10 Things I Wish I Knew About My Cricut Maker

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

A few months ago I bribed myself with a Cricut Maker if I would get my butt in gear and organize my craft cabinet. I did it and I earned my big prize! I purged an insane amount of craft supplies and my first Cricut Maker project was making 50+ labels for my newly craft cabinet. It’s glorious! Today, I teamed up with Cricut to share 10 things I wish I knew about the Cricut Maker before my first project.

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I’ve had my Cricut Maker about 1 month now and I’ve made at least 100 labels and a 5 vinyl t-shirts! Here are 10 things I wish I knew about my Cricut Maker before my first project.

1. Set up is simple

Don’t be scared to get the Cricut Maker out of the box and use it! Crafting is my career and I felt overwhelmed with the pretty box and all of the electronic things inside. I swear from getting the machine out of the box to completing my first project took about 1 hour. The “Smile Card” in the picture below is the first project and all the materials and directions to complete this cute card are included in the box.

2. Bluetooth

The bluetooth is built into the Cricut Maker and can connect from across the room. Read: If you don’t have a lot of desk space this is a life saver! My old Cricut Explore machine had to be plugged into my computer. Basically, I was always cutting on the floor. The Cricut Maker still needs to be plugged into an outlet, but not to your computer. This feature allows you to set your machine anywhere and cut from your computer!

3. Fast Mode

This feature allows you to cut and write 2x faster! Who doesn’t want their machine to work faster? And it’s as simple as clicking this little button on the cut screen. I’m was so excited to discover this feature! Fast mode doesn’t work with every material, but it’s pretty dang amazing for vinyl.

4. Letter and line spacing

This tutorial from my friend at Hey, Let’s Make Stuff made me feel like I had a lot more control of designs with script letters. The best part is it’s super easy to do once you know how. Just click the link to her tutorial above.

5. See all the Free Projects in Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space has tons of free projects and images for every machine, like these soft baby blocks below! When you are in Design Space, click projects on the left hand side, then scroll down to “Free for Cricut Maker”. (There is a free category for 4 machines!)  Currently, there are 3 fairy dolls in the free object section that I’m eyeing to make with Mila! Also, if you click on “Images” on the left hand side, and then “Categories” at the top of the screen, you will find 50+ free images every week.

6. Free SVG Files and Projects Online

Cricut Design Space has a decent selection of free projects, but you can also google “free -inset holiday of choice- svg files” and find tons more online. For instance, the bunny face in the picture below is a free file from A Girl and A Glue Gun that I simply uploaded to Cricut Design Space and cut for free!

7. Use your own images and fonts for free

Another way to get free images for Cricut projects is to upload your own. it’s always free and you can simply google “rhino shape” and then upload it to Design Space. Here is a tutorial I created for uploading your images into Design Space a few years ago on my old Cricut Explore.

8. Cricut Design Space™ is an app

I just learned this tip! The super fun thing about Design Space being an app is that you can design wirelessly. For instance, you can whip up a project at soccer practice or in the school pick up line. You can create wherever inspiration strikes! When you get home, you can cut your design wirelessly too.

9. Docking & Charging Station for iPhone

The Cricut Maker has a spot specifically designed to hold your phone or tablet. Best part? It can charge the device too!

10.  Rotary blade

I’m no sewing expert, but I am excited that the new Cricut Maker can cut fabric without adding backing! The Cricut Maker was designed to cut fabric and I’m crossing my fingers that this new feature will entice to me to sew more!

There you have it, 10 things I wish I knew about my Cricut Maker before my first project! Anything you’d add to this list? I’d love to hear!