Top 5 Essential Tools for Cricut Beginners

[Darren Demers]

Whether you've already purchased your Cricut machine or are still deciding which one to buy, one thing is certain: having the right tools can significantly enhance your crafting experience. If you’re new to Cricut, navigating the vast array of tools available might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five essential tools every Cricut beginner should have. Let’s dive in!

1. Weeding Tool: Precision at Your Fingertips

What is it used for?
The weeding tool is indispensable for any Cricut project, especially when working with vinyl or Infusible Ink. This tool is designed for "weeding," a process that involves removing the unwanted parts of your design—those tiny pieces of vinyl or iron-on that you don't need. The sharp tip allows for precise removal of small, intricate parts, while the curved edge helps to hold things in place as you work.

Beyond its primary function, the weeding tool is also versatile enough for other tasks, such as poking out small pieces from cardstock. Some users even find it helpful for starting the roll in 3D flower projects. Just be sure to handle it with care to avoid accidental injuries!

2. Scraper Tool: Smooth and Clean

What is it used for?
The scraper tool is a must-have for achieving a flawless finish on your Cricut projects. It serves two primary purposes:

1. Applying Transfer Tape and Vinyl: The scraper helps you apply transfer tape and vinyl smoothly, ensuring that there are no air bubbles and that the adhesive backings stick well. This is crucial for achieving a professional-looking result.

2. Cleaning Cutting Mats: After completing a project, you can use the scraper to clean off scraps and leftover materials from your cutting mat. This ensures that your mat is ready for the next project and that your materials adhere properly. However, be cautious not to scrape too hard, as this could damage the mat's adhesive surface.

For larger projects, consider investing in an extra-large scraper, which is ideal for applying large decals or cleaning bigger mats.

Special Mention: Scissors, Spatula, and Tweezers

• Scissors: Cricut’s craft scissors are designed for precision and sharpness, making them a vital tool in your crafting arsenal. They come with a protective blade cover, ensuring they stay sharp and safe to handle.

• Tweezers: The tweezers are perfect for handling small, delicate cuts. They feature a reverse grip, which may take some getting used to, but it allows for easier lifting and placing of materials.

• Spatula: The spatula tool helps lift your projects from the cutting mat without curling or tearing the material. While it may not be as frequently used as other tools, it’s still a valuable addition to your toolkit.

3. Scoring Stylus: The Magic of Fold Lines

What is it used for?
If you plan on creating cards, boxes, or envelopes with your Cricut, the scoring stylus is an essential tool. This tool is used to create fold lines by applying pressure to your material, making it easy to create crisp, clean folds.

The scoring stylus isn’t just for simple projects, though. It can also be used to add 3D elements to your designs. For example, with the right scoring and folding techniques, you can transform a flat star into a three-dimensional decoration. This tool offers incredible value and versatility, making it one of the best investments for Cricut beginners.

4. CardMat (Cricut Joy Only): Simplify Your Card-Making

What is it used for?
The CardMat is a game-changer for Cricut Joy users who love making cards. One of the unique features of the Cricut Joy is its ability to create greeting cards quickly and easily, thanks to its dedicated materials and designs available on Cricut Design Space.

The CardMat allows you to cut just the front of a pre-folded card, leaving the back intact. This makes it perfect for creating Cricut Joy’s signature insert cards, where a colorful insert is placed behind the cut-out design on the card's front. The result is a beautifully layered and vibrant card that looks professionally made. Whether you need a last-minute birthday card or custom invitations, the CardMat makes the process quick, easy, and fun.

5. Cutting Mat (Variety Pack): The Foundation of Your Cricut Projects

What is it used for?
No Cricut project can begin without a cutting mat. These mats are where you place your materials before loading them into the machine. The cutting mat holds your materials in place as the machine cuts, draws, or scores your design.

There are different types of cutting mats available, each designed for specific materials. The most common mats found in a variety pack include:

• LightGrip Mat: Ideal for lightweight materials like printer paper, vellum, and light cardstock.
• StandardGrip Mat: Suitable for medium-weight materials such as vinyl, iron-on, and regular cardstock.
• StrongGrip Mat: Designed for heavy-duty materials like thick cardstock, glitter cardstock, and chipboard.

It’s crucial to choose the right mat for your material to ensure a clean cut and prevent damage to your project or mat. Over time, cutting mats can lose their stickiness, so it’s a good idea to have a variety of mats on hand. This not only extends the life of your mats but also ensures you’re always using the best one for your specific material.

A Note on Mat Sizes:
Cutting mats typically come in two sizes: 12x12 inches and 12x24 inches. While the 12x12 mats are essential for most projects, the 12x24 mats are invaluable for larger designs or cutting multiple smaller designs at once. If you plan to create large projects like banners or need to cut many pieces at once, the longer mats will save you time and effort.

Conclusion: Get Started with Confidence

Starting your Cricut journey can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, you’ll be crafting like a pro in no time. These top five tools are essential for any beginner, helping you achieve clean, professional results with ease. Whether you’re making cards, working with vinyl, or creating intricate paper crafts, these tools will ensure your projects turn out beautifully.

Cricut Birthday Card Designs
cricut logo maker
monogram designs for cricut
cricut logo design
christmas font cricut