10 Reasons I Love My Cricut Machine
Have you ever wondered what all the “hype” was around the Cricut Machine? Why does it have such devoted fans? Today I’m shedding a bit of light on the “Cricut Fandom” and sharing with you 10 reasons I love my Cricut Machine.
When I was asked to participate in the Cricut Design Space Star competition last summer, I hesitated. I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to add to all of the e-cutting machine blog posts floating around online.
In the end, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a shot but only if I was able to share with you my honest opinions about the machine as I went through the competition.
Now the competition is over, and I’ve been using my machine constantly since August, I thought I’d share with you what I love about the machine.
My Favorite Cricut Supplies
- Cricut Maker 3 (you can get great deals on machine bundles on Cricut.com)
- Roll Holder for Maker 3
- Cricut EasyPress (I like the large size the best): Make sure you get the EasyPress mat as well.
- Cricut Weeding Tools: (I use the small hook tool ALL the time, making weeding vinyl so much easier).
- Cricut BrightPad: A cordless, flat, bright lightbox. I use it to weed Cricut vinyl and use it all the time to trace applique shapes for sewing & quilting.
- Cricut Iron On Vinyl
- Cricut Permanent Vinyl
1. Precise Cuts
I can cut tiny pieces that are tinier than I thought possible. One day I was messing around with my machine to see just how small I could cut out my name. I was amazed at how well the machine handled the cut.
2. It Can Cut a Large Variety of Materials
I really pushed the machine and found the only thing I could not cut was corrugated cardboard. I’ve successfully cut chipboard, fabric, vinyl, freezer paper, plastic, and leather.
3. Easy import from Illustrator.
As someone who likes to work in Illustrator, I love that I can design my projects in Illustrator and import them into the design space with no other trace steps necessary.
4. Vast library of Images (including DISNEY!)
If I’m not in the mood to draw it myself in Illustrator, plenty of great images are already in the design space. Plus, they have a license for Disney images. I used some to make easy t-shirts for a Disney Cruise we went on a few years ago.
And guess what’s next? FROZEN! – Yep, head over there, they are in the Design Space now they have an online Exclusive, which includes cut files and coloring pages.
5. Use Any Font
You can use any font on your computer in Cricut Design Space. You don’t need to buy their fonts to create your projects. I created these Monogrammed Tumblers with a Circle Monogram font I have on my computer.
6. iPad/iPhone Connectivity
You can use the Cricut Explore & Maker with an iPad- NO other computer is required! This means your Cricut and your machine can be in different rooms of your house, or you can take it all “on the go” with you easily.
7. Print and Cut that Actually works!
I’ve used it several times now, and it’s worked the first time every time. I created a set of Planner stickers, which was SO EASY.
8. Swappable Tools & Blades
You can cut, score, emboss, deboss, cut fabric, leather, and many other things, all with one machine. You don’t need a separate machine for each project.
9. Great “Make it Now” Section in Design Space
Sometimes, you don’t want to “invent” a new project you just want to make something. You can click through and make what’s on the screen exactly as it is.
10. You Can Use it To Make Money
If you love to design, you can use your Cricut machine to create products for sale! You can create t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and custom stickers. The possibilities are endless. I have a lot of friends who are running successful handmade businesses, all with their Cricut Machine.
