Getting a Cricut is so exciting but once you start looking at the accessories and tools needed it can seem a little overwhelming. You really don’t need everything to start, your machine will also come with a bunch of accessories (some blades, mats, etc) especially if you buy a bundle. I highly suggest watching some youtube tutorials on projects you know you want to make. Then use that to make a supply list for what you need to start. This guide can help explain what basic tools are for and what you may want to consider when looking at what to buy. I craft mostly for my kids so I do a little bit of everything!
I do suggest starting with cricut brand tools and materials. The machine is optimized for these materials so you will get a better outcome with less frustration. However, there are plenty of materials and even some Cricut brand products that are best to get off of Amazon. I included them in the list as well!
UPDATED: Post updated November 2022 to reflect new machines, tools and accessories
Don’t have a Cricut yet but are looking to buy? Check out our post on buying a Cricut in Canada! It gives a breakdown of places to buy and tips for ordering from the Cricut website if you are in Canada!
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Understanding Cricut Machine Mats
Cricut Machine Mats
Machine mats are always used when printing on your Cricut unless you are using smart materials. (Note: Smart Materials are only compatible with Maker 3, Explore 3 and Cricut joy.) so the majority of time you are using your machine, you will be printing on a mat. You will need some of these.
Machine Mat breakdown:
- There are different strength (grip) mats for ALL machines and each grip is a different colour:
- Light grip (blue): used mostly for paper crafts
- Standard grip (Green): used for all types of Vinyl – Note: this is the MOST used
- Strong grip (purple): Used for wood, chipboard and other thick materials
- Fabric (pink): This is exclusively for the Maker series for cutting fabric
- Card Mat: This is exclusively for the Cricut Joy
- 2×2 Card Mat for the Maker that prints 4 cards at a time!
- There are 3 different sized mats
- 4.5″x12″ – this is for the joy only
- 12″x12″ for the maker and explore machines
- 12″x24″ for the maker and explore machines
- I suggest getting a variety pack (one of each color/grip) so you can figure out what mats you use the most. I like to get two of each of my high used ones so that I can be printing on one and then adding/removing materials to another.
There are some off-brand options on Amazon that seem to work decently well however I find in Canada when the Cricut brand mats go on sale on the website the price is comparable or cheaper.
PRO TIP!! If you are a Cricut Access member check out the Cricut Exclusive sale page and you can get bulk mats for the same or cheaper than the off-brand ones (which i prefer because then you know they will work).
- Google tips on cleaning your mats to extend their life – they really do work!
Understanding Cricut Tools
Cricut Tools:
I admit I was that person who immediately ordered the cheap kit off amazon as I didn’t know what I needed and didn’t want to spend a ton on Cricut brand tools if I wasn’t going to use them. I figured out what I use frequently and as they have sales I have been buying the Cricut brand tools. Which I have to admit I do prefer but I still use the other tools sometimes. Save yourself the headache and just buy a starter toolkit.
Brayer: Absolutely need if you are going to be doing anything with fabric or vinyl as it ensures your material is firmly applied to your mat without stretching it. Also if you like to involve your little kids – this is a great activity they can take part in!
Scraper: I first had an off-brand one on Amazon which is OK and I use if I cant find my other one but I MUCH prefer the Cricut brand XL scraper. Especially if you plan to do any sort of large wall decals for kid’s playrooms.
Weeding tool: It helps to remove the bits of vinyl you are not using. This will be the MOST used item. No matter what project or material, chances are you WILL use this weeding tool. This is a great one to have a few of.
Things I didn’t know I needed: These are some items I have collected over the years that I find incredibly useful but not a necessity
True Control Blade: This is great if you are making larger than at projects on foam core etc.
Portable Trimmer: A massive step up from just cutting or using a rotary blade
The different Cricut Materials
Cardstock:
Cricut has a lot of REALLY nice Cardstock but I do tend to “save” that for really special projects. Amazon has lots of options that work. I find 65lbs paper is usually what most projects work best with.
Vinyl:
There is three types of vinyl:
- Permanent (for things like tumblers, where you don’t want it to come off)
- Removable (for things like wall decals) and
- Heat transfer vinyl (used on clothing).
- I recommend getting a small pack of each kind so that you are ready for any craft and can experiment. For permanent and removable I use Cricut brand or oracal as I find they are the best. Cricut brand tends to be a bit thinner which is good for layering but sometimes the colors tend to show through. When using Heat transfer Vinyl (iron on) I typical use Siser EasyWeed or Cricut brand as they are consistently the best.
- Get a variety pack like this. Some people say that there are colors that don’t get used. I find with kids I use ALL of the colors.
- Transfer tape: You need this if you are working with vinyl. A piece of transfer tape can be used multiple times. I have used both cricut brand and clear contact paper as transfer tape (much cheaper if you go through a lot) and both work well (you can also use painters tape if you are in a bind!).
Smart Materials:
These materials can only be used on the Maker 3, Explore 3 and on the joy machines. This vinyl is on a thicker backing so it can be fed directly into the machine (no cutting mat needed).
Infusible Ink:
Infusible Ink is a very different application than vinyl as it dyes the item you are applying it to. The item needs to be 100% polyester or a high cotton/poly blend. So for this you need the infusible Ink sheets or pens and either an approved Cricut blank or a sublimation blank from Amazon
Other Helpful items:
- Lots of glue sticks
- Crafting scissors
- Spray adhesive
- Glue gun (helpful if creating any large structures for kids – like this drive through fire station)
- Cardstock: I honestly just like to buy HUGE packages (65lb is usually what most projects call for) on sale on amazon or at my local business supply store as I find it the cheapest
- Cricut Access: It is an optional subscription service with access to thousands of images and hundreds of fonts (check out our post that goes into more detail!)
- Cricut Easypress: You need this if you are planning on using infusible ink and it will be very helpful when using heat transfer Vinyl
- Machine Blades:
- Rotary: To cut fabric with (comes with on the maker, however it does not come with the maker 3!!)
- Premium fine point: It comes with the maker, you can buy replacement blades but I find you don’t need them right away
- Scoring wheel: This is fantastic if you are doing paper crafts (making playfood boxes for kids etc.)
- Foil transfer kit
Cricut Wish List:
Wish List:
There are so many wonderful things you can do with a Cricut I feel like I have so much left to explore. On my wishlist are items like:
- Brightpad: This handy tool illuminates your work for easy weeding and tracing! I am currently using my daughters Crayola light up pad off Amazon!
- Mug Press: This new machine (read about it here!) allows you to use Cricut’s Infusible Ink to create custom mugs that are microwave and dishwasher safe!
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