Cricut machines are popular among craft enthusiasts for their ability to cut a variety of materials, such as paper, vinyl, paper, cardstock, and fabric. If you’re new to Cricut, it can be overwhelming to choose from the different Cricut machines available. To get started, determine the type of projects you want to make and the materials you plan to use. The Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker are versatile cutting machines that can handle a wide range of craft projects, while the Cricut Joy is a compact option for on-the-go crafting. Once you have your machine, follow the instructions to set it up, connect it to your computer or mobile device, and start creating!
What is a Cricut Machine?
The Cricut machine is highly versatile and accurate, capable of cutting a wide variety of designs from materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, iron-on transfers, and even wood and leather. Its speed and precision provide better efficiency than traditional cutting tools like scissors or X-Acto knives, making it perfect for intricate shapes and letters.
How Does Cricut Machine Work?
Like a home printer, the Cricut machine cuts designs from selected material using a small blade. Designs are created using Cricut’s design software (Design Space), then transferred to the cutting machine via Bluetooth or USB cable. With precise movements, the machine cuts the design to perfection.
List of Different Cricut Machines
There are 5 different Cricut machines available in the market: Explore 3, Explore Air 2, Joy, Maker 3, and Maker. Which cutting machine to purchase will depend on the type of DIY project you want to make. All cutting machines have Cricut’s free software or app (Design Space), and they cut all types of materials.
1. Cricut Maker 3
While the Cricut Maker 3 shares similarities with its predecessor, the difference is that it can cut smart material up to 12 feet without a cutting mat. This feature has increased speed, making it an excellent investment for large projects. Despite the higher price than the Cricut Maker, accessories like the portable trimmer and roll holder make the Maker 3 a worthwhile purchase.
2. Cricut Maker
As Cricut’s premium cutting machine, the Cricut Maker surpasses the Explore in both capabilities and price. It cuts more than 300 materials, from leather to acrylic, and accommodates mats up to 12×24 inches. Maker’s versatility that goes beyond cutting and writing with compatible blades and tools, such as rotary cutters, engraving tips, and more. With its impressive power and adaptability, the Maker machine is a go-to machine for a wide range of projects.
3. Cricut Explore 3
As the latest addition to the Explore series, the Cricut Explore 3 can cut over 100 materials with 6 compatible tools, such as fine-point blades and a scoring stylus. With a more powerful motor, it can cut twice as fast as the Explore Air 2, and its compatibility with smart materials allows for extended cuts up to 12 feet without a cutting mat, a new feature for the Explore series. Whether cutting glitter paper, vinyl, or bonded fabric, the Explore 3 is a versatile cutter machine for various projects.
4. Cricut Explore Air 2
For those new to cutting machines, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a beginner-friendly option. While not as powerful as other Cricut models, it still provides cutting, scoring, and writing functions for over 100 different materials, such as vinyl and cardstock. With an easy software interface, it’s perfect for small-scale DIY projects like custom stickers and personalized gifts. Although not created for commercial use, the Explore Air 2 is an ideal choice for beginner crafters starting their creative journey.
5. Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy offers a quick and easy solution to daily crafting projects. Although not as feature-packed as the Maker or Explore series, it can cut and write over 50 materials up to 5.5 inches wide. The free Design Space app is perfect for newbies, and Joy’s compact size makes it a great portable option. However, it only supports Bluetooth and lacks the USB cable option of other Cricut machines.
Conclusion
Cricut offers a range of cutting machines suitable for a variety of crafting needs. From the beginner-friendly Explore Air 2 to the versatile and powerful Maker 3, the different Cricut machines each offer unique features and capabilities. Craft lovers can choose the cutting machine that best suits their projects, whether for home-based DIY projects or professional crafting endeavors.
