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Our Opinion

Crafting Made Easy: The Best Cricut Machines for Beginners and Pros Alike

Are you ready to unleash your inner craft guru without drowning in a sea of glitter and glue? Say hello to Cricut machines — your new best friend in the world of crafting! Whether you’re a complete newbie trying to create your first DIY masterpiece or a seasoned pro looking to elevate your crafting game, we at The Parent Game have rounded up the best Cricut machines just for you. Buckle up, grab your favorite crafting snack (we see you munching on those gummy bears), and let’s dive in!

Why Cricut Machines?

Cricut machines are the superheroes of the crafting universe. They don’t just cut paper; they can cut vinyl, fabric, leather, and more, making them versatile tools for any creative project. With user-friendly designs and smart technology, Cricut machines cater to everyone — from those with two left hands to crafting wizards who can whip up a masterpiece in their sleep. So why should you invest in one? Simple: because crafting should be fun, not a struggle! 🎨✨

The Cricut Joy: Perfect for Beginners and Tiny Projects

Are you just dipping your toes into the crafting waters? Meet the Cricut Joy — the pint-sized powerhouse! Suitable for small projects, the Joy is lightweight and portable, making it easy for beginners who want to tackle greeting cards, small vinyl decals, and labels. With smart features like Bluetooth connectivity and a quick-load mat, it’s all about simplicity. No need to stress; the Joy’s “insert a pen, insert a blade” philosophy makes crafting feel like a walk in the park (or a stroll down a rainbow).

Pros:

  • Compact design for easy storage and transport
  • Intuitive app for smartphone compatibility
  • Affordable price point

Cons:

  • Limited to smaller projects
  • Some advanced features may be lacking

The Cricut Explore Air 2: A Crafting Workhorse

For crafters who have graduated from the Joy, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is the gold standard. This machine is like that highly skilled friend who always brings the snacks to a party. Whether you’re cutting intricate designs or creating simple vinyl stickers, the Explore Air 2 delivers speed and precision like nobody’s business. With a range of materials it can handle (over 100!), you’ll be crafting everything from custom T-shirts to stunning wall art in no time.

Pros:

  • Dual-tool holder for cutting and writing simultaneously
  • Fast cutting speed for efficiency
  • Compatible with hundreds of materials

Cons:

  • A bit bulkier to store than the Joy
  • Higher price point than entry-level machines

The Cricut Maker: For the Crafting Aficionado

Now, if you consider yourself a crafting aficionado (we see you, scrapbookers), the Cricut Maker is your dream machine. This thing does it all — cutting, writing, scoring, and more — making it a true jack-of-all-trades. With an unbeatable adaptive tool system, you can flex your creative muscles with materials like fabric, balsa wood, and even leather. Plus, it comes with access to Design Space, Cricut’s cloud-based design software, where the crafting possibilities are endless!

Pros:

  • Ultimate versatility with an incredible range of materials
  • Extremely precise cutting capabilities
  • Ability to design and upload your own creations

Cons:

  • Higher initial investment
  • Learning curve for beginners might be steep

The Final Cut

No matter your skill level, there’s a Cricut machine ready to help transform your crafty ideas into reality. From the beginner-friendly Cricut Joy to the all-powerful Cricut Maker, there’s something for everyone. As the staff of The Parent Game, we understand that diving into the world of crafting can be a bit overwhelming — but it shouldn’t be! Choose the right Cricut for you, and let the creativity flow.

SEO Tip: Searching for the Best Cricut Machines?

To maximize your crafting escapades and ensure you’re making the best investment, use search terms like “best Cricut machines for beginners,” “advanced Cricut machines,” and “how to choose a Cricut” to find even more tips and comparisons. Don’t forget to check out YouTube tutorials and Pinterest boards for inspiration!

So go ahead and let your creativity soar. With the right Cricut machine, your crafting dreams are just a cut away! 🎉✂️

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Products We Currently Love on Amazon


