to your fabric before cutting.
This mat was designed to be used with the Rotary blade or the Bonded-fabric blade. A Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine. Have questions? Tell me in the comments below! Because each point of difference needs a little more explaining, I'm dividing this into 3 different parts. With the Cricut machines, you can create not only papercrafts or customizing apparel with vinyl, etching, or stenciling. While the principles are the same for all cutting machines, I personally think that my new Cricut Explore Air 2 has some exceptional features that I want to highlight in this post. But once you purchase them, they are forever in your library. The Smart Set dial is a material selection dial that offers pre-defined settings to get the best results on paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric, poster board, and more.
To cut a project, you need to log into Design Space. The first thing to try is to increase the cut pressure. Here are a few solutions to try: The paper is curling when I take it off the mat. The opinions and text are all mines. Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Cricut Joy. If white edges are distracting from your design, you will want to switch to a solid core cardstock. 15 Do I need the internet to work with a Cricut? If you are using the Cricut brand Printable Sticker Paper, the sticker paper material setting in Design Space should produce a kiss cut or a cut that goes through the sticker layer but leaves the backing layer intact. My number one tip for writing with Cricut pens on cardstock is doing a small test run before starting a larger, more involved project. Technically, the Cricut Machine can NOT print, but you can use the pen holder to use a Cricut pen instead of the cutting blade (or use both at the same time depending on your Cricut Model). You can find the Cricut machine at Cricut.com but you can also purchase them from all major retailers. The other blades are compatible with the Cricut Explore family AND the Cricut Maker. Its like a mix between a craft plotter and a laser cutter (but with a knife). You may NOT use any of my projects to create items for sale without acommercial license. This blog post will explain the different types of cardstock that your Cricut can cut, and show you how to cut them for the best results every time. To write with your Cricut Machine, you will need to make sure that your image or text is set to WRITE instead of CUT. At this moment, 3 different Cricut models encompass the Cricut family. 9 What are Cricut mats, and why are there so many? You can access the app wirelessly on some machines, via your computer, tablet, and even mobile device. Bumpy, not aligned cuts, and weird sounds where all I got from it! I know theres a lot to cover, but hopefully, this post will answer all the questions you have and help you understand what a Cricut Machine is and how everything works a little better. Go slowly, and use your other hand to keep the cardstock flat on the table. For help to install and uninstalling Design Space, check this helpful article on the Cricut website. That way, youll be able to see how your pen interacts with the cardstocks texture.
Would you consider this machine for cutting fabric for making masks? Cricut Explore machines use the Cricut Scoring Stylus, which you can buy as part of the Basic Tool Set. Iron-On and HTV are materials that need to be heated for the glue side to activate and obtain a successful transfer. It's light, thin, and durable for comfort and portability. They last as long as the project itself. Youll learn about the different types of paper and cardstock you can cut, and the best brands of cardstock to use. There can be a few reasons why your blade is dragging or tearing your intricate designs. Here are some of the qualities youll want to look for when purchasing cardstock to use with your Cricut machine. The two exceptions that come to mind are crepe paper and tissue paper, which you can cut with the rotary blade or wavy blade. 22 How to write using pens with the Cricut Explore Air 2. Cricut Brand: Most Cricut cardstock is 80 lb. Cricut Design Space (iOS) allows you to design and cut projects without an internet connection. But what does it mean in crafting words? This system is the core difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2, I mentioned that the new blades were designed especially for it, but what is it? It was introduced along with a new set of blades that is only compatible with this model, and that allows the cutting of thicker materials like leather and even wood. This will result in a cutting file ready to be cut in your virtual mat.
28 What are cutting files (SVG, DFX, etc)? In Design Space, you are also allowed to upload your own files and use the editor to create files as well as edit them. It works for a wide variety of projects but its not very nice to write on. White Core cardstock has, as you would expect, a white inner layer. For a detailed example of all blades and compatibility, check the comparison table below or visit this page. This white core can be distracting, especially on projects with intricate cuts. The Basic Cricut toolset was the first thing I purchased after getting my machine, I knew I wanted all the little tools that make weeding, cutting, and taking things from the mats a little easier. Instead, flip your mat inside down on a clean work surface and peel the mat up from the cardstock. Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine, check this helpful article on the Cricut website, A lady never discusses the size of her craft stash, EasyPress: All you need to know and how to use it, A premium fine-point blade and blade housing (pre-installed), Fabric (with a stabilizer or without depending on your Cricut model). The Smart Set dial eliminates the need to make manual pressure, depth, and speed adjustments. Why? Then, keep reading to learn all about the different types of paper and cardstock that your Cricut can cut. 30 Where can I find cut files for the Cricut? I don't think there's specific previous knowledge that you HAVE to have to start crafting with a Cricut Machine. Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. Joy Kelley here, I am a full-time lettering artist with a passion for teaching and sharing my love for Calligraphy, lettering, crafts and all things creative! Leave a comment: I love to hear your feedback. I am so excited to start sharing with you all the tutorials I have lined up to use the Cricut Machine! DIFFERENCE 2 Attached to the upgraded cutting power are new tools that were introduced to be used exclusively with the Cricut Maker. Posts may contain affiliate links. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. If we wanted to make a comparison, we could say that the force of each machine can be compared to the pressure you apply when cutting vegetables. Unlike the other machines, this is a hand-operated die-cutting machine that allows you to emboss and use metal dies. If your machine is tearing or dragging through your material on intricate cuts, you may need to adjust a few machine settings. Each machine that you purchase includes a blade, this is the models and blades: BUT it depends, there is definitely a learning curve, especially if you are not a very tech-savvy person. You can opt for a monthly or yearly subscription and save even further. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. Kraft Board: very sturdy, versatile material that you can use to make home decor, mini books, boxes, box cards, tags, banners, and more. Some of the most common ones are: To see a full list of materials depending on your machine, refer to this page on the Cricut website. Cricut Infusible Ink is an ink transfer material that allows you to create professional-level projects.It uses the same technology as sublimation printing but without the expensive equipment, and the extremely complicated process.The ink becomes one with fibers of your material, meaning no peeling, no cracking, and its washer-proof! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut.
