Cricut Materials - Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered what the best Cricut Materials are, or what types of materials work with a Cricut machine? Today we are going through everything you need to know about the absolutely essential Cricut Materials. 

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If you've been following us long then you know by now how much we love our Cricut machines (yes, machines plural). While Cricut can be an upfront investment, we have both saved so much money using our Cricut's on literally hundreds of DIY projects.

We were both beginners once though, and we can remember how intimidating it can feel to start out.

Cricut Materials

Last week I ran to a craft store to grab something I needed for this post and a couple stood in the Cricut aisle looking really overwhelmed. As I was grabbing my stuff and turning to leave they asked if I was pretty familiar with Cricut materials and if they could ask me a few questions.

That experience made me think that maybe others have questions about the various Cricut materials as well. So, today we are talking everything you need to know about what materials you can use with a Cricut and which ones are the best to start out with.

Ready to dive in?

Cricut Iron On Vinyl and Infusible Ink

When talking essential Cricut materials there is no better place to start then with the differing iron-on vinyl and infusible ink options. We LOVE iron-on, and probably use it more than any other material.

As pictured above, you can use it on bags, clothes, socks, shoes and so much more. We've personalized pillows, blankets, backpacks, makeup bags, even wooden signs. Check out our entire Cricut gallery here to see detailed instructions for those posts.

Now let's get into how different types of Iron-On differ and when to use each.

• Everyday Iron-On: The most commonly used and most versatile of all the Cricut Iron-On varieties. Works on the largest array of bases, including wood. Great for clothing and is guaranteed to last for over 50 washes. Oh, and they have tons of different color options so you will be sure to find what you need.
• SportFlex Iron-On: SportFlex Iron-On is made exclusively by Cricut, and was crafted specifically with active wear in mind. Any time your project will need to move or stretch more than a regular t-shirt, SportFlex is a great option. I used it to make the funny socks pictured above, and I've used it on leotards and swimsuits as well with great results.
• Glitter Iron-On: Similar to Everyday Iron-On but GLAM! Tons of fun glittery colors to jazz up any project.
• Infusible Ink: So what is infusible ink anyway? It is a revolutionary technology that uses infusible ink transfer sheets and infusible ink blanks to create seamless projects that never peel, flake or fade. Infusible ink projects have a more professional quality appearance, and are transferred using high temperatures. Infusible ink sheets can also used along with the Cricut Mug Press or Hat Press. The sheets are thicker than iron on and feel different to weed and apply.

Cricut Paper Options

While basically any paper on earth is compatible with a Cricut machine (can I get a woot woot), Cricut has some cool paper options available for purchase as well. Read on to learn more about them.

Above you can see some of the paper projects we have created using our Cricut machines. From paper flowers, to yardstick Dundee awards, to banners, to cute 3d hot air balloons, or easy labels for mason jars. The sky really is the limit with paper crafting on the Cricut.

• Cricut Sticker Paper: Cricut's sticker paper is so fun to use! Print anything off on your printer at home and use Cricut's print then cut feature to make virtually any kind of sticker you want. You can also use the Cricut pens to create your own "handwritten" label look like I did with the pepper jelly jars pictured above.
• Transfer Paper: While some call it transfer paper the correct name is actually "transfer tape." This sticky, gridded material is used to transfer vinyl onto bases without shifting or disrupting your design.
• Cardstock: Cricut has several different sampler packs of high quality 12''x 12'' inch cardstock in many different colors. The unique size is optimal for the larger Cricut machines and minimizes waste. They also have a lot of glitter cardstock options to choose from.
• Card Kits: A cool new addition that came along with the Cricut Joy, Cricut's card kits are so fun and easy to use. They are really affordable (way cheaper than store bought cards) and you can personalize them in a million ways. Whether you are creating your own or utilizing the many uploaded options in design space, the sky really is the limit.

Cricut Smart Materials

I cannot begin to tell you how long I had waited for smart materials to be a thing!! As you can see I am still excited about it. Can you say MAT-LESS CUTTING?!

• What are Cricut smart materials? Cricut smart materials are materials that can be loaded into the machine without a mat. One obvious perk of this is that projects can now be as long as the material you have, and are not limited by mat sizes. Another perk is that this makes crafting faster, as you don't have to waste time loading and unloading mats.
• What smart materials are available? Cricut has smart vinyl, smart Iron-On, smart label writable products, and smart paper sticker cardstock in all different colors.
• What machines are compatible with smart materials? The Cricut Joy, The Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3.

Cricut Wood

Did you know that some Cricut machines can cut wood? Well they can! The wood can't be too thick, and I prefer using Cricut's pre-cut sheets. Read on to learn more.

Above are pictured some of the projects we've cut from wood. Banners, plant markers, homemade ornaments, and wooden words are just a few of the many possibilities available to you.

• What types of wood can Cricut cut? Cricut sells ready to cut natural wood veneer, basswood and balsa wood.
• Which Cricut machines can cut wood? The Cricut Maker, The Explore Air 2 and 3 and the Maker 3 can all cut wood.

Cricut Vinyl

I hope you didn't think I'd forgotten the OG. You can't beat Cricut vinyl for sheer ease of use and versatility.

From embellished planters to pantry organization to DIY wallpaper to personalized tumblers, vinyl is so fun to utilize.

• Permanent Vinyl: Basically what it sounds like, permanent vinyls are meant to last. We used them on the pot, and the tumblers. I have washed my tumblers so many times and it stays on like a charm.
• Removable Vinyl: Removable vinyl will still stick well to things, but will allow you to carefully remove if desired. I used removable vinyl for my walls and pantry bins in case I decided to change them up down the road.
• Specialty Vinyl: Cricut also carries a lot of fun specialty vinyl like glitter or holographic vinyls. They also have other fun options like printable vinyl or chalkboard vinyl.

Would you like to see a project made using vinyl?

Here is a quick little tutorial for how to make a vinyl wall sticker or faux wallpaper if multiplied.

If you found this post or tutorial helpful, we'd love for you to leave us a positive comment or review. 

Happy creating friends! Did I miss any of your questions? If so, let me know how I can help in the comments.

xo,