Which cricut is right for me

And finally, Decide how much you want to spend? Best deals are happening now with Black Friday sales. Need extra help learning how to use the Cricut Design Space Software? Watch as often as you want. Its a great investment in making the most out of your Cricut machine so you can start creating!

Leave me a comment if you have any questions about the Cricut machines and I will do my best to answer them for you. All my comments are my own opinions on those products. I appreciate your support when you purchase using the post links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

It allows you to cut materials up to 12 inches wide, and it has a lot more cutting force, so it can cut leather and even balsa wood! This machine definitely allows you to cut the widest variety of materials. The Explore also has a inch-wide cutting space. You still have a lot of material options with the Explore, though not quite as many as the Maker.

The Joy can cut the same materials as the Explore, but it only cuts up to 6 inches wide. This is a great option for storing in a small space. You can check out this post where I explain how to use it. The Joy is an especially great option for cardmaking. Hope this helps! Hello, Does the Maker do everything that the Explore does?

Does the Maker cut vinyl as well as the Explore? The simple answer is yes. The Maker does everything the Explore does and more. Cuts vinyl just as well. You can read about each machine individually in various blog posts throughout the site.

I have an older cricut, the cricut expression. Is there anywhere I can find a variety of cartridges that are inexpensive? Is there someone or someplace that will buy my expression from me if I choose to upgrade?

The Expressions machines are no longer supported by Cricut. Cricut now uses Design Space and everything is digital.

You may be able to find cartridges listed on resell sites like ebay or even Facebook marketplace. Hello, I have a few older cartridges that I used in my expression machine that I am trying to link to my Explore Air machine. Some have worked and others do not. Is it possible the Air does not recognize some older cartridges? Thanks in advance for your help! Unfortunately, Cricut does not support the Expressions line of machines anymore. You may want to reach out to Cricut Support and see if they can troubleshoot or help get you access to those fonts.

I purchased what I thought was a Maker 2 in December of but now I am confused. Was there ever a Maker 2, or did I make that up?? I am trying to determine what the differences are between the machine I purchased and the new Maker 3.

Any insight you could provide would be amazing. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. So it uses all the same blades, tools, and cutting mats that the Maker uses, and it can cut all of the same materials, including heat transfer vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, adhesive foil, and heavier materials like balsa wood and chipboard, and can ALSO cut Smart Materials. I personally like having the rotary blade to cut crepe paper, fabric, and other specialty materials, as well as the knife blade for deep cuts, so the Maker 3 is my cutting machine of choice.

Who is the Cricut Maker 3 for? I think the Maker 3 is for the serious crafter who wants to cut as much as possible in as little time as necessary. A machine cut design made on the Cricut Explore Air 2. This is entirely optional, but many crafters find Cricut Access very convenient. When it comes down to it, the biggest differences between the cutting machines are the different sizes the Joy cuts smaller projects , the materials the Maker can cut heavier materials and specialty materials with different blades , and the speed the Explore 3 and Maker 3 are on permanent fast mode and can do long, continuous cut projects.

Which Cricut should you buy? I think the very best machine is the one you can afford and start using successfully. If you feel confident that a Cricut cutting machine is for you and you can afford the extra cost of a new machine, go for the Maker 3.

I also recommend you browse the many free projects and videos here on my site to help you make an informed decision about these different machines. Many crafters tell me they watched many of my videos before ever buying a Cricut to help them choose the right machine for their needs. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel with dozens of step-by-step tutorials from start to finish that will help you conquer your Cricut!

To begin with, your best accessories are going to be the Basic Tool Set that includes a scraper, weeder, and spatula. If you intend to do iron on vinyl heat transfer vinyl or Infusible Ink projects, a Cricut Easy Press is a good tool to have as well, as is the Cricut BrightPad as it helps with weeding.

And mug lovers will find the Cricut Mug Press a good investment, as it makes Infusible Ink mugs really easily. I also have Cricut accessory recommendations for the Cricut Joy as well in this guide. Honestly, the Cricut Maker 3 is my new go-to cutting machine.

I have cut a lot of basswood, balsa wood, chip board, crepe paper, all kinds of fabric, acetate, and thin flexible plastic on my Maker. I am in love with matless cutting! If you want a really sturdy and reliable cutting machine that will last for a long time my original Maker I bought four years ago is still going strong , one that will grow and expand with you, then the Cricut Maker 3 will be your best bet.

Jennifer Marx is a designer, an enthusiastic crafter, a lifelong teacher, and a proud overcomer of a variety of life's challenges.