You have already found what niche you want to unleash your secret and hidden skills in art, and that’s thrilling to know! From your creative ideas lying on your sketches, you can finally make your first customized masterpiece come to life… But wait? Have you already found an excellent buddy to make your first project happen? If not, then why not consider this stopover as your first and official ultimate beginner’s guide for DIY-ing? And today, we will help you find the best of the best companion that will help you reach a successful making process and a fantastic outcome of the finished product!

Be excited as you take a step out of your shell! To welcome and accompany you in taking an artistic flight to customization, craft machine has brought a lot of fun and justice to whatever handmade or personalized a promising DIY-er could think of or make of! Here are the astonishing craft machines from Cricut, and it’s ready to give perfection to any cuts and prints of your design at all times!

What is all about Cricut’s Craft Machines, and why are many hooked on it?

Cricut’s Craft Machines are a complete set and a total package of a family line of cutting and heat printing craft equipment with a high-end model of devices for customization that is engineered to fit the plethoras of your crafting needs. These are widely used by most beginners, professionals, DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and craft entrepreneurs that are considered to be good tandem and a must-have if one is endowed in creating do-it-yourself items.

What machines does Cricut consist of?

Cricut Machines has comprised two major categories of craft equipment, each of which has its lineage. Naming these Cricut Machines’ category includes the Cricut Cutting Machine and the Cricut Heat Press Machine, considered Cricut’s powerhouse tools. With a joint force of function achieving extensive coverage within craft customization, it enables one to perform a single or combination of simple to complex design outcomes through design cutting and transfer using heat.

The First Category of Cricut’s Craft Equipment: Cricut Cutting Machine and its Lineage

• The Cricut Cutting Machine: What is it?

The Cricut Cutting Machine is a cutting tool, and the Cricut’s digital version of “scissors” is usually used in cutting arts and crafts. They are known as die-cutters or craft plotter machines in the DIY world. They aim to cut out several materials (vinyl, card stock, HTV, wood, leather, and many more) with extreme precision based on a simple or ultimately intricate digital file of the design. This Cricut cutting machine is also run by design software called Cricut Design Space, possessing a “photoshop-Esque” feature. This permits you and your device to lay out your text or shape with a unique look and lets you draw, score, deboss, and engrave designs with the help of its accessory.

• How does Cricut Cutting Machine work?

To cut unique designs on the simplest to the most uncommon material using Cricut Machine lies in its digital capacitation. More often, as a start along with the machine, one may connect it wirelessly through a phone (Bluetooth or wifi), directly on a computer, or through a cable to create, transfer, or import the image layout of a design using Cricut Design Space. Once the image layout is good to go and ready for the cutting process, then the chosen material where the design should be cut or imprinted is fastened on a sticky cutting mat and then loaded on the cutting machine producing beautiful results in minutes.

Meeting the Family Members of Cricut Cutting Machine and their Edge Features

• The Cricut Maker

Bringing the liberty in creativity closer to crafters as one of the digitally innovated machines in the family of Cricut, the Cricut Maker is the one to start a set of steps up in terms of full-bodied versatility, power, robustness, and a new level of cutting performance among Cricut’s cutting machine. As one of the cutting machines to feature the so-called Adaptive Tool System, it incorporates an extensive suite of tools to mount hundreds of substrates giving a crafter more comprehensive selection in expanding what more to create for most do-it-yourself projects.

Cricut Maker also makes fame in the niche of customization by providing consumers in the sewing industry the privilege of experiencing a digital cutting experience of fabrics. The accessibility of a digital sewing pattern library from the brands that house hundreds of sewing patterns, like Simplicity® and Riley Blake®, eradicates all the mind-numbing work regarding sewing. With this, It can automatically streak pieces of patterns using washable fabric markers and removes time-to-time cutting or pinning by its newly added accessory such as the Rotary Blade, the Knife Blade, and the Scoring Wheels that justifies a game changer to professional-level cutting and repeatability of the performance with accuracy.

