What is a Cricut Machine? Ultimate Buying Guide

Cricut products like range from cutting machines to crafting essentials like cricut tools and cricut accessories. Cricut machines, cricut tools and cricut accessories have the reputation of being easy to use for creating crafts as a hobby or even for a small business. In this blog article, you will learn what is a cricut machine, what does a cricut machine do, things you need to know about cricut design space & find out more about cricut tools & cricut accessories.

What is a Cricut Machine and What Does a Cricut Machine Do?

A Cricut machine looks like a printer and serves as a digital die-cutting machine. Designs are created on a computer, and later the Cricut machine cuts, scores, or embosses accurately and quickly.

Depending on the model you purchase, it can cut numerous materials, including vinyl, cork, fabrics, leather, paper, ion on transfers, and even wood.

Once you understand and fully appreciate all the applications of the Cricut machine, you will find it worth its price tag. It allows you to cut designs with accuracy, ease, and speed.

Cricut machines can be used to cut materials such as vinyl that you would typically need to use scissors or an Exacto knife. It has the accuracy of a computerized die cutter, allowing you to cut with an intricacy that you could never have imagined. Read more about how to use a Cricut and cutting vinyl with a Cricut.

Where to Buy Cricut?

Now that you know what is a cricut machine, you may want to learn where to actually buy one. The Cricut website makes choosing and buying a machine really easy. In addition, they are sold on Amazon and in many craft and fabric stores, including Michaels and Joann.

What Can I Make with a Cricut?

This is a very common question! Here are just a few of the most common cricut projects that Cricut machine owners like to make:

• T-shirts with iron-on vinyl transfers
• Greeting cards with embossing and cutouts
• Gift tags
• Product tags
• Customized stickers
• Leather earrings, jewelry, and small accessories
• Mugs with personalized slogans
• Fabric or paper bunting
• Cut fabric for applique and small sewing projects.
• Create unique home decor such as personalized pillows and labels for your pantry.

What is a Cricut Machine - Cricut Machine Types

The Cricut cutting machine lineup has five different cutting machines. In June 2021, two new Cricut Machines were introduced: the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Explore 3. These will replace their predecessors Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air series machines.

The newer machines support stronger motors and are capable of cutting materials with twice the speed and without requiring a mat.

The 5 types of Cricut machines are:

1. Cricut Joy
2. Cricut Maker 3
3. Cricut Explore 3
4. Cricut Maker
5. Cricut Explore Air 2

The latest 3 machines are the Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker 3, and the Cricut Explore 3. The Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 are older machines that are still for sale. The greatest advantage to purchasing an older machine is that you may pick up a bargain!

Cricut Machines Compared

Here is an overall comparison chart for the 5 machines.

What Do Cricut Machines Cost?

While looking for a good crafting tool to add to your arsenal, the most important deciding factor is probably the cost.

Unfortunately, in purchasing a Cricut machine, it is not just the upfront costs of a machine that you need to consider. There is also the hidden cost of buying tools and materials.

It might please you to note, however, that for most people, Cricut machines are worth the investment as they are frequently used for crafting projects.

If you are confused about your pick for a Cricut Machine, here is a short and sweet breakdown of their prices. The prices were taken from the Cricut website at this time of publishing. Check the website for the latest prices.

1. Cricut Joy: $179.99
2. Cricut Explore Air 2: $249.99
3. Cricut Maker: $349.99
4. Cricut Explore 3: $319.99
5. Cricut Maker 3: $429.99

It is important to note that Cricut often runs some really cool promotions featuring discounted rates and offer bundles. These offer bundles are inclusive of additional cricut accessories so are very economical. Therefore, it is best to keep an eye out on their official website to not miss out on profitable deals.

The Cricut Machines in More Detail

Here is a little more information about each machine to help you better choose which one to buy:

What is a Cricut Joy

This one is the smallest, most compact machine in the range. It is easy to store and carry around due to its compact size, yet despite that, it can cut more than 50 materials. These materials include some thin faux leathers in addition to vinyl, paper, and iron-on vinyl.

Pros

1. It is portable and will take up less room in your craft room
2. Capable of cutting 50+ materials. 
3. A great choice for smaller crafting projects. 
4. It is the cheapest Cricut machine in the range.
5. The materials are generally cheaper since they are smaller.

