What to Know Before Buying a Cricut Machine
Are you thinking of buying a Cricut Machine!? I love my Cricut Machines (yes I have all 3) and use them all the time.
I've been using my Cricut for 4 years now and have learned so much. I know it can feel overwhelming to jump into learning a new machine, so let me help put you at ease.
Yes, I work with Cricut and get machines, products and accessories at no cost...but I love Cricut. I love their company, the people that run it, and the good that they do.
I love the empowerment that they help people to feel when using their products. They are the good. Affiliate links included.
Here's common questions before buying a Cricut Machine:
What machine is the right choice?
What are the differences between the Cricut machines?
What additional items are needed to use the machine to the fullest?
Can I turn my Cricut Machine into a home business?
1: Which Cricut Machine is the Right Choice?
Let's talk about the current machines. The Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Joy.
Obviously cost is a main factor for most people. Check the latest prices here to compare the best value for your buck! Cricut Machines
If money isn't an issue for you, just get the Cricut Maker 3 and get creating!
Okay, so now that costs out in the open...ask yourself what you want to do with your Cricut machine. Are you interested in making t-shirts with iron-on vinyl. Do you love to sew and would love your machine to cut out patterns and fabric? Do you want to cut paper to make giant flowers or handmade cards?
Check out this post for 100 things you can make to sell with your Cricut and see what kind of projects interest you.
If I was to buy a machine today, I would go big and buy the Cricut Maker 3. It has adaptive tool technology that allows you to use the different cutting, scoring, knife blade tips and more. It has 10X the power that makes it capable of cutting thin pieces of wood and thick chipboard.
2: What are the Differences between Cricut Machines?
Here's the details about each of the machines taken from the Cricut website. They are all incredible machines, just check out these comparisons and then links to my posts that spotlight the machine a little more. Again, get the latest info here: Cricut Machine
Cricut Maker Champagne:
- The ultimate in professional-level cutting performance and versatility
- Cuts 300+ materials, from the most delicate fabric and paper to matboard and leather
- Rotary Blade for cutting virtually any fabric without backer
- 500+ digital sewing patterns and quilt blocks available from Simplicity®, Riley Blake™, and more (sold separately)
- Compatible with Knife Blade for thicker materials up to 2.4 mm (sold separately)
- Compatible with QuickSwap™ tools to quickly switch between scoring, engraving, debossing, and other decorative effects (sold separately)
- Compatible with Washable Fabric Pen for marking pattern pieces (sold separately)
- Adaptive Tool System™ for professional-level cutting performance and expandability
- Bluetooth® wireless technology
- Fast Mode for up to 2X faster cutting and writing
- Upload and use your own images and fonts for free
- Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®
Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint:
- This DIY speed machine combines time-saving performance and class-leading simplicity
- Cuts 100 materials – everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to a range of specialty materials
- Fine-Point Blade for cutting a wide variety of popular craft materials
- Fast Mode for up to 2X faster cutting and writing(1)
- Bluetooth® wireless technology
- Compatible with Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade (sold separately)
- Double tool holder to keep blade and pen always at the ready
- Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®
- Upload and use your own images and fonts for free
- Compatible with Cricut cartridges
Cricut Joy:
- Weighing in at only 3.9 lbs (1.75 kg), this smart little cutting and writing machine makes it easy to personalize almost anything
- Cuts 50+ materials, including iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials™ – super-easy, super-long cuts without a cutting mat
- Draws any shape and writes in a variety of styles
- Cuts individual shapes up to 4 ft long or makes repeated cuts up to 20 ft long*
- Fits in a cubby, packs away easily, sets up instantly
- Perfect companion to full-size Cricut smart cutting machines
- Upload and use your own images and fonts for free
- Bluetooth® wireless technology
- Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®
3: What Additional Items are Needed to use my Machine to the Fullest?
Yes, this is the bottomless pit! Okay, back to question 1...once you decide what you want to make with your machine, this question is a bit easier.
I recommend getting a bundle to start. It typically comes with iron-on and adhesive vinyl, a variety of mats, transfer tape, Cricut hand tools, etc. This way you can try a few things out and see how you like them.
If you get the Cricut Maker, get the Tool Organizer, it's amazing!
Here's some more product add-on details: 10 Cricut Products Holiday Gift Guide
***Cricut Machines are designed with you in mind. This said, they are very user friendly and the learning curve is at a great place. So, you might only want to start with paper...but it's possible that you will master paper the first week you have your machine and you'll want to grow. So, getting a machine that can grow with you is pretty nice!***
Don't get overwhelmed, but here's all the links for things you might want.
4: Can I turn my Cricut Machine into a Home Business?
The answer is YES!
Lots of people have successful side hustles using their machines! I believe that my Cricut Machines should pay for themselves, so even I like to sell a few things here and there. I have a full post on making money with your Cricut Explore Air 2, but all the ideas apply to all machines.
Here's a few ways to sell:
Make a facebook page just for selling
Sell using Facebook Marketplace
Make an Instagram account just for selling
Sell using hashtags #forsale #product #selling
Set up a booth at an event
Set up an Etsy Shop for handmade items
Start teaching classes locally
Well, did I answer your questions?
Please let me know in the comments if you have other questions, I'll be happy to answer them!
Here's some more helpful Cricut Posts:
Check out this link for tons more things you can make with your Cricut!
Thinking about making money this holiday season with a Cricut? Here's all the tips and tricks I've got about making money with a Cricut machine.
Having a Cricut is worth it regardless of whether or not you want a side hustle...but sometimes making some dough on the side is the best way to justify the machine.
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