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Are you up for creating some of the most unique and creative projects with your Cricut machine? Well, iron-on vinyl is probably the most popular material to be used with the Cricut machines. It's cheap, fun, and easy to get started with. It won't matter even a little bit if you are still a newbie. You can still make some beautiful crafts with ease. With the help of this article, we'll be sharing our top 6 iron-on vinyl Cricut projects that are cheap and easy to get started with.

We know quite well that crafting can be both therapeutic and challenging at the same time. Well, which is why we've got step-by-step instructions for each project for you. So you don't have to worry about anything and feel the former, not the latter.

So, get your Cricut machine and iron-on vinyl-ready, and dive into this fun and challenging journey with us. And make some Cricut projects that beautifully showcase your personality and creativity.

Custom T-Shirt Design

Well, we had to start our list with T-shirts; why? They look good, are mainstream, and are easy to make. And that's not all; they are easily one of the most popular projects to make with iron-on vinyl. With a Cricut machine at your disposal, you can easily create wonderful designs and then carve out the iron-on vinyl using your machine. Once you've cut out your design, simply use a heat press or an iron to stick it to your t-shirt. You might want to use high-quality iron-on vinyl that will withstand multiple washes and remain vibrant at the same time.

What Do You Need?

Cricut machine
T-shirt
Iron-on vinyl
Iron or heat press
Weeding tool

How to Do It?

Create your design using the Cricut Design Space or any other design tool. If you don't have a design, you can find one in the Design Space library.
Now, cut it out of high-quality iron-on vinyl using your Cricut machine.
Place the vinyl onto your t-shirt and use a heat press or iron to stick it to the fabric.
Wait for the vinyl to cool before peeling off the backing paper.

Beautiful Custom-Made Tote Bag

Another fun project to make with iron-on vinyl is a beautiful Custom-made tote bag. Want to create a unique gift for a friend or just want to show off your own personal style? A custom tote bag is a way to go.

What Do You Need?

Cricut machine
Tote bag
Iron-on vinyl
Iron or heat press
Weeding tool

How to Make One?

Pick a design from the Design library or make one.
Now, cut out your design using Cricut iron-on vinyl.
Then use a heat press or iron to make sure it sticks to your tote bag.
Don't be afraid of experimenting with different colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Decorative Pillow

Want to add some personal flair to your bedroom? Guess what? Creating a decorative pillow with iron-on vinyl might be the easiest thing you can do. With a Cricut machine with you, you can cut out intricate designs and letters that will surely make your pillows stand out.

Things You Need

Cricut machine
Pillow cover
Pillow insert
Iron-on vinyl
Iron or heat press
Weeding tool

How to Create One?

Launch the Cricut Design Space and make a beautiful design. Don't have time to do so? Pick one from the library, and you can also find various SVGs online for free.
Now, cut it out of iron-on vinyl with the help of your Cricut machine.
To make sure the vinyl sticks to the pillow, use a heat press or iron and press firmly for some time. And you are done.

Personalized Water Bottle

Being hydrated using a cool bottle is as crucial as staying hydrated. Well, jokes aside, personalizing water bottles and giving them unique designs is not a bad idea, is it? Using Cricut iron-on vinyl, you can make them happen.

All You Need

Cricut machine
Water bottle
Iron-on vinyl
Iron or heat press
Weeding tool

Here's How You Do It

Create a design or choose one (you know where you would find those) and place your iron-on vinyl on the Cricut machine.
Let the Cricut machine cut.
Clean your water bottle and make sure it is compatible with iron-on vinyl.
Place the vinyl onto your water bottle and stick it to the surface using a heat press or hot gun would also work.
Let the vinyl cool and peel off the backing paper and enjoy.

Personalized Baby Onesie

If you have a baby at home, then you might want to personalize your baby onesie. Use the good old iron-on vinyl to make that happen. With Cricut, you can create some fun and creative designs and cut them out of iron-on vinyl. Let's see how.

Materials Needed for Baby Onesie

Cricut machine
Vinyl
Transfer tape
Scraper tool

See How to Make One

Use the Cricut Design Space to create a wonderful design. You might want to use a premade design; look for it in the library.
Load the vinyl onto your cutting mat with the shiny side down.
Put the mat into your Cricut machine and follow the prompts in Design Space to cut your design.
Use a weeding tool to pull it out.
Use a heat press or iron to stick it on the Onesie. Let it cool down, and you are done.

Custom Wall Art

Iron-on vinyl isn't just for fabric - it can also be used to create custom wall art. With a Cricut machine, you can easily create intricate arts that will surely make your walls pop. Simply follow the instructions below to make that happen.

Here's What You Will Need

Cricut machine
Vinyl
Transfer tape
Scraper tool

Here's How to Do All Of That

Start with designing something awesome. Don't worry if you can't draw; pick a premade from the internet or the Cricut Design Space library.
Now, cut it out of high-quality vinyl with the help of your Cricut machine.
Clean the wall where you want to apply the vinyl and let it dry.
Place the vinyl onto the wall and make it stick using heat
And finally, pull off the peel once it has cooled down.

Conclusion

Iron-on vinyl is versatile and easy-to-handle material that anyone can use to create awesome Cricut projects. Whether it's the custom t-shirts you make or baby onesies, iron-on vinyl is the perfect solution. And following what we laid down will definitely help you make all of these with ease. And don't forget to use high-quality vinyl, as a cheap one won't last even a few washes.

We hope you've enjoyed our top 6 iron-on vinyl projects and that they've inspired you to get creative with the machine.

SOURCE: Top 6 Iron On Vinyl Cricut Projects [How to Make Them]

The Cricut EasyPress 2 machine is a heating machine that is portable and lightweight. This machine inherits the portability of a regular household iron machine and evenly distributes the heat on the heat press surface at the bottom of the machine. The EasyPress 2 is capable of heating up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can even apply the EasyPress on the iron-on vinyl. The EasyPress 2 is also more efficient and faster than its predecessor Cricut EasyPress 2. In this blog, we are going to review the Cricut EasyPress machine and answer all of your queries.