Cons

1. Not suitable for bigger cricut projects. The maximum material width is 5.5 inches.
2. Not as versatile as its larger companions. 
3. Limited to cutting, writing, and foiling.
4. Only has Bluetooth connectivity (not USB)
5. You need to buy materials made especially for the Cricut Joy. The Maker and Explorer series can use materials interchangeably.

Why Should You Buy One

Go for the Cricut Joy if you are only starting out or planning on working on a number of smaller crafts in smaller sizes such as greeting cards and stickers. It is also a fun machine and great value if you are on a tighter budget.

What is a Cricut Machine - Explore 3

The Cricut Explore 3 is compatible with 6 different tools and it can cut more than 100 materials. These materials include glitter paper, vinyl, iron-on vinyl, cardstock, and bonded fabric. Its compatible tools include the Scoring Stylus, Fine Point Blade, the Foil Transfer Tool, and the Deep-Point Blade.

1. Capable of cutting 100+ materials
2. Compatible with 6 tools
3. Doesn’t require a mat for cutting. (Although you can use one if you want.)
4. 2X faster than the previous models

Pros

1. Mid-range price point. It sits between the Cricut Joy and the Maker 3.
2. Cuts over 100 materials.
3. You can use a mat or smart materials without a mat.

Cons

1. Larger than the Cricut Joy, it will take up more cricut design space in your craft room.
2. Can't cut really heavy materials such as wood.

Why Should You Buy a Cricut Explore 3

If you want to complete your projects with greater speed and work with a larger variety of materials, then Cricut Explore 3 is for you.

What is a Cricut Machine - Maker 3

The Cricut Maker can deliver commercial-grade performance. It is compatible with 13 tools and it can cut more than 300 types of materials including wood and leather.  

Pros

1. The Cricut Maker tools can cut, write, score, foil, engrave, and more.
2. It can work with 300+ materials
3. It has a stronger motor so it is fast. 
4. It can work with Smart Materials, so it doesn’t need a mat. 
5. 10 times more cutting force.

Cons

1. Not compact. 
2. It is the most expensive model in the Cricut range.

Why Should You Buy a Cricut Maker 3

If you want to work on larger projects requiring greater and faster-cutting force, go for the Maker 3

What is a Cricut Machine - Explore Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is one of Cricut’s best-selling machines. Its a beginner-friendly mid-level model that is just as good for seasoned crafters.

It can cut more than 100 materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, some types of leather, and fabric backed with a stabilizer. It works with mats that are 12 by 12 inches or 12 by 24 inches, so you can create full-size iron-on decals. 

Pros

1. Works with 100 different materials. 
2. Beginner-friendly. 
3. Good price point since it is an older machine.

Cons

1. Less speedy and powerful than its successors. 
2. Must be used with a mat. (Does not take Smart Materials.)

Why Should You Buy a Cricut Explore Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is great for making full-sized decals for T-shirts, for 3D paper projects, and also a great choice for crafting large vinyl decals.

What is a Cricut Machine - Maker

The Cricut Maker is one of the older yet more powerful cutting machines in the Cricut lineup. However, it is still a step up from the Cricut Explore machine.

It is a robust and versatile cutting machine with the ability to cut more than 300 materials, including acrylic, wood, leather, felt, fabric, and plastic. Like the Cricut Explore Air 2, this tool works with 12 by 12 inches and 12 by 24 inches cutting mats.

Pros

1. Compatible with a wide range of blades and tools, including the knife blade, the engraving tip, the foiling tip, the debossing tool, and the rotary cutter.
2. Cuts more than 300 materials.
3. Takes 13 tools.

Cons

1. More expensive. (Although it is cheaper than the latest Maker 3.)

Why Should You Buy a Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker is perfect for versatility in your crafts and is at a more reasonable price point than the latest Maker 3.

Discontinued Cricut Machines

These are the three discontinued Cricut machines:

1. Cricut Explore
2. Cricut Explore One
3. Cricut Explore Air

If you are low on budget yet want to invest in an older Cricut machine, you may consider purchasing a used one. While all 3 of the models are discontinued, they are still compatible and fully functional with the current version of Cricut Design Space.

You may also come across the discontinued model of Cricut Cuttlebug which was a manual die-cutter. In addition, legacy models such as the Expression and Gyspy rely on design cartridges and are no longer supported by either Cricut or the Design Space App.

