Everything You Need to Know About Cricut Hand Tools

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Did you know that in addition to the Cricut Maker and the other amazing cutting machines and accessories, Cricut also has a collection of hand tools?  While I definitely use my Cricut Maker a TON, I also do a lot of other craft projects {sewing, knitting, paper crafting} that require tools other than a cutting machine.  If you had no idea Cricut has these other Cricut accessories available, let me give you a run-down and tell you everything you need to know about Cricut hand tools, including my favorite and why I love it!

In the Cricut craft tools category, Cricut makes a Self-Healing Mat, the TrueControl Knife, a Rotary Cutter, Acrylic Rulers, and a Cutting Ruler.  They each have lots of practical uses and they’ve been designed in a way that makes them craft room must-haves.

Cricut Self-Healing Mat

The Cricut Self-Healing Mat is a double-sided, extra-thick, self-healing cutting mat.  If you’re not familiar with the term “self-healing” that simply means when you cut on the mat, the cuts won’t stay in the mat. 

This Cricut Mat is 18 inches by 24 inches which makes it large enough for most projects and also makes it work really well as a work space.  If you need something larger or smaller, Cricut also makes mats that are 12 inches by 12 inches and 24 inches by 36 inches. 

The precise gridlines, multi-angled gridlines, and easy-to-read numbers make cutting a breeze …

… and the decorative pattern on the opposite side looks fabulous when used as a work space!  I love, love, love that Cricut took it up a notch and made one side so aesthetically pleasing!

And you know what makes all the Cricut hand tools even better?  They come in mint and lilac colors so no one has to be crafting with plain Jane tools {wink}!

One word of caution: don’t mistake this mat with the cutting mats … this mat can’t be used in Cricut machines.

Ready to see the rest of the tools that I use with the Self-Healing Mat?

Cricut TrueControl Knife

The TrueControl Knife is something everyone needs in their crafting arsenal.  With a razor-sharp edge, piercing tip, and a superior blade lock system that gives you better control {no spinning or turning blades which means far less chance of cut fingers}, this tool gives you amazing precision and accuracy when cutting cardstock, paper, fabric, canvas, and even thin plastics.

I use the TrueControl Knife to cut through cardboard {I can’t resist re-using the colorful boxes that come in the mail} and it’s the perfect tool for cutting the opening in my herb or succulent terrariums since it cuts easily through the plastic ornament.  The cushioned grip and protective anti-roll design make it feel much safer than other crafting knives and with the patented hands-free blade changing system, you never have to touch a blade!

Replacement blades are available so you also never have to worry about this tool wearing down.

Cricut Rotary Cutter

If you sew or make fabric crafts, you probably love using a rotary cutter and the Cricut Rotary Cutter makes fabric projects quicker, easier, and much more fun!

The comfortable handle gives precise control and the symmetrical design makes it perfect for both right and left handed users.

The premium steel 60 mm rotary blade cuts smoothly through thick fabrics like denim or batting {making it perfect for the upcycled crafts I love or the ideal tool for quilters} as well as multiple layers of fabric and also easily cuts through lightweight paper and materials.  {A hint: if you plan to use it for both paper and fabric, I’d buy two and mark them for the use so you don’t dull the fabric blade with paper.}

When the tool’s not in use, the sliding quick-release blade cover protects both the blade and the people around it and a quick-release button activates the blade when you’re ready to use it again.

The Rotary Cutter makes it so quick and easy to cut out sewing patterns or other fabric pieces and using it with the Acrylic Ruler or Cutting Ruler makes cutting straight lines a cinch.

Cricut Cutting Ruler

Remember I said above that I’d tell you which of these tools is my favorite?  Well, here it is: the aluminum Cutting Ruler.

This 18 inch ruler has easy-to-read laser-etched, dual-directional measurements and a really unique design that I think is absolutely genius.  The ruler has a protective guard on the side that shields your hand from sharp cutting tools!  Brilliant, right?  Because if you’ve used a Rotary Cutter with a ruler before, chances are you’ve rolled right up onto your hand.  I can’t be the only one, can I?  This design makes an incident like that a whole lot less likely which makes it my favorite hand tool.

In addition to the protective guard, the Cutting Ruler also has a textured, non-slip base that grips the work surface for safety and control.

Cricut Acrylic Ruler

In addition to the Cutting Ruler, Cricut also makes Acrylic Rulers in a variety of sizes.

The 3 inch by 18 inch size allows versatility and precision for almost any cutting project.  The frosted finish and easy-to-see measurements makes it easy to see on both light and dark surfaces.  Measurements marked in 1/8 inch increments and 30, 45, and 60 degree angled lines help you tackle projects with precision.

So there you go … all the crafting hand tools that you need to make your crafting life easier and more efficient!  Which one is your favorite?

Be sure to check back next week because I’ll be sharing a really fun upcycled craft made with the Cricut hand tools!