We know that many of you must be confused about deciding which one to buy, but don’t worry; by the end of this blog, we will answer your question about whether you should go for EasyPress 2 or EasyPress. So let us start with the blog.

Contents That Come Inside Cricut EasyPress 2 Box

Here are the following contents that come inside the Cricut Easy Press 2 box:

Warranty Card
Heat Resistant Base
Cricut Easy Press Machine
Sample materials to make your first project

Buttons That Come On Cricut EasyPress 2 Machine

Following are the buttons that come on the Cricut EasyPress 2 machine:

Power Button: This button powers your Cricut machine. After pressing the button, it turns on the Cricut machine to the last setting used by you.
Temperature Button: The temperature button is used for setting up your temperature using the “+” and “-” buttons present on the top of the EasyPress 2 machine. You can change the temperature settings by holding the down button; this will switch the temperature between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Timer Button: This setting works the same as the temperature buttons. To increase the timer, press “+,” and to decrease the timer, press the “-” button.
Plus and Minus buttons: These buttons are used for setting up the temperature and time settings.

Major Improvements In Cricut EasyPress 2 Machine

The Cricut EasyPress is the second generation of the Cricut EasyPress machine. In the EasyPress 2 machine, they have improved various aspects like the first generation of EasyPress was available in only one size and color. Some of the major improvements you will find in the Cricut EasyPress 2 machine are as follows:

The Cricut EasyPress 2 machines are available in different sizes to accommodate different types of projects.
EasyPress 2 machines can heat up to 400° F.
The heating speed is 25% faster than the previous generation of EasyPress.
EasyPress 2 machine has a thicker heat plate with a lesser temperature difference.
In the EasyPress 2 machine, the USB port has received several firmware updates, which improves the performance of the machine.
The protection base that comes under the Cricut EasyPress machine has improved a lot.
The machine automatically stores your last settings, which saves you a lot of time when you’re working on the same project/ material.

How To Use The Cricut EasyPress 2 Machine

Following is the step-by-step guide to starting using the Cricut EasyPress 2 machine:

First of all, press the power button to power the Cricut EasyPress machine. Before you start setting up the time and temperature, it is always recommended to keep the temperature guide with you so that you use the right heat temperature settings according to your project
After that, with the use of the button, enter the temperature and the timer settings according to your materials by taking reference from the heat press guide.
Once you have set the temperature, the heating process will start. You will get an orange indication during the heating process.
After that, once your EasyPress temperature has reached the mentioned temperature, the light on the EasyPress machine will turn green.
Now before lifting your machine to heat press on your materials, ensure that the countdown timer is turned on so that you know when to pull back the EasyPress machine.
Once you have heat pressed on your material, you can place your EasyPress machine on the protective mat.
In case you want to re-heat, you can do so by clicking on the “+” and “-” buttons on your Cricut EasyPress machine.

Note: You can always switch your temperature settings between Fahrenheit and Celcius by pressing the thermometer button. And after using the EasyPress 2 machine, keep the EasyPress machine inside the plastic case to keep it safe. The plastic cases protect the EasyPress machine safely and also protect users from getting burned accidentally because of the excessive heat emitting out of the machine.

Conclusion

We hope you found this blog helpful. In this blog, we have reviewed the Cricut EasyPress 2 machine in detail. Through this blog, we tried to clear all the doubts regarding the Cricut EasyPress machine in our Frequently Asked Questions section. If this kind of topic interests you, then stay connected to our blog page for more such blogs like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Invest In A Cricut EasyPress 2 machine?

Yes, definitely, the Cricut EasyPress 2 machine is worth buying if you’re specifically planning to make T-Shirts.

What Is The Major Difference Between Cricut EasyPress 1 And EasyPress 2 Machines?

The major benefit you get in EasyPress 2 is that the machine remembers all your last used settings in its cache memory. But still, it is not a big deal breaker since the EasyPress 2 machine performs almost the same; the only difference is that it saves you a lot of time entering your past settings in the machine if you’re doing the same type of project. There is a performance upgrade in the EasyPress 2 machine, as it is capable of heating up to 400 degrees in about 1 to 3 minutes.

What All Things Can A Cricut EasyPress 2 do?

The Cricut EasyPress machine is specifically designed for adding iron-on materials to your projects. With the help of this machine, you can achieve an iron-on result in less than a minute. You can use Cricut Easy Press on different materials like blankets, hats, shoes, banners, pillows, and many other materials.

Can We Use a Cricut EasyPress Machine On A Mug?

Yes, definitely, the Cricut EasyPress machine is great for making Mugs. You can use both EasyPress 1 and EasyPress 2 machines for mug-pressing tasks.

Can We Vinyl With EasyPress 2?

The Cricut EasyPress 2 machine is amongst the best cutting machines, and it makes your infusible materials and iron-on vinyl transferring process easier.

SOURCE: Cricut EasyPress 2: Most Detailed Review 2023

If you are on your crafting journey, you will come across different accessories. Here, we will discuss only one, Cricut transfer tape, which is commonly used during various projects. So, if you are someone looking for how to use Cricut transfer tape, this is the right place to find it. You can use our tips to make your vinyl projects with the transfer tape. Let's learn what a transfer tape is, how it works and how you can use it in your projects.

What Is A Cricut Transfer Tape?

As the name suggests, Cricut transfer tapes are used to transfer your cut adhesive vinyl to your blank material, such as a mug, water bottle, phone case, or anything that you may use. Otherwise, moving the cut vinyl pieces will be difficult without transfer tape. For a successful transfer, you need to move the cut vinyl pieces from their back to the original project without causing any harm to them and placing them in the right space. Transfer tape allows you to transfer the cut vinyl in the same place as it looks on the vinyl backer.