Cricut Smart sticker paper cardstock (for the Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy). Cricut Design Space also offers a Print then Cut functionality, that allows you to use your regular printer for the color portion of your project, and then bring that paper in for the cutting machine to make its part of the project. You can buy them directly from the Cricut website or find them on marketplaces like Amazon. The blue mat has a light adhesive that releases cardstock well. There seems to be confusion between Cricut Design Space and the Cricut subscription service called Cricut Access.
And it's the reason why the Cricut Maker is 10 times STRONGER than the Cricut Explore Air 2. Textured cardstock has a slight surface texture that often resembles a weave or a grid. Hola! 4 What is the difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut explore air 2? This blog is reader-supported. They have them (at the moment) in two different colors, Mint and Purple. It works perfectly for projects like: Cricut EasyPress 10 x 12 inches: This is the biggest size of the EasyPress and its perfect for bigger projects where you need a larger area to transfer like: Cricut EasyPress Mini: This is the latest release from Cricut and its the perfect shape for small projects in awkward places or surfaces, like: The Cricut BrightPad is basically Cricut's version of a light pad, created to illuminate projects for easier crafting and reduced eye strain. I am a self-taught English speaker and I started this blog as a way to improve in my language journey. Cardstock for Intricate Cuts differs from the regular Cardstock settings in two ways: it uses less pressure, and it makes two cutting passes. Yes, according to the Cricut website, the only machine that has full embossing capabilities is the Cuttlebug Machine. Most paper and cardstock materials cut best on the blue LightGrip cutting mat.
Design Space offers a marketplace where you can find free files as well as purchase the ones that are for sale, Etsy is also an excellent place to search for designs.I sell my hand-lettered files in both Etsy (HowJoyful Files) as well as my Studio Website here. Its a good idea to make a small test cut whenever youre using new materials. As a general rule, the heavier a paper is, the thicker it is. DIFFERENCE 3 The Adaptive tool system. Youve heard the buzz and wondered what a Cricut machine is? Solid core cardstock is the best choice for projects where youll see a lot of paper edges, like rolled paper flowers. In fact, paper and cardstock are some of the most popular materials to cut on Cricut cutting machines. Because the Cricut will do the rest, watching it work is one of my favorite parts of a project! If you rip or tear the cardstock, you will most likely see the white core showing through on the edges. I get it! When I first started working with cutting machines, I remember being SO OVERWHELMED!
Join the Cricut Facebook Group! You commonly find cardstock in 65lb, 80lb, and 100lb weights. Learn how to cut paper and cardstock on your Cricut machine with this step-by-step guide for beginners. You can read more about how to solve common paper-cutting issues in the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of this post. Cricut isnt cutting all the way through the cardstock. This allows you to create printable, or use different color markers to create images on paper. It can be used in different software including but not limited to, Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Sure Cuts A Lot, Adobe Illustrator, etc. Have you ever wanted to cut paper and cardstock with your Cricut? This can help you save so much time and making it perfect for projects that require a lot of different cuts! If you need a little help getting started, youre in the right place. The paid subscription is called Cricut Access, this is a monthly or yearly subscription with tons of perks and files that you have access to. You can cut using the Cricut Explore family using the Bonded fabric blade as long as your fabric has a stabilizer. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. For example, if you select Glitter Cardstock as your material setting, Cricut will cut with a similar pressure as Medium Cardstock, but it will make the cutting pass twice instead of once. Corrugated Cardboard: strong, textured cardboard material thats great for 3D crafts, sculpture, and adding interest to layered paper projects. Poster Board: a thicker material with more rigidity than cardstock that you can use to make bulletin board decorations, school projects, party decor, and more. In Design Space, you can tell your machine to either cut, write (using the pens) or score the material in your mat. If that doesnt work, take the blade out of the blade housing and check it for debris or nicks. Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. Adding unseen speed and quality. It may feel awkward at first, but flip the mat upside down and peel the mat off the paper not the other way around. Because the Cricut Maker allows you to use a special blade that was designed to handle stretch and a mat that is specially designed to hold the fabric. A backing material or stabilizer is used to hold fabrics and other woven materials that have a percentage of stretch. For more details about infusible ink, check this help section here. Once youve removed the larger pieces, use the spatula tool or flat tweezers to lift any remaining small paper pieces from the mat. Guide to Cricut Mats: Different Types and Sizes, Ultimate Guide to Cricut Tools and Accessories. You might need to change the line time to make it work. The paper fibers in AC Cardstock are designed to give better results in cutting machines like Cricut so you get the detail you want without fraying. If you want to cut through both layers to make loose, individual stickers, choose more pressure or select a different material setting like Medium Cardstock. Its perfect to use with fabrics that have a stabilizer or backer iron-on.Just like we keep scissors that are only for fabric, so we can prolong their life and quality. I will make an update once I've experimented with the adapters and other brands of pens. Or maybe you are already thinking about getting one but are a little confused as to what model you should get? Everything is explained along with 34+ questions and answers, so you can be confident that you are getting the right Cricut machine for your needs! Swap. I do want to point out that for me, just the fact that I can successfully cut way thicker materials with the Cricut, was a strong enough reason for me to make the switch.

This mat was designed to be used with the Rotary blade or the Bonded-fabric blade. A Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine. Have questions? Tell me in the comments below! Because each point of difference needs a little more explaining, I'm dividing this into 3 different parts. With the Cricut machines, you can create not only papercrafts or customizing apparel with vinyl, etching, or stenciling. While the principles are the same for all cutting machines, I personally think that my new Cricut Explore Air 2 has some exceptional features that I want to highlight in this post. But once you purchase them, they are forever in your library. The Smart Set dial is a material selection dial that offers pre-defined settings to get the best results on paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric, poster board, and more.


28 What are cutting files (SVG, DFX, etc)? In Design Space, you are also allowed to upload your own files and use the editor to create files as well as edit them. It works for a wide variety of projects but its not very nice to write on. White Core cardstock has, as you would expect, a white inner layer. For a detailed example of all blades and compatibility, check the comparison table below or visit this page. This white core can be distracting, especially on projects with intricate cuts. The Basic Cricut toolset was the first thing I purchased after getting my machine, I knew I wanted all the little tools that make weeding, cutting, and taking things from the mats a little easier. Instead, flip your mat inside down on a clean work surface and peel the mat up from the cardstock. Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine, check this helpful article on the Cricut website, A lady never discusses the size of her craft stash, EasyPress: All you need to know and how to use it, A premium fine-point blade and blade housing (pre-installed), Fabric (with a stabilizer or without depending on your Cricut model). The Smart Set dial eliminates the need to make manual pressure, depth, and speed adjustments. Why? Then, keep reading to learn all about the different types of paper and cardstock that your Cricut can cut. 30 Where can I find cut files for the Cricut? I don't think there's specific previous knowledge that you HAVE to have to start crafting with a Cricut Machine. Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. Joy Kelley here, I am a full-time lettering artist with a passion for teaching and sharing my love for Calligraphy, lettering, crafts and all things creative! Leave a comment: I love to hear your feedback. I am so excited to start sharing with you all the tutorials I have lined up to use the Cricut Machine! DIFFERENCE 2 Attached to the upgraded cutting power are new tools that were introduced to be used exclusively with the Cricut Maker. Posts may contain affiliate links. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. If we wanted to make a comparison, we could say that the force of each machine can be compared to the pressure you apply when cutting vegetables. Unlike the other machines, this is a hand-operated die-cutting machine that allows you to emboss and use metal dies. If your machine is tearing or dragging through your material on intricate cuts, you may need to adjust a few machine settings. Each machine that you purchase includes a blade, this is the models and blades: BUT it depends, there is definitely a learning curve, especially if you are not a very tech-savvy person. You can opt for a monthly or yearly subscription and save even further. On the next screen, select your material from the Material Settings list. Kraft Board: very sturdy, versatile material that you can use to make home decor, mini books, boxes, box cards, tags, banners, and more. Some of the most common ones are: To see a full list of materials depending on your machine, refer to this page on the Cricut website. Cricut Infusible Ink is an ink transfer material that allows you to create professional-level projects.It uses the same technology as sublimation printing but without the expensive equipment, and the extremely complicated process.The ink becomes one with fibers of your material, meaning no peeling, no cracking, and its washer-proof! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut.
Cricut Smart sticker paper cardstock (for the Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy). Cricut Design Space also offers a Print then Cut functionality, that allows you to use your regular printer for the color portion of your project, and then bring that paper in for the cutting machine to make its part of the project. You can buy them directly from the Cricut website or find them on marketplaces like Amazon. The blue mat has a light adhesive that releases cardstock well. There seems to be confusion between Cricut Design Space and the Cricut subscription service called Cricut Access.