What is a Cricut Machine - Difference Between the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3

The Cricut Maker and Maker 3 mainly differ in whether they can take Smart Materials. The Maker 3 can cut Smart Materials without a mat. This means you have one less step in the cutting process as well as being able to cut much longer materials up to 12 feet long. The Maker needs a mat placed underneath all materials before they are fed into the machine.

We will compare the two cutting machine models based on the type of materials they can cut, the type of tools they are compatible with, their maximum cutting length, their compatibility with a cutting mat, their connectivity, prices, and more. 

*The prices were checked on the Cricut website at this date of publishing but I expect the Maker will become cheaper or on sale over time since it is an older model.

Feature	Maker 3	Maker
Material Types	300+	300+
Types of Tools	13	13
Max Cut Length	12ft	1.9ft
Max Width	13"	12"
Smart Materials?	Yes	No
Print then Cut	Yes	Yes
Connectivity	BT/USB	BT/USB
Commercial	Yes	Yes
Price* (USD)	$429.99	$349.99
Shop Amazon	Shop Amazon	Shop Amazon
Shop Cricut	Shop Cricut	Shop Cricut

What is the Difference Between the Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2?

The biggest difference between the Cricut Explore 3 and the older Cricut Explore Air 2 is that the newer model can take Smart Materials. This means that the Cricut Explore 3 does not need a cutting mat, thus allowing the machine to cut much longer materials. The other obvious difference is the price, with the newer Cricut Explore 3 being more expensive.

We will compare the two cutting machine models based on the type of materials they can cut, the type of tools they are compatible with, their maximum cutting length, their compatibility with a cutting mat, their connectivity, prices, and more. 

*The prices were checked on the Cricut website at this date of publishing but I expect the Explore Air 2 will become cheaper or on sale over time since it is an older model.

Feature	Explore 3	Explore Air 2
Material Types	100+	100+
Types of Tools	6	6
Max Cut Length	12ft	1.9ft
Max Width	13"	12"
Smart Materials?	No	No
Print then Cut	Yes	Yes
Connectivity	BT/USB	BT/USB
Commercial	No	No
Price* (USD)	$319.99	$249.99
Shop	Shop Amazon	Shop Amazon
Shop	Shop Cricut	Shop Cricut

What are the Differences in Cricut Machines

It’s natural to be curious about the differences in the various product offerings from Cricut before you make your final choice.

To know what to look out for and compare, know that the main differences in Cricut machines lie in the following factors:

1. Pricing
2. Sizing
3. Use of Mats or Smart Materials
4. Materials Able to Be Cut
5. Tools Available
6. Cutting Sizes

Types of Cricut Machines Comparison Chart

If you’re on the hunt for a sleek Cricut machine to add to your crafting room but aren’t sure yet, one important thing to note is that it is a frequently used tool for many sewers and crafters.

While you need want to consider your budget, before investing in a Cricut machine, for more people it is definitely worth it. Below is the comparison between their features: 

*Prices checked on the Cricut website on the day of publishing.

What is a Cricut - Features and Cricut Tools Comparison Chart

Different products in the Cricut cutting machines lineup vary in terms of their features such as deep cutting, scoring, knife blade, rotary blade, and perforation.

Here is a comparison chart of the different Cricut machine features:

How Does a Cricut Machine Work?

A Cricut machine works in a similar way to a printer. You do a design on your computer, in this case, Cricut has specialized software, and then send the design to the Cricut with either a USB cable or Bluetooth. The Cricut will then precisely cut the design with an installed blade.

If you’re just starting out with your shiny new Cricut (or should I say marvelous matte Cricut?), here is all you need to know about its basic workings:

1. ADD MATERIAL TO A MAT - Start off with choosing your cutting material and adjusting it on your sticky cutting mat so that it stays in its place. (The newer Explore 3 and Maker 3 don't need a cutting mat but more on that later)
2. LOAD THE MAT OR MATERIAL - Load the mat into the cutting machine. (Newer smart materials for the Explore 3 and Maker 3 load directly into the Cricut)
3. CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN - After that, pick a design from the Cricut Design Space. It has numerous ready-made designs or you can create your own.
4. SELECT THE MATERIAL SETTINGS - Choose your material settings and send the design to your Cricut machine
5. CUT THE MATERIAL - The Cricut will now start cutting.
6. REMOVE THE MAT OR MATERIAL - Once the machine has done all the cutting, remove the sticky cutting mat or smart material from the machine, and take the material from the mat.

