15 Supplies you Need to start Creating with your Cricut
Welcome to the CRICUT world! I know when you first get your machine it can be SUPER overwhelming. With all the amazing projects that are out there it’s so hard to figure out what you should buy. Are you going to be paper crafting? Vinyl crafting? T-shirt making? Sign making? So many things to decide. But no matter which path your crafty heart wants to take these Cricut Supplies and craft accessories will set you up for success.
Here’s what you need to get started using your CRICUT:
1. CRICUT CUTTING MATS
These are a must have no matter what type of project you are planning to cut out using your Cricut machine. Cricut has several different mat options and thankfully they are color coded to make crafting even easier for us.
If using a CRICUT EXPLORE OR MAKER you want to purchase the mats either in size 12”x12” or 12”x24.
2. XACTO KNIFE
You must have an xacto knife to use with your Cricut projects. This is a versatile tool, they are super inexpensive and you can pick one up almost anywhere. You can also use this to cut tiny spots in a design that your Cricut may have slipped on during the cutting process.
3. VINYL SQUEEGEE
This is typically used when applying vinyl but you can also use them to smooth out paper projects too. There are several different sizes when buying these squeegees. You can use a vinyl squeegee mostly for making wooden signs but you can use it for other non vinyl projects as well.
4. CARDSTOCK
Cardstock is a must have to keep in any craft room in my opinion. Of course it’s great to create beautiful cards but cardstock has a purpose beyond that too. It is so much thicker than regular paper that it’s great for using for patterns. You can use cardstock all the time to cut out different shapes to trace on to wood then you can cut them out using a scroll saw.
5. SCISSORS
This is just a must have for crafting in general. But I do suggest having a different pair of scissors for the different materials you will be using. One for paper crafts. One for heat transfer vinyl. One for regular vinyl. One for fabric, etc.
6. ASSORTED VINYL
Vinyl, there are several different options here. I won’t go super deep about their differences in this post but you can use vinyl for many different projects: t-shirt designs, decals on cars and cups, sign making, labeling your pantry and so much more. You can buy bundles of different types of vinyl. This is a great way to have something on hand just in case you have the crafty need to create something that requires a certain type of vinyl.
7. TRANSFER TAPE
Transfer tape is generally great for vinyl type projects. It is a carrier sheet to get your vinyl design off of its paper backing and onto the base you are placing it on. Here are couple things to know, a stronger high tack transfer tape is best for permanent grade vinyl. It takes a stronger tack to lift the vinyl up off of the paper backing. Stenciling material can be removed from its paper backing a little easier since the grip on that isn’t as strong as a permanent grade vinyl.
8. GLUE TAPE
This is a must if you are doing any kind of paper crafting. Glue tape is quick and easy and gives a better overall finish than using wet glues. There are several different options for glue tape out there.
9. MARKERS
Instead of making a cut project with your Cricut you can also WRITE with your Cricut using these Cricut pens. You can do all kinds of projects with these markers including making personalized coloring sheets for your kiddos.
10. Cricut Weeding Tool
This Cricut Weeding Tool—which looks a bit like something you’d find in the dentist’s office—is ideal for poking out tiny pieces of cut-out paper (or other substances). It’s also helpful for picking up items with adhesive on it (so they don’t stick to your fingers). And take advantage of the curved section of the hook to hold down pieces when you’re making complicated projects. You’ll appreciate this tool when your nail or the pointy end of a scissor is too big for the task.
11. Cricut Scoring Stylus
Use this stylus in your Cricut Explore machine to score lines—it’s perfect if you’re making things that you want to fold up, like a greeting card or anything three-dimensional. If you’re making many cards (hello, winter holidays or wedding invites!) you’ll appreciate this time-saving device, and that it will prevent you from frustratingly uneven folds.
12. Cricut XL Scraper
Make clean-up a breeze with help from this scraper, which scoops up tiny scraps of paper with ease. Plus, you can also use it to smooth out vinyl (bubble-free!). It’s significantly larger than the scraper that comes in starter packs or that may have accompanied your machine. It especially comes in handy when it’s time for bigger projects with lots of little pieces floating around.
13. Cricut Brayer
Before you get started on a project with a soft material, like vinyl or fabric, you want to make sure it is laying completely flat on the mat to avoid puckers and bubbles from ruining your designs. Press the Cricut Brayer along on top of the materials on your cutting mat to smooth lines and move air bubbles after you lay your material down. Reviewers note that it has a nice weight in the hand and is super simple to use.
14. Bright Pad
Do your eyes ache while weeding as you struggle to figure out what to remove? The Cricut Bright Pad is a major convenience. This illuminated pad has an adjustable LED light so that you can weed and trace with ease—the backlight makes it easier to spot the scores in the paper, so you can easily take your weeding tool and get to work.
15. Cricut Explore DeepCut Blade
If you want to cut through balsa wood or thicker materials, you’ll need one of these blades. Opt for the Cricut Explore DeepCut Blade if you have a Cricut Explore. Per Cricut, it can cut more than 50 materials, including most materials that are 1.5 mm thickness. Reviewers are full of praise for the blade (but note that you may want to do some test cuts, to get a sense of the appropriate settings on your machine).
If you have the Cricut Maker, go with the Cricut Knife Blade + Drive Housing which, like the DeepCut Blade, will cut through thicker substances, such as balsa wood and leather. Reviewers appreciate the blade’s sharpness but note it’s not suitable for intricate, small designs.