Quick References
Although the Cricut Maker 3 can be used for many projects without cutting mats, Cricut sells a variety of mats for use with vinyl, fabric, paper, and other materials to assist with projects. Note that the Cricut Maker 3 doesn't include any cutting mats and you'll want to purchase the appropriate cutting mat to meet your needs.
The Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab has a variety of mats available for use, though you're welcome to bring your own.
Cricut Design Space
To use Cricut Design Space, a Cricut ID is required. Click the link below to establish a free account.
You will need to enter a name, email, and password in order to create an ID.
- Create a Cricut IDUse this link to set up an account on Cricut's software, Cricut Design Space
- Top Tips and Tricks: The basics of Cricut Design SpaceThis post will explain the basics of the program along with some tips which will allow you to make designs with the Cricut machine.
- Full Cricut Design Space Tutorial For Beginners – 2021The purpose of this article is to teach and show you an overview of every icon and panel of the Cricut Design Space Canvas area.
There are more complex tutorials for EVERY single icon and, or function. So if you want to learn more about an icon or skill, click the available links.
Know Your Machine
Equipment Manuals
Do's and Don'ts of the Cricut Machine
- DO make sure your cutting mat is loaded correctly
There are tabs to keep the cutting mat in place and help the machine to work. - DON'T cut heat transfer vinyl without mirroring the design
Heat transfer vinyl works differently than adhesive vinyl. put the shiny side face down on the cutting mat. When preparing the design for cutting, mirror the design so the finished product isn't reversed. - DO check the material setting before cuttingThe main goal is to cut with enough force to go through the material without damaging the cutting mat. Double check the material setting to make sure it matches the material on the mat.
- DON'T use the wrong cutting matThere are four different types of cutting mats. Light grip, regular grip, strong grip, and fabric grip. Look here to find out what mat is best for your project.
- DO make sure your design will fit on a cutting matThe machine blocks off a .25 inch margin for accuracy. Therefore, any projects with a mat cannot exceed a width of 11.5" or a length of 23.5".
- DON'T cut more material than you needTry to only cut what you need. Do not cover the entire cutting mat if you only need a fraction.