Sale1
Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine, White
  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock
  • Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs
  • Cuts intricate designs with precision
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Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine - Vinyl Starter Bundle
  • BUNDLE INCLUDES - Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine, 30 images of digital content, Permanent Vinyl Roll (1ft x 15ft, Black), 1 roll of Transfer Tape (1ft x 12ft), 3 StandardGrip Machine Mats (12in x 12in), & 5-Piece Tool Kit
  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
  • DIY DREAM MACHINE - Explore 3 works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on htv & cardstock. Write, draw, foil, score & more with this easy-to-use smart cutting machine
3
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor, Bluetooth Connectivity, works with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Champagne,26.38 x 11 x 11
  • A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your decorative art & craft to the next level with the original Cricut Maker that virtually creates any project on your wish list. Delivers a pro-level cutting experience with its advanced suite of tools
  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather. The included Rotary Blade practically cuts any fabric for a sewing project & the Knife Blade makes precise cuts to thicker stuff for more depth & dimension
  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)
4
Cricut Maker 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle - Includes 30 images in Design Space App - Smart Cutting Machine, 2X Faster & 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Blue
  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
  • LET’S MAKE - Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more.
  • ACCESS TO BEGINNER’S GUIDES, EXPERT-LED COURSES and WORKSHOPS – Build the skills to create w/ confidence w/ the Learning Plan built into Design Space upon registering your machine. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on day 1.
5
Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine (Emerald) | Ultimate Starter Kit
  • INCLUDES - Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine, LightGrip Machine Mat, 5-Piece Tool Kit, Fine Point Pen Sets (Colors + Black), Transfer Tape Roll, Vinyl Sampler Roll, Iron-On Roll, & 30 images of digital content
  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. When setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be added to your account
  • CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, Infusible Ink
6
Cricut Joy Machine & Digital Content Library Bundle - Includes 30 images in Design Space App - Portable DIY Smart Machine for creating customized cards, crafts, & labels
  • CRICUT JOY and DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
  • A COMPACT CUTTING MACHINE FOR INSPIRATIONAL CRAFTERS - It's time to turn your innovative ideas into action with the Cricut Joy cutting machine. This cute, portable smart cutter lets you personalize, organize and customize crafts on-the-go
  • CUTS 50plus MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on and more using StandardGrip Mat. Also makes super-long cuts with matless Smart Material
7
Cricut Maker 3 Machine Bundle Basic Tool Kit Transfer Tape Smart Rainbow Vinyl DIY Matless Cutting 10X Force 2X Faster Compatible with iOS Android Windows & Mac Bluetooth Connectivity
  • SMART CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. Includes original manufacturer's warranty.
  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather, iron-on and vinyl. The Maker 3 works with a variety of blades and tools to add pro-level effects such as scoring, writing, debossing, and engraving. Ships in original packaging.
  • USER-FRIENDLY: The Maker 3 has built-in Bluetooth (stay within 10 feet) for wireless cutting, writing, embossing, scoring, and engraving. Upload images (.svg .jpg .png .bmp .gif) to Cricut Design Space online with an iPad app, computer, tablet, or smartphone (Not compatible with Chromebook)
8
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine with Rainbow Smart Vinyl Sampler Packs and Tools Bundle - Beginner Portable Bluetooth Compatible Craft Cutting Machine and Cutting Materials
  • Joy Xtra: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. The Joy Xtra is about the size of a loaf of bread and is a great beginner machine with expanded features compared to the Cricut Joy.
  • Bluetooth: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine, meaning Bluetooth is built right into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with Bluetooth to Cricut Design Space. Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device. See Cricut for more specific device capability.
  • Compatibility: The Cricut Joy Xtra is the newest member of the Cricut Machine family and is small enough to easily store but offers more features than the Cricut Joy. This machine can write/draw, foil, cut and make full color printed stickers with the print-then-cut feature. REQUIRES a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine CAN make printed stickers using the print-then-cut feature. Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.
9
Cricut Joy Xtra Die Cutting Machine, White
  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
  • ENDLESS CRAFTING POTENTIAL - Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock. The Cricut Joy Xtra writes, draws, foils, scores, and more.
  • PRINT-THEN-CUT FEATURES - Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs
Sale10
Cricut Venture | Wide-Format Smart Cutting Machine (25 inch), Precision cuts up to 100+ Materials at Commercial speeds
  • Precision-cut 100+ materials with this 25 in professional cutting machine. Space-saving 45° design, plus built-in mat & roll supports
  • Cuts & writes up to 25.4 in/sec, single images up to 12 ft (3.6 m) and repeated images up to 75 ft (22.8 m)
  • Compatible with 7 tools to write, foil, score & more (sold separately)
Sale11
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine
  • Works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock
  • Cuts intricate designs with precision
  • Writes, draws, foils, scores, and more
12
Cricut Explore Air 3 Cutting Machine and 20 Sheet Vinyl Pack Bundle - Beginner Craft Cutting Machine with Variety Materials, Project Ready Cricut Machine Starter Bundles
  • CRICUT EXPLORE 3: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.
  • COMPATIBILITY: The Explore 3 works with over 100 materials like vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, felt and more. Switch out your blade to have the machine write, cut, score and foil. This machine can work with an inkjet printer to create full-color stickers using print-then-cut! The machine has Bluetooth that allows you to have a wireless connection (must be within 10-15 of device and have a Bluetooth capable device) or you can connect via USB.
