If you are into crafting, engraving, or intend to start a custom design business, then a Cricut Machine is a great machine to buy. What does a Cricut do? If this is the question in your mind, then this article is for you.
In this article, we will explain what a Cricut machine is and how you can use it. We will explain the different types available and what are the best Cricut machines.
What is a Cricut machine?
A Cricut Machine is a machine that can be used to make all types of design cutouts from different types of materials. You can make cutouts from papers, stickers, vinyl, wood, and even leather on some machines.
If you do not want a cutout, You can replace the blade needle and use markers to draw and print your artwork on your material.
The machine is superfast and precise compared to hand cutting. With the Cricut Machine, you can make different kinds of crafts such as Custom T-Shirt, mugs, stickers, gift items, or greeting cards. The list of things you can make is simply endless.
How does a Cricut machine work?
As you start the first thing you need to create is a design. You can use your free Cricut Design Space software or hire a freelancer on Fiverr to create it for you.
If you have the design ready, place the material on the cutting mat and feed it into the Cricut Machine. The material you choose to use is determined by the final output you want.
For example, you need to use the iron stick-on material if you minted to heat press it to t-shirts or merchandise as your final output.
Set the material settings and send the design to your machine. Cut or Print by clicking the blinking C button on the machine. The machine will start pulling in the mat and material while creating your design.
Types of Cricut Machines
- Cricut Explore Air 2 Best Budget
- Cricut Explore 3 Best for Beginners
- Cricut Maker
- Cricut Maker 3 Best overall
- Cricut Joy Most Compact and Portable
Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Explore Air 2 is the oldest Cricut machine in the market. It is Bluetooth enabled and can work wirelessly. You can cut over 100 types of materials with the explore 2 and what is great is that it is the cheapest Cricut machine you can buy. If you are on a budget this is the one for you.
Unlike most recent machines, it has a dial on top that you can turn to select the most common materials you can use. It also has a custom option if you are working on less common material.
The other buttons on the Cricut Explore Air 2 are similar to other models with the C button to cut and the arrow button to move the material. You also have a pause button to stop or pause the machine.
It works with Cricut Design Space and has a cartilage space on top but you will not need that nowadays because files are now saved digitally.
Pros
- Most Affordable Cricut Machine
- Cuts and Writes
- Over 100 materials
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Large color Variety
Cons
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is similar to the Explore 2 only that it is 2 times faster and allows you to load smart materials up to 12ft. This is made possible by a sensor on the machine not available in the Cricut Explore 2.
Unlike the previous versions of Cricut, you do not need to have a mat when using the Cricut Explore 3. The cutting warehouse is more or less similar to Explore 2 only different in color.
The Explore 3 is also Bluetooth-enabled and can work wirelessly. It also features a small slot above the blade area where you can place your phone when using it.
Pros
- Cuts 12 ft in length
- Allows cutting, writing, and scoring
- Smart Materials
- Wireless Bluetooth
Cons
The Maker Machine
The Maker is the most popular Cricut Machine. It is more powerful than both Explore 2 and Explore 3. Basically, it will do anything the previous 2 can and more. For example, it can cut over 300 materials.
The warehousing has both clumps like the previous versions but is positioned a little differently placed to match up the fast speeds.
Like Explore 3, it has a space to place your phone on the front side. We have buttons placed the same as both Explorer 2 and 3. It has a tool storage area that is openable on the flap and you can store your tools.
Pros
- Cut over 300 materials
- Faster than Explore 2 and Explore 3
- Cuts, Prints, and Scores
- Quick Swap Tools
- Print then Cut
- Cuts 12 ft in length
- Does not need a Mat
Cons
The Maker 3
The Maker 3 is the best Cricut machine you can buy. It is 2 times faster compared to the Maker and will also do Cuts, Prints, and Scores. What sets it apart is that it works well with Quick Swap Tools and all the latest tools.
This is because it is the latest Cricut Machine so will without a doubt work with new tools.
The Maker 3 is also ideal for long projects and will cut 12 ft in length projects too. This is made possible by a sensor on the flap that is also responsible for reading smart materials.
The buttons are the same as in previous versions but arranged differently. Additionally, you now have a fourth Play button not present in other versions.
Pros
- Cut over 300 materials
- Faster than The Maker, Explore 2 and Explore 3
- Cuts, Prints, and Scores
- Quick Swap Tools
- Print then Cut
- Cuts 12 ft in length
- Does not need a Mat
Cons
Cricut Joy
Cricut Joy Machine is the smallest and most portable Cricut Machine. Although it can not do many of the tasks handled by bigger Cricut machines, it is fast and comes in handy if you move around a lot.
Despite its small and compact size, it both prints and cuts plus works with smart materials too. Additionally, cuts over 50 materials and is very affordably priced. It is also Bluetooth-enabled and can work wirelessly.
Although it is cheap, you will be limited because the Cricut Joy can not do scoring, engraving or print then cutting. With its recent foil addition, you will be able to do foiling on your Cricut Joy machine.
Pros
- Small compact and easily portable
- Works without a mat
- 50 plus materials
- Bluetooth Compatible
Cons
- Small
- Can not do engraving or work on thick materials
Are Cricut machines difficult to use?
No, they are easy and straightforward to use. However, the design might be a little complicated and we recommend you hire a professional graphic designer.
Where can I buy a Cricut?
Now that you understand What a Cricut machine is and How to use it, Where can you buy it? You can get any of the machines or Cricut Accessories from Amazon or Best Buy.
Best Cricut Machines for shirts
- Cricut Explore Air 2 Best Budget
- Cricut Explore 3 Best for Beginners
- Cricut Maker
- Cricut Maker 3 Best overall
- Cricut Joy Most Compact and Portable
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