• The Cricut Maker 3

The Cricut Maker 3 is one of the latest, greatest step-up, and heaviest-duty machines in the family of Cricut and is recognized as the Cricut’s “Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine.” Well, not just to boast, it can all do what other cutting machines do while incorporating its newly added function that other devices don’t have. Comparing this to the original model of Maker and previous generations of Cricut, this craft plotter is the extra most potent among the rest. To disclose its capability in a more detailed way, first, its motors are stronger, which only means that it can cut materials twice faster as usual. Secondly, it can cut more than 300 varieties of supplies, including the most delicate, thickest, and brightest materials, without the need to use a mat. And lastly, it is ten times the greatness of cutting force and could cater to super-long and super-precise cuts along with its 13 tools for cutting, scoring, debossing, foiling, and engraving.

• The Cricut Joy

A small but terrible portable cutting device is the Cricut Joy Machine. It can leave small footprints of its presence in terms of its space-saving storage capacity, yet marks great design imprints and works for customization. Amazingly, this isn’t just a tiny cutting plotter that can cut fifty types of materials, including faux leathers and innovative materials, without a cutting mat. Still, one can also write and draw to make imprints of artistic shapes or designs in different styles offering limitless reasons to pursue this industry. Meanwhile, for a starter in exploring DIY-ing and understanding the basics of this type of design customization, Cricut Joy is an excellent companion to be with and a good partner to begin creating economic and simple small projects like making labels, sticker, and greeting cards and so on.

• The Cricut Explore Air 1

The Cricut Explore One is the first upgraded device in the Cricut’s Explore family lineage; it might be a basic machine, yet it is a less expensive machine one could purchase. This cutting machine has everything that a very first model of Cricut Explore Air offers, but the advanced edge is that you can write and draw (cut and score) at a similar pass. Similarly, it can cut materials that other cutting device does and even those that are way thicker. Due to its improved and upgraded blade control, it can also perform cutting with accuracy, faster than the previous version. It can be connected via Bluetooth, allowing one to work wirelessly too.

• The Cricut Explore Air 2

A Cricut cutting machine that has been so popular for years is machine app-based via Bluetooth and comes with a double tool holder. Cricut Explore Air 2 is a digital cutter possessing the same operational capacity as Explore 1. Still, it is noticeably twice faster, it’s mechanically less raucous, and it stands out more for its more digitally advanced capacity to do a “Print then Cut function.” This machine can also accommodate over 100 selections of materials using four accessory tools, including cutting, writing, and scoring. Surprisingly, this machine can out design in a mat-less way, and its versatility is best represented with Smart Dial giving you enough depth and pressure to apply when cutting.

• The Cricut Explore Air 3

The Cricut Explore Air is the newest addition and midline device to Cricut’s Explore Family of cutting machines, yet it is considered next to Cricut Maker 3. This might have similarities to Explore Air 2, which can cut most supplies one thinks of, but the added edge is that this can cut Smart Materials in a mat-less way in double up speed. Even if it has a limited accessory for cutting compared to Cricut Maker 3, it can still perform standard cutting, score material using the scoring stylus, do foil projects using the foil transfer system, and make Print then Cut projects using a home printer. In addition, it can be connected via Bluetooth; one can now use this wirelessly through a wireless signal.

The Second Category of Cricut’s Craft Equipment: Cricut Heat Press and its Lineage

• The Cricut Heat Press: What is it?

The Cricut Heat Press is a heat tool that reigns the position of conventional iron and traditional Heat Press Machines in design customization. As this is structured with unique portability, it can portray a combined quality and functionality of a heat press with a handiness of an iron giving a crafter professional result of design output. It is an excellent machine for do-it-yourself projects (like t-shirt printing). It can distinctively transfer exquisite design using an iron-on or Heat Transfer Vinyl on garments or fabrics. Surprisingly, Cricut Heat Press can also affix the design to unusual objects and substrates with areas that are hard to reach by heat, which a conventional heat press can’t do.

• How does Cricut Heat Press work?