  • CRICUT VINYL: This vinyl lies flat on the cutting mat to avoid tunneling or bubbling. Once you cut your design, weed it with ease and apply with awe. Even your most intricate designs effortlessly separate from the carrier sheet for a perfect application. You can apply designs to almost any surface. This vinyl is suitable for use with all Cricut cutting machines. Contains 20 12x12 inch sheets of basic/neutral vinyl.
Sale13
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable DIY Smart for Creating Customized Labels, Cards & Crafts, Works with Iron-on, Vinyl, Paper Materials, Bluetooth-Enabled (iOS/Android/Windows)
  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock
  • Cuts intricate designs with precision
  • Writes, draws & foils
14
Cricut Joy Xtra Machine with Smart Vinyl, Transfer Tape and Weeder Tool Beginner Bundle - Craft Machine Bundle with Materials to Start, DIY Decor and Crafts with this Beginner Friendly Cutting Machine
  • CRICUT JOY XTRA: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. This machine is about the size of a loaf of bread at: 12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in (31.7 cm x 15.2 cm x 13.9 cm). Comes with original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty.
  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with the Cricut Design Space app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure the Joy Xtra machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.
  • COMPATABILITY: The Joy Xtra works with 50+ materials like vinyl, HTV, cardstock and more! It also works with an inkjet printer to print full color designs like stickers using the Print-then-Cut feature. Just like the original Joy machine, you can write, draw, cut and foil by swapping out additional blades!
15
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Lilac
  • ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS - Designed with simplicity and value in mind, bust out your DIY dreams and create fresh styles for your T-shirts, home decor, and more with the Cricut Explore Air 2 classic cutting machine
  • CUTS 100plus MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, and Infusible Ink
  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)
16
Cricut Maker 3 and Easy Press 3 Machine Combo Bundle DIY Cutting Machine with Easy Press Heat Press Machine (9 in x 9 in) Ideal for Custom T-Shirts, Totes, Bags, Pillows DIY Projects Sublimation
  • PRO-LEVEL CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. The Maker 3 dimensions are 26.25 inches wide. Includes original manufacturer's warranty. Ships in original packaging.
  • CRICUT EASYPRESS 3: Precise temperature control up to 205 degrees C (400 degrees F) with an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface for an even distribution of heat
  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: The 9 in x 9 in Easy Press 3 is ideal for t-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more. Cricut Smart Iron-On and Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets provide stunning colors and quality to any project
Sale17
Cricut Joy Machine with Rainbow Smart Permanent Vinyl, Starter Tool Set and Transfer Tape Bundle - Beginner Bluetooth Craft Cutting Machine Kit for Customized Cards, Small Decor Projects and Decals
  • CRICUT JOY: A Brand new writing and cutting smart machine, makes DIY projects easy. Cricut Joy Smart Machine is ridiculously easy to set up and use, so you'll find endless excuses to personalize, organize, and customize every single day. This machine is compact and smaller than a loaf of bread (Dimension is 8.4 inches x 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches), allowing for easy travel and storage!
  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone to use the Cricut Joy app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection.Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.
  • COMPATIBILITY: The Cricut Joy is the smallest and most compact of the Cricut Machine family. Working only with three tools, this machine can write/draw, foil and cut. In order for the Joy to function, you must have a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine does not have the capabilities to make printed stickers (check out the Joy Xtra for that). Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.
Sale18
Cricut Basic Portable Trimmer, 13 in (33 cm)
  • 1 Portable Trimmer, 13 in (33 cm)
  • Make precise, straight cuts with the easy-glide blade system
  • Quickly load, measure & cut materials with dual-hinged rail
19
Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine Bundle - With Mini Easy Press, Tool Kit, and Iron-On Vinyl for DIY Home Decor and Custom Apparel
  • CUTTING MACHINE: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.
  • CRICUT MINI EASYPRESS: Its thoughtful, compact design makes it effortless to curve with contours, get between buttons, and squeeze into seams. Its ceramic-coated plate reaches 400°F, with safety features like an insulated base, three temperature settings and auto-shutoff. Lightweight, portable, and compatible with major brands of HTV, iron-on, and the entire Infusible Ink family of products, this pocket-sized heat-press is everything you need for DIY projects.
  • HEAT TRANSFER VINYL: A community favorite, Cricut Everyday Iron-On is thoughtfully engineered and rigorously tested to work flawlessly with your Cricut cutting machine. This amazing heat-transfer material outlasts 50 washes and works with the widest variety of base materials. It's easy to add a little personality to everything from T-shirts to totes, home decor and so much more. Use one color or layer up to 4 to create standout designs.
20
Brother ScanNCut SDX85S Electronic DIY Cutting Machine with Scanner, Make Vinyl Wall Art, Appliques, Homemade Cards and More with 251 Included Patterns
  • SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut DX is the only cutting machine series with a built-in scanner. Scan your drawing to convert it to a cut file, directly cut printed stickers, and precisely place designs without counting blocks
  • STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft right out of the box with 251 built-in designs. Add custom designs and additional free patterns with the USB port and wireless capability, and customize and combine your projects with the easy-to-use 3.5" touchscreen LCD display
  • NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED: The included ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment or material selection required. Always perform a trial/test cut to confirm a successful cut

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