Cricut Machine Must haves

I have gathered together a basic list of Cricut Machine Must-haves you want to have on hand to get started on everything from t-shirts for the whole family to ornaments, coffee mugs, and more.

Table of Contents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

These quick answers cover common questions about Cricut Machine Must haves.

Confirm that the tool or material is compatible with your specific machine and the type of project you plan to make.

No. Start with the basics for your first projects and add specialty tools only when a project requires them.

Follow the manufacturer’s setup, heat, cutting, and surface-protection instructions, and supervise children around hot or sharp tools.

Whether you are brand new to Cricut or you are dusting off the one that has been sitting untouched in the closet you may be wondering what you need to get started creating amazing projects with your Cricut.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! You'll also get regular recipes & printables to your inbox!

Now to get some practice in you will want to pick up a few inexpensive items to try different techniques on. You can grab t shirts, mugs, bowls, plates, and plastic tubs at Dollar Tree to practice on. You can learn How to Make Stickers at Home or how to make car decals. No matter what your plan for your Cricut, we have a tool to help make it easier:

Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint

Of course this is at the top of the list of must haves.

This awesome machine along with the free Cricut Design Space software is going to help you get to crafty places you may not have dreamed possible-customized mugs, perfect holiday t shirts, birthday signs and banners, cake toppers, birthday cards, ornaments, and oh so much more.

Check Price on Amazon

Cricut StandardGrip Cutting 12×12 3 Pack

The mat holds various mediums in place like paper, vinyl, and fabric while cutting. A good clean mat is a must have for good cuts.

You can purchase them in different sizes for each of the different machines.

Check Price on Amazon

Cricut Tools, Mint Basic Set

While these tools may not be absolutely necessary they are pretty important at making your job easier.

They were created to help you weed out excess portions of lettering, lift tricky pieces, and press down your letter and images securely,

I highly recommend you get a set or two (those hooks disappear in my craft room often).

Check Price on Amazon

Vinyl Sheets

Includes: by EZ Craft USA – 12″ x 12″ – 40 Sheets Assorted Colors Works with Cricut and Other Cutters

Don’t go too cheap, you will regret it. Super cheap vinyl will be a bear to cut, weed, apply, and will not stay in place long term.

Experiment with a few brands in small quantities to find one you love, I have had great luck with Siser and /Oracel brands but this one I have linked is also a favorite as its inexpensive and easy to work with.

Your 3 basic vinyls are…

631-Semi permanent

651- Permanent

HTV- Heat Transfer vinyl

Check Price on Amazon

Cricut Replacement Cutting Blades for Cutting Machines

Blades will get dull over time and your cuts will no longer be sharp and crisp.

It’s better to have one or two on hand to replace them rather than having to wait days for a new one to come in.

Check Price on Amazon

Transfer Paper

Includes: Greenstar TransferRite 12″ x 30ft Clear Transfer Paper Tape w/Grid, Application Tape

You can’t Cricut without a good transfer paper, and many people swear by clear contact paper.

I use that sometimes, but a good sticky transfer paper with grids is best for anything but the small projects in my opinion.

Check Price on Amazon

Cricut EasyPress

You can use an iron in the beginning to practice but it is difficult to get the right amount of pressure and apply it and the heat evenly over your entire piece.

This is where many end up with shirts that peel on the first wear or the first wash.

If you really want to use your machine for making custom shirts go ahead and invest in a heat press once you are comfortable with your Cricut.

Check It Out

Get started with one of our really simple DIY’s like….

Relax and enjoy your Cricut. It might be a bit frustrating at the beginning, but with a few simple tutorials to get you through your first few easy projects, you will be come a pro in no time!