What is a Cricut and Why You Need One!

What is a Cricut? Find out what a Cricut machine is and what crafts you can make with it including vinyl, iron-on, and more!

If you love to craft and have spent time online looking up craft ideas, then you’ve probably run into a fair share of “Cricut” projects. You see a cute tee shirt or you find a mug with a great saying and it was made using a Cricut machine.  What exactly is a “Cricut” and why do you need one? 

We’ve been using our machines (yes, there are different machines) for about a year and a half. If you love to craft then keep reading because you will love these machines for your projects!

What is a Cricut?

A Cricut is a cutting machine. Basically, it’s like a printer only instead of printing, it cuts different kinds of materials like vinyl (the most popular), iron-on, paper, leather, fabric, and lots of other materials. It can also print and then cut as you can see in Candy Apple Twister Halloween Party Game. 

There are basically 3 different Cricut cutting machines: the Cricut Explore; the Cricut Maker; and the Cricut Joy.  The difference between the 3 is their size and ability to cut different materials. 

The Explore 3 cuts over 100 different materials. The Maker 3 cuts over 300 materials including fabric and leather. The Joy cuts over 50 materials. 

While Cricut machines are cutting machines, they also write, emboss, foil, and much more. 

What is Vinyl?

Vinyl is one of the materials you cut on a Cricut machine. Vinyl is sticky on one side and basically creates a sticker. Vinyl goes on pretty much any surface you can think of like glasses, tumblers, signs, walls, cars, etc.  There are different types of vinyl for different materials. Some vinyl is permanent and some vinyl is removable. What vinyl you use will depend on your project.  

The vinyl comes in a rainbow of colors and fun textures like glitter.

Project example: We used vinyl to make the mug in this DIY Coffee Gift Set for Father’s Day.

What is Iron-On?

Iron-on is another material that can be cut on a Cricut machine. Iron on is “ironed on” to fabric.  If you want to make a personalized shirt, for example, you would use iron-on.  

You use heat, like a clothes iron or the Cricut Easy Press, to heat up the iron-on and attach it to the fabric. 

Like vinyl, Iron-on also comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Example Project: We used iron-on to make a DIY Teacher Beach Bag.

What is Design Space for Cricut?

Design Space is the computer software program that communicates with your Cricut machine. Design Space is where you create the design you want to cut into vinyl, iron-on, paper, etc for your project.  Design Space can be used on your computer or it is available as an app for your phone. It is easy to use and offers free fonts and projects. You can access even more designs by signing up for Cricut Access in Design Space. 

You connect your Cricut machine to your computer or phone using either Bluetooth or a USB. Once your project is created and in Design Space, the software will talk to the machine and tell it what and how to cut. 

What Can I Do with A Cricut?

If you love to craft and create, you will love a Cricut machine. The possibilities are endless as far as what you can make. Design Space comes pre-loaded with tons of ready-made projects that are quick and easy to make. If you are more of the do it yourself-er, it’s easy to create your own designs right in the software. 

 

Cricut offers other types of crafts to make as well.  Check out this monogrammed pillow we made using infusible ink, another great way to craft with Cricut. 

 

You can make personalized cards for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought card. Check out this card we made for Father’s Day. 

A Cricut machine is a must-have for anyone who loves easy crafts and crafting!