Why Use Cricut Transfer Tape?

Usually, it is used for vinyl Cricut projects. Once you cut a vinyl pattern with your Cricut machine, it will be on the back. Here, the purpose of using transfer tape is to transfer the cut design from the back to your final project without damaging it. It supports you while you work with vinyl. In other words, transfer tape will deliver the best results whenever there is a need to cut a vinyl piece to fix it to the project's surface. It is usually used in large projects.

How Does Cricut Transfer Tape Work?

When you have cut out your vinyl piece and removed the debris, you need to fix the clear transfer tape on the top of the vinyl and remove the vinyl backing paper. After that, move and place the vinyl on your project's surface and remove the transfer tape slowly to its final location.

How To Use Cricut Transfer Tape?

First, cut your design from adhesive vinyl on your Cricut machine. Then, remove the excess vinyl in and around the design, and when you are satisfied with the design, it's time to break out the transfer tape.

Follow the steps to use a Cricut transfer tape:

Take the transfer tape and cut it a little larger than your actual design. Transfer tapes are reusable, and you can use them several times before discarding them.
Remove the backing paper and keep it safe so you can use it again to put transfer tape on it later.
Then, place the transfer paper on your design and burn it well. You can either use a scrapper or an old gift card.
You can either turn your piece over and remove the backing paper or lift the transfer paper if you want to. Ultimately, you need to fix your design on the tape clearly. If it doesn't, press it again, go ahead with the scraper, and try lifting again.
When your design is on the tape, you can place it for your project.
Press the vinyl.
Then, remove the transfer tape. Ensure that the vinyl sits well on your project's surface. If it's not sticking well, remove the tape and burn it before lifting it the second time.

Which Transfer Tape Should I Use?

Many options are available in the market for transfer tape. If you are just starting with the transfer tape, Cricut transfer tape would be the best for you. Otherwise, experimenting with different brands is not a bad idea to get an idea of what you should consider. But according to my experience, Cricut tape is clear, has grid lines, and gets easily lined up on your final projects.

Is There Any Alternative To Transfer Tape?

Yes, you can use a few alternatives instead of a transfer tape. It is quite possible that your transfer tape is too sticky for the project, and you want something light. In that case, painter's tape is a good option. Ensure the tape is large enough to cover your design. Contact paper is another option. Moreover, you can also use press and seal saran wrap instead of transfer tape. Usually, people use press and seal when they have to transfer vinyl to a poster board, where the transfer tape may be too sticky.

FAQs

Which Transfer Tape To Us For Cricut Vinyl?

You will require a strong tape to transfer glitter and holographic vinyl that can easily adhere to your project's surface. In such cases, use Cricut's StrongGrip transfer tape, which is available as a high-class option in the market with grid lines.

For How Long Can You Use A Transfer Tape?

You can use transfer tape until it does not lose its stickiness. Usually, you can use it 2-3 times. Or it could be used for more time.

Should I Use Different Transfer Tapes For Vinyl?

Either you will use regular tape or a strong grip transfer tape. Mostly, you will have to use regular transfer tape. In contrast, the StrongGrip transfer tape is used for heavier vinyl, such as glitter vinyl. This option will work strongly and will not let you take your vinyl off and on the surface.

SOURCE: How To Use Cricut Transfer Tape [Learn Here]

Many people are confused about what heat settings to select for their Cricut Heat Press machine. So, in this blog, we’re going to clear all your doubts related to the Cricut EasyPress heat guide settings. There are different settings for different materials and EasyPress machines. In this blog, we’re going to tell you the heat press guide for the Infusible Ink material for all the EasyPress machines.

The Cricut heat press is a detailed heat setting guide about the EasyPress machine; it includes all the instructions for the settings you have to maintain to heat a variety of materials on your Easy Press machine. The heat press guide provides you machine specific settings so that you have hassle-free heat transferring and it does not harm your material. The Cricut Heat Press instructions are only available on the official website of Cricut. So, let’s start with our blog on the Cricut heat press guide and discuss the step-by-step process to use the Cricut Easy Press Guide.

Steps To Use Cricut EasyPress Heat Guide

Following are the steps for using the Cricut EasyPress Heat Guide:

First of all, visit the official website of Cricut and go to the Easy Press heat guide column.
After going to the Heat Guide, a page will open where you will be able to see different options, including the EasyPress machine name, heat temperature settings, and timings.
To know the prevalent settings for your EasyPress machine, you first have to select the base material you’re using from the drop-down list.
After that, select the machine model you’re using from the dropdown menu.
After you have filled in the relevant information, click on Apply.
Then the relevant heat settings information will be provided to you, and you can apply the same to your EasyPress machine without needing to worry about the process.
This makes your crafting process so much easy, as you need not will have to cross-check the settings, and you can never go wrong with the heat settings

Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Guide Instructions For Infusible Ink

Following are the Cricut EasyPress Mini heat guide instructions for an Infusible Ink:

Switch On The EasyPress Machine

Ensure that you’re on a flat/ hard heat-resistant surface. It will be comfortable for you if your surface height is above the height waist height, and it will be convenient for you to work.
Then, use the EasyPress mat for a good grip while working so that the machine doesn’t move from its place.
Don’t use breakable/ lightweight/ weak iron boards.

Set The Temperature In Your EasyPress Machine

Before setting your temperature, it is always better to take a reference from the HeatPress guide. You can find the heat press guide on the official website of Cricut. And with the help of the heat guide, you can adjust the settings of your Easy Press machine according to your heat guide settings.
Firstly, power on your Cricut machine set up and set the machine temperature to lower settings.
Now adjust the EasyPress temperature settings by pressing the “+” and “-” buttons on the machine, as mentioned in the heat press guide.
After pressing the Start button on your EasyPress machine, you will see an orange light lit on your Cricut machine. This indicates your easy Press machine is heating up according to the temperature set you.
After your EasyPress machine has reached the temperature set, you will see a green light indicator that indicates that your set temperature has been reached successfully.
It is recommended to use a pair of heat-resistant gloves when you’re working with the EasyPress machine as direct contact with your skin with the excessive heat emitting from the Easy Press machine may cause you severe skin burns.

