This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.
Over the years you guys have watched as I’ve shared my love for Cricut and all the fun things that it can make. But have we ever gotten into the real nitty gritty and talked about all the questions you may have about Cricut and what it can do? Not on here we haven’t! Today I’m addressing YOUR Cricut Maker questions with answers including what materials can you cut with a Cricut Maker, can you make money with a Cricut, how is the Cricut Maker different from other Cricut machines, is the Cricut Maker worth the price tag, what kinds of add-ons are there for the Cricut Maker, and finally…what I wish I knew when I bought my Cricut Maker! All addressed and answered for you here today! Let’s jump right in!
What materials can the Cricut Maker cut?
The thing that makes the Cricut Maker stand out above all the other Cricut products is the wide range of materials that it can cut–there are so many options for things you can do with this machine! While some machines are limited to vinyl, fabric, and thinner items, the Cricut Maker can get thick pieces of material such as leather, wood, felt, and more. Jennifer Maker has a wonderful list of all the materials that the Cricut Maker can cut, as well as the blades needed in order to cut them.
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My favorite materials for the Cricut Maker are:
Can I make money with my Cricut Maker?
Because the Cricut Maker can do so many things, you can absolutely capitalize on making products and selling them online. Places like Etsy and Amazon Handmade give you the ability to create items with your Cricut Maker and sell them online. Sydney from Tastefully Frugal has an excellent list of ideas of things you can make and sell using your Cricut Maker.
Here’s some examples of things you can make and sell using your Cricut Maker:
- Custom T-shirts and other apparel
- Leather and fabric hair bows
- Leather earrings
- Cricut SVG cut files and fonts
- Hats
- Custom Pillows
- Baby gifts
- Signs
- Hand towels
- Mugs and cups
- Party supplies, cake and cupcake toppers, personalized banners, and decor
- …and so much more
What makes the Cricut Maker different from other Cricut machines?
The Cricut Maker’s general difference between other Cricut machines is the variety of materials that it can cut. The Cricut Maker is the machine you want if you want to have the maximum ability to use your Cricut Machine. It can do it all.
Here’s the major differences between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2:
- The Cricut Maker is pricier than the Explore Air 2.
- The Cricut Maker has a rotary cutting blade that is compatible with it, but not with the Explore Air 2, which gives the Maker the ability to cut fabric. The Explore Air 2 does not have that option.
- The Cricut Maker can house a knife blade, which allows it to cut leather and wood. The Explore Air 2 cannot do that.
- The Cricut Maker can house a Scoring tool, while the Explore Air 2 can only use a scoring stylus.
- The Maker let’s you use Cricut Access sewing templates, while you cannot do that on the Explore Air 2.
- The Maker comes in limited colors, while the Explore Air 2 comes in many more.
I love the full comparison that Angie from Country Chic Cottage does on the differences between the Cricut Maker, the Cricut Explore Air 2, and the Cricut Joy!
Is a Cricut Maker worth the price?
Yes, the Cricut Maker is worth the price. The Cricut Maker, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck. Why? The Cricut Maker can do it all. The Cricut Maker can do all the cuts and have all the capabilities that you may want later on. If you don’t foresee yourself needing all those capabilities, then the Explore Air 2 might be your best bet. And if you’re low on space and just want something to make simple projects and cuts with then I think the Cricut Joy is your best option because it’s small and mighty and can make longer cuts than the other two machines.
Each machine has it’s different sets of reasons as to why it’s a great investment, but in general, the Cricut Maker can do it all and is worth the extra money in my opinion.
What add-ons do I need to use the machine and how expensive will it be?
Depending on what you need to do, the Cricut Maker will require cutting mats, a variety of different blades (depending on what you’re cutting), as well as the materials you’re cutting on the machine. You can also invest in some of the other necessary tools like weeding and scraping tools to help you get vinyl on more easily. I would also advise you to invest in Cricut Access Premium which allows you a library of Cricut fonts, images, and cut files at your fingers tips for all your projects. The add-ons will be determined based off the projects that you complete, but you don’t need everything at once. You can space out the different additions as you go.
What I wish I knew when I got my Cricut Maker
I think the hardest part about getting a Cricut is figuring out how to do the more technical things-even after years of having it, there are times that I’m googling and searching for tutorials on how to do things. The one thing I wish I knew when I got my Cricut Maker is that it would take me some time and test cuts to get things right. I would advise that you be prepared to spend some time learning the machine and software and how to use it. The great thing is that Cricut works with influencers, just like me, to share how to videos, blog posts, and project creation. So as you have questions, take the time and do your research to ensure you know what you’re doing. Use boards on Pinterest to organize your tutorials and don’t be surprised if there aren’t some mistakes along the way. Simple things like learning how and when to “mirror” your images, for example, is important. I’ve only touched the tip of the Cricut iceberg so to speak and the biggest issues I seem to have are putting into words what I’m trying to do so I can search for it.
One of my favorite Cricut tutorial people is Cori from Hey Let’s Make Stuff. She has a whole Cricut course available for you to work through if you want to really dive in deep.
Final Cricut Maker thoughts…
Do your research to determine if the Cricut Maker is right for you. Ultimately, I have tried other “cutting machines” on the market and I firmly believe that the Cricut Maker is the best in it’s class when it comes to diverse cutting materials and ease of operation. If you have limited things you want to create with your Cricut, then consider something like the Explore Air 2 or Cricut Joy and work off those until you think you’re ready for the Maker. Or if you’re short on space, then the Cricut Joy is an excellent option.
Here’s some of my other Cricut Posts that may help you out….
- What is the Cricut Joy and what can it do?
- How to use Cricut Iron on Glitter
- How to address envelopes using the Cricut
- How to cut leather with the Cricut Maker
- Cricut Maker Review
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