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Can the Cricut Maker cut fabric patterns for clothes like pants, skirts, blouse, shirts, etc.?
Yes, you can cut fabric patterns with the Cricut Maker. The Maker comes with 25 digital sewing patterns to help you get started. Cricut has also partnered with Simplicity to offer hundreds of patterns. Keep in mind, when you are cutting fabric, you’ll want to use the FabricGrip Mat.
What is the largest the Circut Maker will cut?
The Cricut Maker can cut up to 11.5 inches using the 12″x12″ cutting mat and 23.5 inches using the 12″x24″ cutting mat. There are ways to cut larger pieces by breaking up patterns into multiple pieces. Follow this tutorial on how to cut larger than 24 inches with your Cricut.
Does the Cricut Maker work with the Cricut cartridges?
Physical cartridges cannot be used with the Cricut Maker. The Cricut Makes does not have a cartridge port to accept them. Previously there was an adapter available for purchase to link your cartridges in Design Space.
Cricut has discontinued making the adapter. You can find a used one or contact Cricut Customer Service for assistance.
It is still possible to link cartridges to Cricut Design Space if you have the Cricut Explore or Gypsy machine and use the designs in Design Space. Cricut offers Cricut Access plans, which offer many designs for a monthly fee where many designs are available.
What do I need to get started using the Cricut Maker?
Aside from the Cricut Maker itself, you’ll need some basic tools, materials to cut as well as a computer to use Cricut Design Space. The Maker comes with the Rotary Blade + Drive Housing, Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing, Black Fine Point Pen, FabricGrip™ Machine Mat, and LightGrip Machine Mat, 12″ x 12″.
Can the Cricut Maker etch glass?
The Cricut Maker cannot etch glass directly. However, you can create and cut your own patterns using Design Space and apply etching cream to the glass surface. Here are instructions on how to etch glass using the Cricut Maker:
- Create and cut your vinyl stencil in Design Space
- Wrap the vinyl stencil over the glass
- Stir the etching cream well and apply it to the glass over the stencil
- Wait 3-5 minutes
- Rinse the glass to remove all the etching cream
- Once dry, remove the stencil.
Can the Cricut Maker engrave metal for jewelry or pet ID tags?
Yes, the Cricut Maker now has an engraving tip for the Quick Swap Housing. You purchase the Engraving Tip only or the Tip and the Housing together.
What is the difference between the rotary cutter and the fabric blade?
The rotary blade and bonded fabric blade both cut fabric and can both be used in the Cricut Maker. The difference between the bonded fabric blade and the rotary blade is that the rotary blade can cut delicate material and does not need backing material. The rotary blade also works in the Adaptive Tool System for more precise cuts.
It “rolls” through the fabric to cut instead of tearing it like a knife which is why it can be used with unbacked fabric.
Can I use the Cricut Explore blades in the Cricut Maker?
Yes, you can use the Explore Blades in the Maker. The Premium Fine Point Blade, Deep Point Blade, and Bonded-Fabric Blade work with both the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2. However, you can only use the Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, or Scoring Wheel in the Cricut Maker.
Can the Cricut Maker cut thin paper cardboard? And it’s good enough to create jigsaw puzzles?
Yes, the Cricut Maker can cut cardboard no problem and is accurate enough to create beautiful jigsaw puzzles.
Do I have to buy designs or can I make my own?
You can make your own design in Cricut Design Space. You can also find free designs as well as purchase designs or get the Cricut Access Subscription giving you access to many different fonts and designs for a low monthly price.
Is the Cricut Maker bluetooth enabled?
Yes the Cricut Maker has built in Bluetooth Wireless Technology
I don’t have a computer. Can I still use the Cricut Maker?
Yes, you can use the Cricut Maker with the Design Space App available for iOS and Android. But there it is more limited than the desktop version and the Android app is even more limited than the iOS app.
Do I need a personal printer, in order to make owning a Cricut worth it?
No, you don’t need a personal printer to make almost full use of a Cricut cutting machine. You will not be able to use the print and cut function since you need to print something first but you can always borrow a printer or go to a printing center if you really need to.
What format does my design need to be saved as?
You can upload most .jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .svg, and .dxf file types into Design Space. Design Space will automatically save your project in the format your Cricut needs.
Can the Cricut Maker cut thin wood?
Yes! The Cricut maker can cut Balsa and Basswood up to 1/16″ see What Can Cricut Maker Cut for a massive list of materials.
Can the Maker use the accessories I already have from my Explore Air such as the mats, blades, and pens?
Yes! All Explore Air accessories are compatible with the Maker.
Does the Cricut Maker work on Mac and PC?
Yes, Cricut Design Space works with Mac and PC but sadly does not work with Chromebooks.
Do I need Cricut Access?
No, Cricut Access is not necessary to use your Cricut cutting machine or required to use Cricut Design Space. Cricut Access is a subscription service providing designs, fonts as well as discounts to Cricut users for a monthly or annual fee.
Can the Cricut Maker cut multiple layers of fabric at once?
Yes, you can always set the blade to cut deeper. BUT, you must make sure your fabric layers are well secured so they don’t slip during cutting. Best results are from a single layer cut.
Is Design Space free or is there a subscription cost?
Cricut Design Space is free! Cricut Access is a subscription cost and is not required.
Does the Cricut Maker print and cut?
The Cricut Maker does not have its own print capabilities. It has a Print then Cut feature where you can send your design to your printer and then use your Cricut Maker to cut out the design.
What is the voltage of the Cricut Maker?
The Cricut Maker sold in North America uses 120 V.
Can you adjust cutting depth on the Cricut Maker?
You can adjust the cut pressure on your Cricut Maker and the number of passes the machine makes over the design.
Can you embroider with the Cricut Maker?
No, embroidering is not one of the Cricut Makers many abilities.
What is the difference between the Cricut Explore and the Cricut Maker?
Basically the Cricut Maker is newer and can do more than the Cricut Explore. For more details check out my article Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2.
How long is the Cricut Maker?
The Cricut Maker is 22.6 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches
What type of markers/pens does the Cricut Maker use?
Technically the Cricut Maker uses Cricut brand pens only but there are third party adapters available allowing you to use other pens and markers.
How strong is the Cricut Maker? What is the cutting force?
The Cricut Maker has a cutting force of up to 4000g.
Do I need the internet to use the Cricut Maker?
Yes and no. The Cricut Maker can only cut using Cricut Design Space. Design Space needs the internet when you initially open the program so you can login to your Cricut account. Then you can disconnect from the internet and work offline.
Can you use Silhouette designs with the Cricut Maker?
If the Silhouette design is in a compatible file format (.jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .svg, and .dxf) it can be used with Cricut Maker and Design Space.