Set Your Timer Settings On The Machine

Refer to the recommended temperature settings and the instructions available in the Heat Press guide. After that, select your Cricut machine and the heat transfer material from the drop-down menu you want to use.
Then select the base materials you’re using and click on the Apply button to search for the instructions.
After you click on the Apply button, you will get all the details instantly, like the applications, pre-heat suggestions, materials to use, and instructions.

Use the EasyPress Heat Guide To The Pre-Heat Of Base Materials

Ensure that your base materials are preheated before placing your heating designs. And it is always recommended to check the temperature and pre-heat time from the Cricut EasyPress Guide. The Cricut Heat Press guide is available on the official website of Cricut, free of cost.

Final Words

We hope you found our blog helpful. In this blog, we explain the step-by-step process of using the heat guide. Just like this, you can follow the same steps to heat other materials; for this blog purpose, we heated the Infusible Ink using the Easy Press machine. Irrespective of the machine you’re using, the steps are similar. If you still have any doubts left, you can read our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature Do We Need To Set Our Cricut Heat Press?

If you’re using an EasyPress machine, you will need to set the temperature settings to 340° F. After that, preheat your materials for about 10 to 15 seconds. Then after preheating your design, place your design on the preheated material. Then after placing your material, heat it for about 50 seconds with medium heat pressure.

At What Temperature Should I PreHeat My Cricut Iron Every Day?

If you’re using everyday Iron On, the preheat settings are 315° F. Make sure before placing your decal on the bodysuit, at least preheat for about 5 seconds.

What Do We Need To Press Iron On Vinyl?

The suitable temperature for heat transfer vinyl is 260 to 315° F when using medium pressure.

SOURCE: How To Use Cricut Heat Press Guide

The suitable temperature for heat transfer vinyl is 260 to 315° F when using medium pressure.

In this Cricut tutorial, we will discuss how to make a stencil with Cricut in the Design Space. You may have tried it on your own and failed. But never mind, we have a simple solution for you that will help you to make a stencil with your Cricut machine easily. This tutorial will cover vinyl stencils. To make a stencil, you can create your own design or upload a pre-made design to Cricut. Let's see how you can turn your designs into a stencil.

How To Make A Stencil In Cricut Design Space?

Let's go through the steps involved in making stencils from scratch. In your Design Space, hit the text button on the left. You can choose the font from the top bar. The font dropdown will show you all the available fonts you have uploaded and Cricut's default fonts. In the fonts box, you will see a tab saying system. You will only see your own fonts when you click on them.

It's easy to have one text box per line and lets you space things according to you. In our example, we wrote, 'it's so good to be' in corbel font, which was the system's font and was already on your computer. When you write your first line, click the text box again. Then, a new box will appear to type the second line. You can add lines by repeating this step. The second line in our example is 'Home' in Magnolia Sky, which is a purchased font.

Ungroup And Weld Script Text

In your design space, all the fonts will have separated letters. It doesn't look good. Hence, we weld them. So, in order to get them together, when your text is selected, click the ungroup button on the top right. Once you hit the ungroup button, you will see that all letters are separated in your layer panel.

Also, you can click and drag letters where you want to. Ensure to overlap letters on each other so that it looks natural.

Now, all the letters will touch each other. Observe the layer panel on the right; each letter is still displayed individually. Hence, the Cricut will cut them separately, which we don't want.

In this case, select your text. After that, you will see a box around it. Now click the weld key at the bottom right corner. Therefore, the Cricut will cut text as one word.

Attach Text To Create A Stencil

Finally, you can arrange your text. In our example, we made the Home letter bigger than the rest of the text. When you are satisfied with your text and everything seems good, attach it together. Also, the Cricut machine will arrange a good cut for you.

Select all of your text and ensure that every letter is selected. Now, click the attach button on the bottom right of the screen. Once you attach it, the whole box will move and remain together while clicking and dragging. Hence, your stencil design is all set. Though, there are some more methods to prepare a stencil.

Further, we will discuss how you can upload a file in Design Space to make a stencil if you don't want to create one.

How Can You Upload A File To Make A Stencil?

If creating a design is not what you want, you can upload an SVG file to make a stencil. There are plenty of files available that you can use in your project. You can get them on sale from Etsy and many places.

Upload The Design

Once you find the design you need, download it on your computer. Usually, they are in a ZIP file. Hence, you will have to extract it. Then, open the design space and select New Project. After that, select Upload on the left panel at the bottom. Select Upload Image on the new screen. You can either drag and drop your file into the upload box or select it manually on your computer.

You may see the message that the file contains text elements that are not supported; ignore it and select the Continue button. The file you upload will appear; you can name it and add tags to locate it anytime. After that, click Save. Now, you will return to the screen that has all your uploads. Select which you want and click Insert Images.

Then, you get back into the Design Space. Check the images you uploaded. If you don't want to, try to hit the zoom button at the bottom left. If the zoom button doesn't work, you will see position keys on the right of the top bar. And, if you notice a negative number, shift it from zero or a positive number.

Prepare Your File For Cutting

Your file should be cut in one before making a stencil. Many files that you Upload may have to be welded or attached together before creating a stencil. You can check the layers bar on the right side. When you notice letters or shapes listed separately, you will have to weld and attach them.

How To Prepare A Stencil?