After the finest and the most artistic cutting of design takes place, it is the turn of Cricut Heat Press to put your image into its final designation. To create a beautiful final look of the design, like the usual heat press machine we know, a Cricut Heat Press gives us the convenience of applying an iron-on transfer on a piece of fabric by releasing an evenly high amount of heat and pressure, creating; professional results that last for a lifetime in less than a minute.

Meeting the Family Members of Cricut Heat Press Machine and their Edge

• The Cricut Easy Press

The original and firstborn of the Cricut heat press is the first to display an excellent example of compactness as a device, the Cricut Easy Press. This is a non-steam 9” x9” large heat plate capable of even temperatures up to 360°F (180°C), perfect for any simple T-shirt customization. Despite being a heat tool known to generate fast-acting heat, giving a crafter an experience of the same convenience as using an iron, Cricut Easy Press needs a further upgrade. Because it is not compatible to work on projects involving infusible inks, it isn’t capable of reaching the higher temperature requirement this type of project needs.

• The Cricut Easy Press 2

With the same boundless qualities similar to the first Cricut Easy Press, a better and more advanced heat press is given birth, the Cricut Easy Press 2. Carrying some new and extra features breaks the limitation of what an Easy Press can do because it is designed to achieve a high heat temperature of 400 °F (200 °C) and can work with a type of project that uses infusible inks. Aside from that, it is the first to present enhanced digitalization of a heat press, for this can operate an update of its firmware using a USB port.

Cricut Easy Press 2is also comprised of sub-types that come with three different heat plate sizes and weights. It consists of a 6” x7” small-sized Easy Press 2 seamless to work with small projects, basically baby’s clothing. The 9” x9” medium-sized Easy Press 2 is considerably flexible to work well with small or big substrates. The 10” x12” large-sized Easy Press 2 is OK to use with big-sized base materials and is the heaviest among all. Through this, Easy Press 2 can form a team of fast heating tools for design transferring that can accommodate customization of tasks for fabric with all or most sizes.

• The Cricut Auto Press

The Cricut Auto Press is the record breaker in terms of being the best Cricut Heat Press and a version of the most impressive form of a complete heat press machine. On its physique, it resembles a usual heat press with an upper and lower platen. Still, it comes in 15” x 12” heat plates that automatically open or close and a whole body that is heatproof against accidental touch. This machine could also auto-adjust to the thickness of any material up to 2 inches. Seamlessly, the Cricut Auto Press machine integrates a heat tool’s functionality for all home, commercial, personal, and professional use. Its real technological edge and automaticity assure high-grade imprints in the quickest delivery from small to bulk projects.

• The Cricut Easy Press 3

The latest and one of the most modernized heat presses of Cricut is the ever-smart Cricut Easy Press 3. This type of heat press works in an all-out digitalization as a “Bluetooth” enabled heat equipment. It can feature precise control of temperature and time using the heat app. It has even heat distribution with its unconventional ceramic-coated heat plate and safeness quality through its auto-off ability after set-up time is completed. It is also come with a version size of 9” x 9” and 12” x10” that efficiently heats up to 400 °F (200 °C) and a winning quality to place a design on fabric using iron-on (HTV), Infusible Ink, and sublimation materials at one pressing with the elite outcome.

• The Cricut Easy Press Mini

The baby, the smallest, and the most compact version of the Easy Press Machine is the Cricut Easy Press Mini. From the name itself, it is tasked to accomplish the design transferring of small distinct materials (like card stock, hats, shoes, and stuffed toys)or base materials with hard-to-reach areas through three heat settings.

• The Cricut Easy Hat Press and the Cricut Mug Press

These two heat presses are Bluetooth-enabled heat equipment that works on special projects like customizing hats, caps, and ceramic mugs using iron-on, infusible inks, or sublimation.

Getting Comprehensive with Frequently Asked Questions

After a long tour and detailed getting to know about every craft machine Cricut has to offer, without a doubt, there’s always one or two you probably eye to help you execute all your design schemes with great prowess! As a beginner in Cricut Cutting Machines and Easy Press, I know that after the long talk we had a while ago, there’s so much in your mind and one that needs to be answered before you decide; feel more the rush of excitement, and to ready you for the crafting journey.