What is Cricut Design Space? Cricut Apps

Cricut design space is the web-based software that is used with your Cricut machine to upload, create, modify and choose designs. There are pages of projects and fonts for you to choose from or you can start from scratch and design your own.

With the Cricut Design Space, you can enjoy total creative freedom over your next DIY project. With Cricut Design Space you can design, cut, or even draw to start your projects from scratch.

If you want to save time, you may even browse through the Cricut Image Library and take your pick from thousands of images, a range of unique fonts, and ready-to-make projects. The app will also help you set up your new machine quickly and easily.

You can connect to your compatible Cricut cutting machine and experience some incredibly amazing features, such as:

What is the Best Cricut To Buy

The best Cricut to buy depends largely on 2 things - what is your budget and what do you want to cut. First look at which machine cuts your intended material and then choose the machine that best sits in your budget. Try to think ahead about what materials you might like to try cutting in the future.

Other things to factor in include:

Do You Want to Use Smart Materials? Potential users who choose to work with Smart Materials can benefit more from the latest release - the Cricut Maker 3. It is quite similar to its predecessor - the Cricut Maker - other than its ability to cut Smart Materials without a mat. 

Do You Want to Make Long Cuts? Also, with a Cricut Maker 3, you can make cuts of up to 12 ft (3.6 m). Although it might seem like an insignificant feature to a newbie, once you start crafting with a Cricut you will see it’s great being able to reel off long, unbroken rolls.

Is Speed Important? The Cricut Maker 3 is twice as fast as the Cricut Maker while working with smart materials.

Best Cricut Machine for Beginners

As a beginner at crafting, it’s only natural to have questions. Lots and lots of questions. You might have been looking at options for a reliable cutting machine and we have a perfect choice all sorted out for you. Look no further than the Cricut Explore 3. It is a great mid-range option and an inexpensive upgrade from the Explore Air 2.

The Explore 3 can cut a range of materials including paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and even cardstock. With its Smart Set dial function and Cut Smart technology, you can cut most materials in different shapes and sizes with total precision.

Cricut Supplies Needed With Your Machine

One major investment with your Cricut machine is the addition of blades. The choice of blades is determined by the cutting machine model and the materials that you will be working with.

Buying Cricut Tools

Different Cricut machines are compatible with different tools.

If you’re new at using Cricut machines and wondering what cricut accessories you need to invest in, here is a list of blades compatible with the different models/series.

Joy

• Cricut Joy Blade

Explore Series 

• Premium Fine-Point Blade
• Deep Point Blade
• Bonded-Fabric Blade
• Foil Transfer Tool
• Scoring Stylus

Cricut Maker Series

• Premium Fine-Point Blade
• Deep Point Blade
• Bonded-Fabric Blade
• Rotary Blade
• Knife Blade
• Foil Transfer Tool
• Scoring Stylus

Cricut Maker Quick Swap Tools

In addition to the cutting blades, the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 come with Quick Swap tools. These have one housing with interchangeable tips.

• Scoring Wheel and Double Scoring Wheel
• Debossing Tip
• Engraving Tip
• Perforation Blade
• Wavy Blade

(The Legacy Cricut models, such as the Create or Expression machines, use a particular set of blades that are not compatible with the new machines.)

Cricut Accessories Needed with Cricut Machines

Some important cricut accessories that you can utilize to create amazing DIY projects with your Cricut machine are:

1. Cutting Mats - There are 4 cutting mats with different strengths.
2. Tool Organisers - While optional, you will certainly need somewhere to store your tools.
3. Basic Tools Sets - These include scissors, a scoring pen, and weeding tools used to separate your vinyl cutouts from the background.
4. Blanks - For example bags and t-shirts

Materials Needed to Buy with Your Cricut Machine

Cricut machines can cut a variety of materials ranging from thin ones to quite thick and firm ones. Cricut cutting machine models such as the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 can cut up to 300 different materials.

What Materials Does Cricut Cut?

The different types of materials most widely used are:

1. Vinyl (Smart Vinyl, Removeable Vinyl, Permanent Vinyl)
2. Leather
3. Foil
4. Cardstock
5. Sticker Paper
6. Poster Board
7. Cricut Infusible Ink

Other Types of Cricut Machines

Cricut Machines aren’t just limited to cutting machine models but they also offer a range of pressing machines that can transfer beautiful patterns onto blanks such as clothing and mugs. The Cricut Heat Press, Cricut Mug Press, and Cricut Easy Press 2 are some of the popular choices. 

Cricut Tools - Cricut Auto Press

The Cricut heat press is a great choice for creating crafts made with heat transfer vinyl. It is a far better choice than transferring vinyl with an iron.

It can be used to iron designs onto bags, banners, blankets, hats, shirts, pillows, shoes, and more. Unlike a conventional iron press, the Cricut Heat Press applies consistent pressure with full control over temperature settings using its digital control panel.

Cricut Tools - Cricut Easy Press 2 and 3

The Cricut Easy Press products ensure consistent and even heat transfer. It delivers the speed and quality of a professional heat press while working as easily as a home iron and it couldn’t get better than that. It offers great precision in time and temperature control up to 400°F (205°C), however, it lacks Bluetooth Compatibility. Its app works for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Cricut Tools - Cricut Hat Press

The hat press works in a similar fashion to the heat presses but has a curved plate to mold to the crown of a cap.

Cricut Tools -Cricut Mug Press

The Cricut Mug Press is an innovative Infusible Ink system that seamlessly transfers smooth patterns onto mugs. If you have a small business selling custom mugs, you can benefit from this. You can even use non-Cricut mugs, after poly-coating them for sublimation, in the Cricut Mug Press. This means any mug that has been prepared by poly-coating will work with the Cricut Mug Press.

What is a Cricut Questions & FAQs

Is a Cricut Machine Worth It?

Yes, a Cricut Machine is definitely worth its price tag. It is easy and efficient to use, enabling you to have a project’s supplies cut and ready within minutes. Cricut machines are beginner-friendly so you won’t struggle with them even if you have no previous experience using one.

However, an important thing in considering whether a Cricut machine is worth it is what you plan to do with it. If you will be making your own designs in Cricut Design Space and selling your crafts, then it is totally worth the investment. If you just want to use it because you craft as a hobby, then you may reconsider due to its price and whether you should invest in one. In saying that, if the price is an issue, try the Cricut Joy which is the smallest entry-level machine. It still cuts many popular materials at a reasonable price.

What is the Right Cricut Machine for Me?

If you are wondering what is the right Cricut machine for me and are still undecided, you may want to consider the Cricut Explore 3. It is a great entry-level Cricut machine for beginners at a mid-range price point. You can create customized designs for your DIY crafts with Cricut Explore 3 and enjoy cutting over 100 different materials accurately and quickly.

I have the Cricut Maker 3 because I was looking for the latest model that could cut wood.

Do You Need a Computer to Use a Cricut Machine?

No, you don’t need a computer (desktop or laptop) to use a Cricut Machine. However, these machines do require smartphones (iOS and Android Devices) or tablets to operate via their Cricut Design Space App.  

Can You Make Money with a Cricut?

Yes, you can certainly make money with a Cricut! As long as you are good at your craft and pick your product wisely, you are all set to make money with your Cricut. Use your confidence and determination to try selling at craft fairs, on websites, on Etsy, and more.

Your Cricut business is not necessarily limited to creating and selling customized products. In fact, if you become a Cricut expert, you can teach your craft in masterclasses and workshops as well. Or why not become a Cricut Youtube star!

Can You Make Shirts with a Cricut?

Oh yes, you totally can make shirts with a Cricut! Who doesn’t love a quirky and personalized shirt? With a Cricut Machine, you can easily cut intricate designs from iron-on material and apply them to plain t-shirts. This possibility continues to be a key contributor to the growing popularity of Cricut machines. 

Main Alternatives to Cricut Machines, Cricut Tools and Cricut Accessories

The main alternatives to the Cricut machine are:

• Brother ScanNCut SDX125
• Brother ScanNCut SDX900
• Crafter's Companion Gemini
• Fierton Heat Press Machine
• Silhouette Cameo 4
• Silhouette Mint
• Silhouette Portrait 3
• Sizzix Big Shot Manual Die-Cutting Machine 

What is a Cricut Machine - In Conclusion

To wrap up the question of what is a Cricut Machine, what are cricut tools, cricut accessories and the part the Cricut Design Space app plays, it is important to understand its role as a digital die-cutting machine. With its printer-like exterior, it is capable of cutting several materials and aiding you in your crafty business. Materials that a Cricut Machine can cut include cork, fabrics, leather, paper, vinyl, and even some forms of wood. If you are thinking of buying a Cricut machine, look at the best model for the materials you want to cut and buy one today! I have the Cricut Maker 3 and can't imagine being without it.