You can cut the design if you need to place the vinyl on wood. This is called the PVPP (paint, vinyl, paint, peel) method. But stenciling is easier than PVPP. To prepare a stencil:

Move to the left toolbar and click shapes.
Select the square.
Once you see the square on the bottom left, click the little lock. This will unlock the shape, and then you can expand it into a rectangle.

Take your box to the top left of your design and expand your box to cover the full design. If, at a certain point, you feel that the box is too big, right-click the box and select move to back.

Doing this will display your design again in the front, and you can see the box behind it. You can switch your box color if the text color is the same as the box color. To do this, select the little color circle in the layers box with the object you want to change.

Resize Your Stencil

This is quite a necessary step to prepare your stencil. Make the rectangle of exactly the same size as your project. For example, if your object is 10" X 8", your rectangle should also be 10" X 8." Once the rectangle is set to the project size, set the design at the center of the rectangle. When you are done, attach them together.

Start with one corner and hold down your mouse key when moving your design. When everything is in the selected box, click the attach button at the bottom right toolbar.

Once everything is attached, the white part goes away, and the lines to be cut remain on the screen. Then, you can hit the 'Make It' button.

Then, load the Cricut mat into the Cricut machine and hit the start button. The Design Space will turn into a cutting mat view and tell you if your design is too large. You may want to keep your design ½" smaller than the cutting mat. Otherwise, the Cricut machine will not cut your design correctly.

When the Cricut has cut your design, remove all the excess vinyl around your rectangle. Ensure to keep centers of letters such as 'o' and 'e.' Then, use your weeding tool to remove the letters' vinyl. I hope you understand how to make a stencil with Cricut. You are all set to transfer your design onto your project. Enjoy your crafting journey.

SOURCE: How To Make A Stencil With Cricut [A Complete Guide]

Cricut is a top-tier brand that manufactures modern crafting projects. These machines are faster, more advanced, and more reliable. Using these machines, crafters can make jaw-dropping crafts and projects at their homes without the help of heavy machinery. Additionally, Cricut machines are so good at their job that they give brand-like results even if you are using those devices for the first time.

Additionally, Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 are two of the most popular devices produced by the company. Since the launch of Cricut Maker, this device has been popular among people who have a passion for crafting and doing DIY projects. Plus, The Maker 3 is the latest iteration of the maker and got many more upgrades than its predecessors. As a result, sometimes crafters get confused about which device they should choose.

So, if you are also skeptical about which machines you should choose, then this article can be beneficial for you. Keep reading the entire content to the end to get essential information about those machines and clear your doubts.

Cricut Maker Overview

Cricut Maker is considered one of the most popular Cricut machines for crafters. This machine allows you to make a large number of things, such as iron-on, paper crafts, and vinyl decals. Also, it is useful for leather crafts, balsa, models, and leather crafts. This machine is designed and optimized to cut various hard materials. Additionally, premium quality blades cut materials very accurately and with pin-point precision

Additionally, this machine is compatible with 13 tools that help it cut, write, score, and other effects. Plus, it comes with the print-then-cut capability on the white and color materials. It also has two tool clamps. The max cutting length of this machine is 2 feet, and the max cutting width is 12 inches. Besides that, it is also compatible with the Cricut Design App, which allows you to personalize various designs. Not only that, but using this machine, you can also create a design from scratch using your making and taking the assistance of this app.

Cricut Maker 3 Overview

Cricut Maker 3 is one of the most advanced machines offered by the Cricut brand. This machine is two times faster than its predecessors and has seamless results in cutting designs. These machines can cut up to 300 types of materials. It has a high-quality fine-point blade that cuts the designs without any flaws. The printer comes with Bluetooth, and a USB cable allows you to connect it using wires as well as wirelessly.

In the box of the Cricut Maker 3, you get a fine-point blade and blade housing that is already installed in the B clamp, USB cable, power adaptor, power cord, bonus materials, warranty document, quick start guide, safety document, test cuts material, and pre-installed accessory adapter in the A clamp. Additionally, it works with smart materials, so you do not have to do much work while cutting them.

Major Differences: Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Maker 3

Below are the key differences between the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3.

The first difference between both machines is that Cricut Maker 3 works with smart materials for long and continuous cuts. Additionally, it can cut materials without using a mat. But it is not possible in maker 2.
The Cricut Maker 3 works faster than Maker 2.
The Cricut Maker 3 is compatible with a Roll holder, but you cannot find this feature in maker 2.
The max cut length of Maker 3 is up to 12 feet, while maker 2 can cut only 2 feet long materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth upgrading to Cricut Maker 3?

Cricut Maker 3 has been given major upgrades in comparison to its predecessor. Additionally, it has many advanced features you cannot find on other machines. Besides that, it works 2x faster than Cricut Maker 2. And it can also cut more than 300 different kinds of materials.

Do you need a printer for Cricut Maker 3?

The Cricut Maker 3 is useful for cutting, scoring, and writing. However, you need a printer device to print the designs you make using the Cricut Design Space app. Additionally, print and cut are slightly different than the cutting on iron-on and vinyl. So, it is necessary to use a printer device to use with Cricut Maker 3 or other cutting machines.

Can you engrave on wood with Cricut maker?

The Cricut maker can cut a large number of materials with utmost precision. Additionally, its fine point blade allows it to cut materials of thickness that is impossible for other cutting machines. Further, it can cut the wood of appropriate thickness. Apart from that, it can also cut materials like leather and matboard.

What are the dimensions and weight of Cricut Maker machines?

The dimension of the Cricut Maker is 15.06 cmx53.80 cmx17.75 cm, and the machine's weight is 4.84 kg. Additionally, the dimension of the Maker 3 is 57.4cm x 18cm x 15.8cm, and the weight is 8.17 kg.

SOURCE: What's The Difference Between Cricut Maker And Cricut Maker 3?

