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Just got your first Cricut machine and not sure which accessories to get? In this post, we’re sharing the top Cricut basics for every type of crafter – as well as what we think you should skip (at least for now).
I have had a lot of questions lately about what I recommend newbies to Cricut buy with their machine.
It’s a good question – if you’re not familiar with everything Cricut can do and offer, it can be a bit overwhelming looking at all of the supplies.
The first question to ask yourself is:
What would I most like to do with my Cricut machine?
That way, you can determine which additional materials to start with – and which ones you might want to skip.
Here is a list of what I would recommend with your machine based on what you are going to do with it! If you are not entirely sure
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For each
These are things everyone should really get for their Cricut machine no matter what they want to do with it.
MATS
You really can’t cut on a Cricut without a mat – you definitely want to have this before you start. There are four different types of mats:
- LightGrip
- StandardGrip
- StrongGrip
- FabricGrip
SHOP MATS ON CRICUT.COM or AMAZON
And these are available in different sizes. I usually just say that go for the 12 × 24 size, especially if you are on a budget. The best mat for you really depends on what material you use the most. If you can get a few from each, that would be ideal. Personally, I use my StandardGrip the most!
Sound
Your machines should come with the Fine Point Blade, and I would recommend getting a few replacement tips for it too. I would also suggest buying the Deep Point Blade as well.
SCRAPER
The scraper tool is essential! I use this all the time on all of my different types of projects – you just can’t go long.
WEEDING TOOLS
I can’t think of any people projects where you don’t need a weed control tool. These are pretty cheap and I think it’s a great tool.
SCISSORS
Cricut has some scissors, and the small ones can come in handy – but honestly, if you have other scissors that work well, just use these. I would recommend having scissors that you only use for your Cricut projects.
RULER
Cricut has some acrylic rulers, and if you want one of these, go for it. However, I think you would be fine to get an old acrylic ruler. It has nothing to do with the machine so you don’t need a brand name.
Portable trimmer
I actually have a few of these and I really like them. I use it on vinyl, paper, etc so I think it’s versatile enough to justify being something I recommend to everyone!
I would suggest getting the basic tool kit – it comes with a scraper, weed control tool, and spatula – perfect to get you started.
And if you’re looking for the best way to store your Cricut and craft supplies, consider the DreamBox. This is certainly a boon, but it’s definitely important in my craft room! Read our full review here – Create Room DreamBox Review: Everything You Need To Know (2021)
For Maker users
When you have a Cricut maker there are many different options when it comes to blades. I don’t recommend losing and buying them all, but I do recommend buying the following to get started:
- Rotary blade
- Knife blade
- Quick Swap Housing – This is required for many of the tips listed below. I would definitely get this first – if there’s one tip that you know you want, you can buy it, it’s a combination.
I would also recommend buying the Machine Tool Organizer. I think this is a great way to keep all of your blades, wheels, and tips.
Here are the tips available with the quick swap case. Not everyone will need these – I have them all, but I rarely use most of them. You can examine each one to see if it is right for you
For Joy users
The Cricut delight is unique in that it is not compatible with some tools and knives that the other machines are compatible with. If you’ve just bought a Cricut Joy, it has a number of unique tools that you’ll want to get started with in addition to the items above.
blade
There is currently only one blade available for the Cricut Joy. It is most similar to the fine point blade. The blade and case come with the Cricut Joy when purchased, so I would only recommend purchasing a few replacement blades!
Mats
In addition to the blade, you will need the cutting mats. These are much smaller than the regular mats so obviously you can’t use one that was made for the Explore Air 2 and Maker.
The Joy has the following mats:
- Standard handle in 4.5 × 6 “and 4.5 × 12”
- Light Grip in 4.5 × 6 and 4.5 × 12 ″
- The card mat
Buy the mats here!
If you’re not sure you’re not going to be doing cards, I would recommend buying all of the above.
materials
What materials you need depends only on what you want to make. If you think you want to try everything, we recommend the following materials to start with:
If you are doing ironing projects …
This is my personal favorite way of making Cricut.
- Cricut EasyPress 2
- Iron-On Materials – Cricut has a wide variety of choices including:
- Blanks – you need things to iron your materials! The sky is the limit – shirts, bags,
Articles That May Be Helpful:
If you are doing self adhesive vinyl projects
- Whatever the material you want to work with, Cricut has a lot to choose from. Self-adhesive vinyl and self-adhesive sheeting are popular, but they have other items as well. Again, I love expression vinyl.
- Extra fine point blades
- Consider a bright pad
When you want to use infusible ink
Infusible Ink is Cricut’s version of sublimation. I think it’s pretty fun to work with, although it certainly isn’t for everyone. You can find more information about Infusible Ink here. When you’ve decided on something, I recommend the following:
When you are going to sew …
You can cut fabric using the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2. However, with the Maker this is a lot easier and smoother. Regardless, here are a few things I really like:
If you want to make paper …
Paper crafting is certainly popular with Cricut, and there are plenty of tools that can help. If you have a Maker, you may find some of the tips in the Maker section helpful for making projects even more fun
What to skip (for now)
Below are items that I think you don’t need NOW. Some people might want them right away, but when you start I’m not sure they are necessary and may only make things more difficult.
Foil transfer tool
I used the slide transfer tool and liked it, but I don’t think it’s a must-have – especially for beginners.
However, if you are interested in this tool, here are some helpful posts:
Light pad
In fact, I think a Bright Pad-like product can help – but I don’t know if the CRICUT Bright Pad is the right one. There are some great off-brand deals on Amazon that are cheaper and have better reviews.
Any size from EasyPress
Do I have any size EasyPress? I will definitely do it! But I don’t think everyone needs all sizes. I would recommend thinking about the general size of your project and starting with an EasyPress that will work best with it. Personally, I love the classic 9 × 9 EasyPress – it can do most projects (except the really small ones!).
Here are some EasyPress posts that you might find helpful:
Cricut Mug Press
This is a new product from Cricut – and I think it might be helpful to a certain group of people. But it’s expensive and limited in what it can do so this definitely hits my list as not essential to start with.
carry bag
If you don’t move your Cricut around a lot, chances are you won’t need a carrying case if it’s just on your shelf!
Other Cricut Posts You Might Like:
