This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions and thoughts are mine. This post contains affiliate links.
There are a lot of different materials that can be used with a Cricut machine, both with the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2, and different ways to use many of them. One of the best things about a Cricut machine is the versatility and this information is going to help you use your machine to its full potential. Throughout this post, I link to a lot of projects made with these materials so be sure to click over for more information. {Just getting started with your Cricut machine? Learn the basic terms you need to know.}
What to Know About Using Different Cricut Materials
Before you get started experimenting with different materials, there are a few things to know.
Many basic materials can be cut with the fine point blade that comes with the machine but some materials require specialty blades. Some of those blades can only be used with the Cricut Maker since it has the adaptive tool system.
Certain materials may also require different machine mats. Many materials work just fine with the standard grip cutting mat but there are some materials that require a light grip or a strong grip cutting mat.
What Materials Can a Cricut Cut?
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most common materials to cut with a Cricut and the perfect Cricut project for a beginner. Vinyl is an adhesive that can be used to embellish surfaces. It comes in many different varieties, including permanent, removable, glitter, shimmer, and holographic.
Vinyl can be cut with both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker, using a fine point blade. A standard grip cutting mat works for most vinyl products but thicker adhesives, like glitter vinyl, work best with a strong grip cutting mat.
Vinyl is applied with transfer tape and I recommend always keeping a stash on hand. Other accessories, such as weeding tools and the BrightPad, are also really helpful when using vinyl and they’re great items to add to the wish list.
Vinyl can be used either as an application, where the design is applied onto a background, or used as a stencil.
Iron On
Iron on, or heat transfer or HTV as it’s also called, is a material that is bonded, with heat, to a base material. Like vinyl, there are different types of iron on, including everyday, glitter, sportflex, patterned, foil, and mesh.
Iron on can also be cut with both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker, using a fine point blade and a standard grip cutting mat.
Heat is required for application of iron on and the EasyPress 2 is my favorite heat source. With its consistent temperature and timer, it gives flawless results that last.
Iron on can be used on a variety of fabrics and can even be used on wood.
Infusible Ink
Infusible ink is a really neat product that permanently transfers inks onto a base material. Unlike iron on, which over time can have some degradation, infusible ink never flakes, peels, cracks, or wrinkles.
Infusible ink can be cut with both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker, using a fine point blade and a standard grip cutting mat.
It requires a compatible blank {such as a shirt, coaster, or tote bag} and also requires heat, like the EasyPress 2 or a heat press that reaches 400 degrees, for application.
Paper Products
A Cricut machine makes paper cuts so easy! Whether you’re creating party decorations or making gift tags, paper cuts are so much faster when they’re made with a Cricut. The Cricut can handle a large variety of paper products, from thin materials like tissue paper and cardstock, to heavier materials like kraft board and chipboard. You can even upcycle old cereal boxes!
Thin materials, like tissue paper, can be cut with both machines but you’ll have better results with the Cricut Maker and the rotary blade {because it doesn’t drag, it won’t tear the tissue paper}. Thicker materials, such as chipboard, should only be cut with the Cricut Maker and require the knife blade {although I’ve used thinner chipboard with the Cricut Explore Air 2 and just made multiple passes to cut fully}. Regular cardstock can be cut on both machines, using the fine point blade.
Most paper products will be cut on a standard grip mat but very thin materials, like tissue paper, require the fine grip mat in order to avoid tearing. You’ll also want to use a spatula to carefully lift thin paper from the mat.
Fabric
I get a lot of questions about cutting fabric with a Cricut machine. Fabric can be cut on both machines but there’s one key difference: the Cricut Explore Air 2 can only cut bonded fabric {or fabric that’s adhered to a stabilizer} and the Cricut Maker can cut plain fabric without any bonding. The reason the Cricut Maker can cut plain fabric is because it uses the rotary blade and that allows it to glide over the fabric without any pulling or bunching.
I’ve used a standard grip mat or a strong grip mat to cut fabric in the past but Cricut now has a special fabric mat. I definitely recommend using this so your regular mats don’t end up covered in fabric fibers.
Wood
I’m a big fan of cutting wood veneer with a Cricut machine and I’ve done it with both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker.
You’ll need a deep point blade, a strong grip cutting mat, and preferably some painter’s tape to hold the wood down {although I’ve cut without tape and had no issue}. I also recommend using the spatula tool or tweezers to lift the cut pieces from the mat in order to reduce the risk of breakage.
Leather
Leather, both real and faux, is another fun product to cut and opens the door for some really fun projects.
Leather can be cut on both machines, using a deep point blade and a strong grip mat. You’ll need to move the star wheels to the side so they don’t leave an indented line in the leather.
That’s a general overview of materials that can be cut with Cricut machines. I’ve also cut some obscure materials, like aluminum cans, but before cutting anything uncommon, be sure to check Cricut’s recommendations. You can run the risk of voiding any warranties if you cut materials that aren’t recommended.
I’d love to hear your favorite materials to use with your Cricut machine … leave a comment below!
Best overview I’ve read. Thank you!