You can buy the best heat press for your home or craft room from our list of the best heat press available in various forms, and they are more adaptable now. These craft devices can create unique bags, caps, and shirts. We concluded some of the best heat press machines for industrial processes at home. Also, if you want to expand your crafting, these best machines will help you with this. When a simple iron can be used to transfer vinyl, the heat press machine is designed for it specifically. The Cricut heat press devices offer even pressure and heat, adjusted and automated temperatures with consistent results.

You will need a craft cutting machine to extract the most from the heat press. For this, just look at our list of the best Cricut machine features. Let’s look at the best heat press.

Cricut EasyPress 3

It is one of the best heat press machines.

Specifications:

Best for shirts, bags, and many more
Dimensions: 9X9 or 12X10 inches
Features: Bluetooth, 400F/205C, adjustable settings and 60 second transfer

It’s an impressive, newest model in the brand’s main machine list. This new machine has the same specs as their old Cricut Easy Press 2, which is also one of the top ones on our list. Plus, it makes it easy to use. Hence, if you want a first-time heat press, it’s an important purchase. The Cricut EasyPress 3 Bluetooth connectivity is a good feature that can connect the device directly to the Cricut Heap App. The software allows you to manage settings, temperature, and timings and establish use presets.

Cricut EasyPress 2

It is one of the most affordable heat press machines:

It is best for shirts and bags
Dimensions: 9X9 or 12 X 10 inches
Features: 400F/205C
Adjustable settings
60-second transfer

This Cricut EasyPress 2 machine fits into the easy-to-use crafting machines for small businesses and as hobbies. It has the same specification as the new EasyPress 3. However, it doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity to the new Heat press app. It comes in two sizes and options for a traditional red or the new lilac. Hence, you can choose the best one for your project. Any design you choose will transfer the design in 60 seconds.

You can feel confident about your results with adjustable temperatures up to 180C and a countdown timer that works automatically. The results will last for more. If you find any issues, you can easily re-press adhesives for a few seconds. This is why EasyPress 3 has taken the place of EasyPress 2. So, if you are looking for a bargain, you have the chance.

Cricut EasyPress Mini

It is the best heat press machine for crafters.

Specifications:

It is best for small tasks
Dimensions: 10.1X 9.3 X 5 cm
Features: Suitable for sewing and automated heating

If you are looking for the best Cricut heat press machine for smaller tasks, try the Cricut EasyPress Mini. It covers a small heat press area of just 8.2 X 4.8 cm, which makes it ideal for hats or badges. This machine model is the perfect and easy one to go with. It includes three temperature settings as compared to the larger machines. However, it’s a nice option. Hence, in this review, we found the Cricut EasyPress Mini review as the perfect gadget for sewing and quilting projects.

Cricut Mug Press

It is the best heat press machine for mugs.

Specifications:

Ideal for making mugs
Dimensions: 33.9 X 23.5 X 21.2 cm
Features: support mug size 11-16 oz, an automated heat

Cricut Mug Press is Cricut’s latest gadget. However, it is less versatile as compared to some of the heat press machines; it’s specified to do one thing very well. This amazing device works for a range of mug sizes-350-470ml. However, you can use it only on compatible mugs and infusible ink sheets.

Also, you can control the mug press remotely. The Mug Press comes with a USB cord and can be set up once and then monitored with Cricut software work with your Joy or Maker to design the mugs before applying heat to them. Our review of the Cricut Mug Press found this heat press easy to use and delivers consistent results every time.

Cricut Hat Press

It’s the best heat press machine for hats and caps

Specifications:

Best for making hats and caps
Dimensions: 15.5×9.3X6.6 inches
Feature: Bluetooth, 3 heat settings up to 400F and 205 C for iron-on/HTV, infusible ink

The Cricut Hat Press is the latest heat press machine, and its purpose is to allow you to transfer the design onto caps and hats. It has more design than you expected for a simple outcome. The Cricut Hat Press also comes with a bespoke hat pressing form, which is a stand that can fit your hat in and cat over while transferring your design. Cricut’s only aim is to make crafting an easy process. This is why it’s possible to connect Hat press with the Cricut Heat app and ensure that you send exact heat settings to the device and automate many processes. So, if you want to expand the hat and cap designs, the Cricut Heat Press is the best option in machines for this task.

SOURCE: Which Is The Best Cricut Heat Press Machine In 2022?

The Cricut machine is a powerful crafting tool that lets you cut shapes from sheets of paper, plastic, cardboard, and many other materials. When your Cricut blade gets old, it usually becomes dull, stops cutting, and needs to be replaced. So, to change the blade, you need to replace it properly and put it in the right position in the machine. When you know how to change Cricut blade, you can cut a variety of things in your machine and will get clean and crisp cuts. Here, check the procedure to change the Cricut blade. Have a look at it.

How To Find The Replacement Blades?

Select A Fine-Point Replacement Blade If You Want To Cut Paper

There are several types of tips of blades you can choose from while replacing your current blade. The blade that comes with a Cricut machine is usually a fine point blade that is good for cutting paper and thin materials like vinyl or iron-on sheets. If any material gets broken by your fingers, cutting with a fine-point blade must be very thin.

Take A Deep Point Blade If You Want To Cut Thick Materials

You can purchase a deep blade point which is good for thick materials like felt or card stock. It’s a good option to use for necessary projects, just like a regular fine-point blade. If you aren’t sure you need a deep-point blade, you should try a fine-point blade. If it’s unable to cut through your material or the cut is uneven, you should try a deep-point blade.

Try having many different blades, which you can change depending on the material you want to cut.

Take A Rotary Or Knife Blade In Case Of A Cricut Maker

The latest Cricut machines have different types of replacement blades. For instance, the rotary blades are specified to cut fabric. While the knife blades are made to cut extra thick materials like balsa wood, which a deep-point blade can cut.

One thing to note here is that the knife blades are only for the Cricut Maker machines. So, you don’t need to buy a new machine if you have one.

How To Change Cricut Blade?

