Modern paper cutting machines can cut multiple materials. They let you create fantastic DIY crafts from vinyl, cardstock, iron-on transfers, bonded fabric, and paper. But every device needs special tools to ease your work. So, discover the essential tool set for Cricut every beginner should have.
In this post, you will explore the most valuable tools, devices, and extras designed to simplify your crafting experience and make it unforgettable.
Essential Tool Set for Cricut
After unboxing Cricut Explore Air 2, you will wonder what to do next.
If you purchased a bundle, you always have Cricut tools basic set, and material samples. But if you ordered only the paper cutting machine, you should learn more about the essential tools for beginners.
Disclosure. This post includes Amazon affiliate links to Cricut tools, materials, accessories and other things needed for cutting your DIY projects. We might earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through the links.
1. Cricut Tools Basic Set
Even though Cricut Explore Air 2 and other electronic cutting machines can cut various materials, you will still need additional tools. No X-Acto knife is needed, but scissors and other things will be handy for your creations.
The Cricut tools basic set is your first must-get accessory. It comes with a scraper, spatula, weeder, one pair of tweezers, and scissors with a safety cap. Each tool is perfect for working with paper, vinyl, iron-on projects, etc.
You can lift cleanly with a spatula, cut with sharp scissors, hold securely with tweezers, clean your mat with a scraper and work precisely with a weeder.
The basic tool set comes in different colors. So, you can always find the perfect shades that suit your spirits or the color of your Cricut paper cutting machine.
2. Cricut Scoring Stylus
The essential tool set for Cricut does not include the scoring stylus. But it is a must-have if you are planning to create cards, gift boxes, envelopes, or other DIY projects with fold lines.
The scoring stylus works excellent with Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker, and older versions of Explore devices. Users whose Maker comes with a scoring wheel tip need a scoring wheel, not a stylus.
The tool works with many materials, including paper and cardstock. It scores lines to help you fold anything with ease.
3. Cricut Pens
The Explore Air 2 and other electronic cutting machines don't only cut. They can also write and draw for you.
Usually, you receive one pen of random color with your purchase of Cricut Explore Air 2. Often, there are bundles with a device with a basic tool set, some materials, and pens. You can always buy more pens of multiple colors and points:
- Fine or extra-fine point;
- Medium point;
- Gel or glitter gel;
- Metallic markers;
- Calligraphy markers.
The pens are perfect for DIY address envelopes, paper cards, birthday invitations, coloring pages, and other creative projects that require a beautiful calligraphy touch.
You can search for beautiful fonts on the web and use such websites as dafont.com, 1001freefonts.com, and others for inspiration.
4. Blanks for Crafting
Crafters with Cricut Explore Air 2 machines need various materials for cutting and blanks for applying cut designs.
The variety of blanks for crafting will amaze you. You can get white t-shirts, mugs, cup coasters, canvas totes, towels, blank pillow cases, can coolers, and other things for your crafts.
Transfer vinyl stickers to a mug, iron on a beautiful design to a shirt, use stick-on paper and your blanks for the most fantastic crafts. You will have so much fun!
5. Cutting Mats for Cricut
While your machine has come with a mat, you will need to get more of them. With time, each mat loses its sticky surface, gets scratches, and requires a replacement.
One mat usually lasts for approximately 40-50 uses. And depending on your materials, you can get:
- Light grip mat (blue);
- Standard grip mat (green);
- Strong grip mat (violet);
- Fabric grip mat (pink).
The first type is excellent for cutting paper, thin cardstock, vinyl, vellum, while the second type is great for vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and patterned paper. The third type works with thick cardstock, glitter cardstock, chipboard, and the fabric grip mat is designed to cut all fabric and crepe paper.
The sizes can be 12" x 12" and 12" x 24".
By the way, if you wish to extend the life of your cutting mat, use adhesive spray to make it sticky.
6. Cricut Blades
Every machine comes with one blade. Usually, it is a premium fine point blade that works well with vinyl, cardstock, paper, and other materials. It lasts long, but one day it will need a replacement.
Besides, if you plan to cut thick materials or fabric, you will need a deep-point or bonded-fabric blade. It is fine to use a rotary blade for delicate and thin materials without backing; and for wood and leather, it is excellent to use a knife blade.
7. Crafting Materials
Since the Cricut Explore Air 2 is designed to cut vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, paper, and bonded fabric, it is best to prepare your materials beforehand.
Crafters who like adhesive vinyl with backing (glitter, holographic, white, colorful) also need enough transfer tape. This tape makes it easy to apply your stickers to any surface.
Besides, for easier weeding, you can get a special bright pad. It helps to see all the extra pieces you wish to weed to create beautiful vinyl designs.
Users who wish to apply iron-on designs to t-shirts and clothes might need a ruler guide for vinyl alignment. Centering artworks is straightforward when you have this see-through tool with clear markings in inches and centimeters.
8. Cricut Carrying Case
Crafters who cannot live without creations while traveling and people who move once in a while will need to protect their paper cutting machine with a carrying case.
You can find numerous Cricut carrying case designs with or without wheels, made of water-resistant material and extra padding to protect the device from scratches.
The carrying case also comes with numerous storage pockets for all your tools, materials, and supplies.
9. Cricut Heat Press Machine
Cricut EasyPress is a special iron for applying vinyl projects to t-shirts, shoes, clothes, bags, towels, and other fabric surfaces.
The brand offers several machines, including EasyPress Mini (3.4" x 2.1") and bigger EasyPress 2 (6" x 7", 9" x 9" or 12" x 10"). Such heat press glides over the fabric to adhere the designs you make within 60 seconds.
A regular iron will not work as quickly, and thinking about how much pressure you apply can make many of us nervous. But with an EasyPress machine, this process becomes straightforward, simple, and super fast.
10. EasyPress Mat
Some people love to create the right iron-on environment for their iron-on crafts with everyday household items. But others prefer ordering a protective, resistant mat for working with the Cricut EasyPress machine.
The multi-layered mat has an even smooth surface. It makes sure you will love making iron-on applications every time your creative mind has a brilliant idea.
The EasyPress mat comes in different sizes, including 8" x 10", 12" x 12" and 16" x 20".
Beginners and advanced crafters need to have the essential tool set for Cricut to eliminate any creativity limits. Fantasize, design your projects or use Digital Art Dreams SVG files to make unique, exciting, and adorable crafts. Join our Instagram for more ideas and share your #saycrafts projects to inspire others.