What Is a Cricut Machine and What Does It Do?

*This post was sponsored by Cricut.  I only endorse companies I truly believe in.  My opinions are all my own.*

What is a Cricut machine and what does it do?  I had this exact question just a couple years ago, and today I am answering questions and sharing all the things that this machine can do.

I feel like I was a bit slow to the game when it came to Cricut machines.  All my friends had one, and I was over here, clueless!  Well, I got the Cricut bug and today I want to share some information that might help you decide if this machine is right for you!

What is a Cricut Machine?

A Cricut machine is a cutting machine that can cut many different materials such as paper, card stock, vellum, vinyl, and so much more.  Some machines can even cut thin wood and fabric. 

How Cricut machines work:

One way to think of this machine is that it is kind of like a printer.  You create designs on your computer, and when you send the design to the Cricut machine it cuts the design.

Cricut has a design program called Design Space, which allows you the freedom to use different fonts and images to create your own designs.  They also have tons of pre-made designs which make creating so easy! Design Space helps you to create designs that can be cut, written or scored, and there are even more possibilities with the Cricut Maker.  These designs are then sent to the Cricut machine using bluetooth or through a USB cord.  

You then use a cutting mat to hold your material and load this into the Cricut machine, where it cuts the design into the material you have chosen.  Depending on the machine, you have multiple options.  There are three main machines that Cricut sells.

There are 3 different Cricut machines, the Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker, and the new Cricut Joy:

Each of these Cricut machines have one thing in common.  They can all cut and write designs.  While the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air are full size machines, the Cricut Joy is a simple and compact machine that is perfect for small and simple designs.  It does the basic functions and is perfect for a beginner crafter that wants to start creating adorable labels, or creating cards and more.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the most popular machine Cricut sells.  It is quite versatile. This machine has huge value, with the ability to cut a wide range of materials. In addition to cutting designs, you can also score and write using different tools.  You can use 100 plus materials including paper, card stock, vinyl, foil, poster board and so much more. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the perfect work horse for anyone wanting to start a serious crafting addiction or plan to create a lot of different products.

The Cricut Maker is the BMOC.  This machine does just about everything.  If you are looking for a machine to give you the flexibility of many different options this is the machine! It handles fabrics, leather, paper, and balsa wood with effortless precision. The Cricut Maker cuts sewing patterns in just a few clicks and has 10 different tools available.  It can cut more than 300 different materials, including fabrics, leather, and thin woods.  This is the machine that I have and I have used it for so many different purposes.

What can I do with a Cricut Machine:

What can you do with a Cricut machine?  Well, that list is a mile long!  First, and most obvious, you can use it to cut paper, which means you can cut gift cards and more.  But the mot fun for me is cutting vinyl! I love cutting vinyl to use for permanent or temporary designs.  You can customize mugs, create signs, use iron on vinyl to create custom t-shirts, pillows, and more.

I love using mine for making custom shirts, and I even made some custom hats with my logo on them!  I love using my Cricut machine.

You can use the pen and marker tools to create artwork, add designs and flourish to cards.  I love using them to create artwork.   You can use the debossing or engraving tools to create multiple projects.  I could make a list a mile long of the many different things you can do with a Cricut machine.

I also love that I can use my Ipad or laptop to create using Design Space.  It gives me the flexibility to create wherever I am.

How do I get started with a Cricut machine:

Now, lets talk about that new Cricut you might have gotten for Christmas, or maybe you splurged and bought for yourself.  Or maybe you are still doing your research…let me help. 

When I got my new Cricut Maker, I was worried I wouldn’t know where to begin.  But, I quickly found that Cricut has an amazing library of videos to get you started.  Also, theres a simple and easy project included in your “Lets Get Started” pack that is included in the Cricut box.  This was extremely helpful for me, as it gave step by step instructions which made it very easy to learn as I went, which is how I learn the best, hands on.

You can click here to see their videos starting at the very beginning.

How much are Cricut machines and are they worth the investment?

Well, this one is a pretty easy one!  Some machines are very affordable and some are a bit more of an investment, but if you are looking to invest into a job or use it to earn money, it is well worth the investment to purchase the Cricut Maker.

These Cricut machines range from 179.99 – 399.99.  You can also find bundles that help you get started 

The Cricut Joy is the least expensive, and its perfect for someone just starting or wanting to use it for smaller projects.  The Cricut Explore Air 2 is mid priced and has a great array of options and things that it can do.  The Cricut Maker is the most expensive, but it is also the one with the most capabilities. It would be the one to get if you are wanting to create as an business owner or want to be the ultimate crafter.

 

Want to learn more about the Cricut Maker and projects you can make?  Check out these posts:

Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas Using the Cricut Maker

Cricut Maker Machine Questions and Answers

10 Things to Know About the Cricut Maker Machine Before You Use It

Complete List of Materials You Can Use with the Cricut Maker

Which Cricut Cutting Machine is Right For You?

A Whole New Way to Create, A Cricut Maker Review