Prepare The New Blade

Remove the packaging of the new blade and all the covers. The blades come with changing caps. These are prepared to cover the blades all time. Also, it keeps crafters safe and protects your fingers.

Insert The New Blade

In this step, insert your new blade into the respective housing. In case you are installing a Fine-point, premium Fine-point, or deep-point blade, grip it strongly by the cutting end and then carefully insert it into the bottom slot of the blade housing. The magnet in the casing will hold the blade in place.

Install Knife Point Blades

When installing a knife point blade, insert your new blade into the slot at the bottom of the housing. Also, the indent on the blade must be aligned with the groove inside the housing. Then, replace the housing screw and twist the changing cap until it clicks. Then, you can remove and dispose of the changing cap.

Install Rotary Blades

You must insert the new blades into the slot at the bottom of the housing when replacing rotary blades. Thereafter, replace and tighten the housing screw which holds the black arm in place. Also, remember that all blades should be paired with appropriate housings. You can reuse your housing unless they are damaged. Avoid using a housing that doesn’t match your Cricut machine type.

Reinstall The Housing

After installing a new blade. You can reinstall the housing. For instance, you should slide the housing into clamp B on the Maker and Explore models. Ensure that the housing is perfectly sitting on the top of clamp B. Then you have to apply a little pressure. Once clamp B is closed properly, it perfectly aligns with clamp A.

In the previous Cricut models, you need to place the blade housing beneath the black tool arm and tighten the screw.

Purchase Replacement Blades

Many crafters want to work with a variety of blades. Every blade works with a particular list of materials. You can purchase the replacement blades and housing directly from the Cricut local stores and Amazon.

What Should You Not Do With Cricut Blades?

As we have discussed that it’s very easy to replace Cricut blades. However, there are a few common mistakes that you need to avoid while you are replacing the blade of your machine.

Don’t Unnecessarily Replace Your Blades

If your previous blades can be improved, you prefer to sharpen them instead of replacing them with new ones. Plus, you can extend your blade’s life with some easy tricks.

Don’t Leave Blades In The Open

Keep your spares and unused blades covered. If you keep them open, you may prick your finger many times. Purchase a tool and blade caddy, or you can make a personalized blade and housing holder.

Don’t Jam The Blades

Always prefer to use the correct blade type and housing pairing. The Cricut machine is designed to be handled in precise pairings. Also, a wrong combination of blades can damage your machine, mat, or even your blade housing.

Conclusion

The blade is the main part of your Cricut machine. Hence, you should keep it sharp and in good condition always. We suggest you always sharpen your blades before replacing them. Replacements are often expensive. We hope the tips and tricks mentioned above helped you learn how to change Cricut blade.

SOURCE: How To Change Cricut Blade? [Learn Here]

If you’re a creative person who likes to build stuff by cutting various materials, then you must get your hands on the brand-new Cricut Explore Air 2.

The Cricut Air 2 is a cutting machine capable of cutting a range of materials. Not only that, it comes packed with a number of features, making it suitable for both DIY users and professionals. It can cut and write 2 times faster than the previous machine model. The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut more than 100 different types of materials. It cuts everything from vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on to thicker materials like wood and leather.

Don’t know what a Cricut machine is? Don’t worry before going into the Cricut Explore Air 2. We shall briefly explain the Cricut machine itself.

What Is a Cricut Machine?

Cricut Machine is a machine that creates DIY crafts with ease. What kinds of crafts must you be wondering about? Crafts that involve cutting materials precisely.

Well, what kind of material does it cut? With the Cricut Machine, you can cut paper, felt, vinyl, fabric, leather, and even basil wood. There are so many other things it can cut that we can’t even list them all.

It’s so versatile that you can even use the machine to print intricate designs on your projects.

On top of that, the Cricut Machine is compatible with multiple software programs so that you can experience customizability and efficiency like never before.

Whether you are an experienced crafter or someone who builds causally, the Cricut Machine will indeed have something for you.

What Is Cricut Explore Air 2?

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a powerful craft-cutting machine that can bring your ideas to life, whether you’re working on a scrapbook, crafting a gift, or designing something unique. It will get the most out of your crafting experience by providing you with top-notch cutting experience and professional cutouts.

The Cricut Air 2 comes with a range of features to make your cutting journey feel effortless. This includes cutting materials like vinyl, paper, felt, and much more. You can also use the machine to write and draw, giving you plenty of options for customizing projects.

Plus, a variety of design software (like the Cricut Design Space) is included to complement the workflow. So you can rest assured that your design journey will be more fun.

Pros:

User-Friendly Design: The Cricut Machine is user-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about searching for tutorials to do the simplest things. The machine’s intuitive design ensures you can use it on your own, even for the first time.

Diverse user case: The machine provides a diverse use case. You can cut, print, and score all with the same machine.

Variety of materials: With this machine, you can cut up to 100+ different types of materials. So you will not find yourself coming across an everyday material this machine can’t cut.

Bluetooth: You don’t have to take the machine around your home whenever you want to export something to cut. The machine is Bluetooth enabled, meaning you don’t need to worry about purchasing and managing the extra cables.

Tools: The machine can add to it several tools to cut, write, score, fold, and other two.

Cons:

Design Space: The Design Space is not that intuitive to use, especially for those who are professional graphic designers and have worked on professional software like Adobe Creative cloud. It makes the features as simple as different grouping elements difficult and lengthy.

Noise: The Cricut Machines are loud when cutting. So, if you are sensitive to loud noises, you might have trouble tolerating these machines.

Features

Some of the salient features of Explore Air 2 machine are as follows:

It cuts 100+ different types of materials without a hitch.
Easy to use: The machine is specifically designed, keeping simplicity in mind.
Wireless Connectivity: The Explore Air 2 comes equipped with Bluetooth, making exporting designs directly to the machine from the computer easy.
The machine features built-in storage for hosting tools to be used with the machine.
It comes with a scoring stylus, making folding lines for the envelope and cards easy and convenient.
The designer application lets you design from anywhere on the go. Want to design on a mobile device while sitting in a restaurant? No problem.