Do you need a Cricut Cutting Machine and Cricut Heat Press Machine?

A crafter asks the DIY community and himself if they need to have craft machines from Cricut. Well, what we can say is before rushing yourself to buy, always takes a good look at the thing that’s needed to be considered. If you’re a person who’s not into making crafts like this, then Cricut might not be a destined hobby for you to push through this reality is not to discourage you, but you know investing in any device shouldn’t put a hole in your pocket or wastage of money.

When identifying if you have a Cricut Cutting Machine, Cricut Heat Press, or both as a crafter, you must constantly assess what kind of project or venture you want to pursue and create; and what type of materials do we always want to work with. In this way, you’ll be able to know the need of your purchasing a cutting and heat printing machine, and it helps you to identify the niche you want to focus on doing DIYs in this industry.

Moreover, regardless of your need, one thing is always for sure: you’ll never get disappointed when it comes to equipment with the brand Cricut. Cricut brands are craft equipment providers already trusted and tested for producing excellent machines. In conclusion, investing in any craft machines of Cricut secures the worthiness of your penny and satisfaction your interest or passion despite its pricey-ness. Combining any of these machines with various exceptional materials will guarantee the infinite complexity of cuts and prints you can generate.

Other Vinyl Crafting Articles

Please click the links below for more blogs that you may find helpful in your crafting adventures:

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF VINYL

BEST VINYL PROJECT IDEAS FOR THE FALL SEASON

Which Cricut Cutting Machine and Cricut Heat Press are best for beginners and you?

If you’re a person just about to start your journey of customization, the machines that are usually recommended for beginners are the following:

For Cricut Cutting Machine:

Cricut Explore 3 – For beginning crafters, Explore 3 is a dependable machine that allows you to cut a wide selection of basic materials like paper, iron-on, and others, giving you nice or clean cuts. Even though it lacks Bluetooth features, it is a low-cost alternative to Explore 2.

Cricut Explore 2- is also a good machine for beginners that allows one to customize cuts on the go in just minutes and quicker than previous models.

Cricut Explore 1- Offering excellent accuracy to cut lots of materials while enabling a wireless cutting process, this machine is suitable for entry-level crafters too.

For Cricut Heat Press:

Cricut Easy Press 2 - Despite its lackness in terms of advanced features like Bluetooth feature, its capacity to create can still give the best results that are not far from a high–end machine, and it is way cheaper than Cricut Easy Press 3.

Cricut Easy Press 3 – A little expensive yet an excellent investment to crafting for in due time, once you level up your skills to DIY-ing, you use this device as an advantage to your end (especially if you plan to start up a small DIY venture). It is also considered suitable for beginners and even experienced crafters for its smart feature can assist crafters new to heat printing customization in the steps and process of product making.

What Heat Press is best for Shirts?

Identifying the best heat press for shirts emphasizes the importance of heat printing elements and the dependability of the heat press to deliver evenness of temperature, pressure, or time to produce high-quality imprints. As always, these things need to be considered as a qualification of Heat Press to be best for customized shirts.

Meanwhile, the best candidates for heat press best for shirts include Easy Press 2 and Easy Press 3. Their features and availability of heat plate sizes can flexibly accommodate shirts of different sizes to be personalized while giving the same excellent print quality. If one loves to do home crafting or a small start-up venture, these two are a perfect beginning to help you make your first step in making your hobby into a business.

On the other hand, Cricut Auto Press is ideal for commercial-grade quality customized shirts that can cater to a large number of productions while considering time efficiency in creating.

Ready to rock DIY-ing? We can’t wait to see you nailing customization using these Cricut Machines! Hopes this helps you a lot and gives you all the starter kit of learning you need for this newfound love! See you again! Till next time…

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For your vinyl crafting needs, please check our website at xvinyl.com. We offer different Adhesive and Heat Transfer Vinyl, perfect for your next project.