Pricing

This Explore series, the Cricut’s mid-range device, is not that expensive. And comes with a reasonable price of around $170. This is a bit expensive compared to the Joy series, a low-end price range machine. But when you compare it with the Cricut’s Maker series, it looks inexpensive.

Conclusion

Now that you know the ins and outs of the Cricut Explore Air 2, it is time for you to decide whether this machine is a perfect fit for your needs. It has good features, and the pros it comes up with are also decent. If you ask us, we would say this is a good machine overall.

Keeping all the features, advantages, and disadvantages in mind, we can confidently say that this machine won’t disappoint you for the price it comes up in.

We hope you liked this blog and learned something new, as usual. This will be the best time for you to check out our other blogs in case you are still curious.

FAQs

Can I Use The Cricut Design Space Without A Subscription?

Yes, you can use the Cricut Design Space even if you don’t have a subscription. However, the functionality will be limited.

What Material Or Tools Are Included In The Explore Air 2 Box?

Here are the materials and tools that are included in the Explore Air 2 box:

Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
Fine Point Pen
LightGrip Mat, 12″ x 12″ (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
50 ready-to-make projects
A USB cable & power adapter
Materials for a practice project

Which Machine To Choose, Cricut Explore Or Maker?

It depends on what you want to create and your budget. The Maker is a premium high-end series that is not targeted toward casual users.

SOURCE: Cricut Explore Air 2: An Ultimate Craft Cutting Machine

Many of you might know how designs are made on T-shirts, bags, jackets, shoes, and other everyday items and accessories. Usually, these designs are made in big factories using heavy pieces of machinery. But do you know that you can create customized designs of your choice at your home? There are many crafting machines available in the market that gives you top brand-like results in design making.

When we talk about crafting machines, Cricut machines are one of the most renowned brands for making cutting-edge crafting machines. These machines come with a wide range of features that allow you to finish the design printing task in simple steps with minimal effort. Henceforth, this blog aims to provide A to Z information about the Cricut machine and how you can use them.

Visit: design.cricut.com

What is a Cricut Machine?

A Cricut machine is a digital crafting device that is beneficial to making compelling designs. It allows you to make and cut all kinds of designs printed on a variety of materials, such as iron-on transfer, paper, card stock, and vinyl. Also, some of its machines are able to cut materials like wood and leather.

How to Set Up a Cricut Machine?

Below is the process you can use to set up the Cricut machine on your computer operating systems and mobile devices.

For Mac and Windows devices

Visit the cricut.com/setup website on any web browser of your computer device.
Then, from the website, download the Cricut Design Space and install it on your PC.
After that, do as the on-screen prompt says and use your Cricut ID to sign in. (If you do not have an account or want to make a new one, then you can do it on the website.)
Next, on the next page, select the Cricut machine you want to set up.
Now, attach the cord of the Cricut device to the power outlet and press the power button to turn it on.
You can use either a USB cable or Bluetooth pairing to connect the machine to your computer.
A pop-up of Design Space will open to tell you to wait for a while as it is updating the machine.
After that, it will tell you to register your Cricut machine and ask you if you will try the free Cricut Access subscription.
Finally, perform the remaining steps to create your first craft project on this machine.

For Android and iOS mobile devices

Same as computer devices, you have to download the Design Space on your mobile phone.
Open the Play Store or App Store based on the smartphone you are using and download the Design Space application from there.
After downloading the app, open it and sign in or create a new account on the cricut.com/setup website.
Next, click on the Menu bar and then select the machine setup option.
Now, choose the Cricut machine you want to set up.
For further process, connect the machine to a power outlet, turn it on, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Then, you need to use Bluetooth wireless connectivity to connect the printer to your iOS/Android mobile.
When the setup process is complete, it will ask you to do a print test.
Lastly, you will be able to make unique designs with the help of the Cricut machine.

What are the Best Cricut Machines?

Below is the list of the prominent Cricut machines that are worthwhile options to have.

Cricut Maker
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Joy
Cricut EasyPress Mini
Cricut EasyPress 3
Cricut MugPress
Cricut Auto press
Cricut Hat Press
Cricut Explore Air 2

What are the Pros and Cons of the Cricut Machine?

Pros

Cricut-cutting machines can cut a large number of materials without any hassle.
It allows you to make high-quality customized designs very fast.
It makes the sticker-making process very easy and straightforward.
They come with Cricut Design Space that helps in creating designs.
These devices come with Bluetooth connectivity.

Cons

The price of the Cricut devices can be the key drawback as they are pretty expensive.
The setup process of some Cricut machines is a bit complicated.
These devices cannot cut large designs.

Summary

No matter whether you are a beginner or a pro crafter, Cricut machines are the best equipment you can get your hands on. These machines have sharp cutting blades that cut with amazing precision. Plus, with the help of Cricut devices, you can print customized designs on various daily-use products. So, if you want to explore your creativity and have a passion for doing art projects, then having these machines can be a worthwhile choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is owning a Cricut worth it?

Cricut offers a variety of digital crafting machines. So, you can have a machine of your choice, even if you are a beginner or a professional. Additionally, these machines are considered the best devices for crafting.

Which Cricut is best for beginners?

Getting a simple machine is the best option if you are a beginner. Spending a large sum of money is also not a good idea. So, getting Cricut EasyPress Mini and Cricut Joy is the best option to start your crafting passion.

Do you need a laptop to use a Cricut?

No, it is not necessary to have a laptop to operate a Cricut machine. You can connect your machine to your smartphone and create eye-catchy designs by logging in to the Cricut Design App.'

SOURCE: What is a Cricut Machine, And What Does It Do?