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How to Use Cricut Maker? [Ultimate Guide]

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How to Use Cricut Maker? [Ultimate Guide]

Do you want to know how to use Cricut Maker? If you are new to this machine, then worry not; I am here to assist you. I have over five years of experience as a professional crafter and instructor helping Cricut enthusiasts start their crafting journey. If you also want to get started with the Cricut Maker machine, then this blog is going to be beneficial for you.

Cricut Maker machine with smart vinyl materials

If you want to use the Cricut Maker machine, you must learn the essential supplies you need, the basic steps to machine setup, and how to operate the machine. In this blog, you will get all of the extensive knowledge about it. Hence, keep reading the blog till the end!

What Supplies Do You Need for Cricut Maker?

Here are the supplies you have to collect before you start creating a project with your Cricut Maker.

  • Cricut Maker machine
  • Any Cricut Heat Press machine
  • Transfer Tape
  • Cutting materials
  • Weeding Tool
  • Scissors
  • Cricut Mat
  • Cricut Pens and Markers
  • Cricut Design Space app
  • Adhesive
  • Base material
  • Cricut heat guide, and others. 

How to Setup Your Cricut Maker on a Computer/Mobile?

Before you learn how to use Cricut Maker, you have to understand the process of setup. Here are the steps you can follow to connect the Maker machine to a device.

For Windows/Mac

  1. First, unbox your Cricut Maker machine and then power it on.
  2. Make sure to keep the machine and computer within the 15-foot range.
  3. Next, connect both devices with the help of a USB cable or using Bluetooth connectivity.
  4. Then, browse the Cricut support website on any web browser on your Windows/Mac.
  5. From the website, download the Cricut Design Space app and then install it.
  6. After that, connect the machine to the app by using the correct option.
  7. Finally, the machine setup will be complete and ready for crafting.

For Android/iOS

  1. Firstly, keep your Cricut Maker machine and then turn it ON.
  2. Then, open the App Store or Play Store option based on your device.
  3. Search for the Cricut Design Space app and then tap on the Download option.
  4. After the download, open the app and sign in with your Cricut account.
  5. Next, choose the option Machine Setup to connect the machine.
  6. From now on, you can create unique designs on the app and cut them with your Cricut Maker machine.

How to Use Cricut Maker to Create Your First Project?

Once the machine setup and supplies part is done, it is time to go for creating your first-ever project. In the below guide, I will tell you the basic operations you need to do while creating a project.

Step 1: Create a Design and Cut

  • For the first step, open the Cricut Design Space on your computer or smartphone.
  • Then, tap on the (+) New icon in the left pane to open a new canvas.

Click on the + sign to open a new canvas

  • After that, use the Cricut app image and text font library to create designs or shapes you like to make.

Create a design using features and tools on the Cricut app

  • Also, you can upload your design from your device too.
  • Once the design is complete make a preview and prepare it for cut. (You can also print the design if you are using the Print Then Cut feature. For that, you need to have a printer.)
  • Now, prepare your Cricut Maker machine and load the material in it. (You need to use the mat or not based on the material you choose.)
  • After that, press the Make It option on the app to start the cut.

Click on the Make It option for cutting the material

  • Then, the machine will start cutting the design on your chosen material.
  • When the cut is complete, unload the material from the machine.

Step 2: Complete Your Cricut Design

  1. After unloading the materials from the mat, weed out all the extra parts from the cut.
  2. Next, prepare the Cricut Heat Press and base materials like cloth, cups, hats, or anything for the cut.
  3. You need to set the temperature and time in the heat press by referring to the Cricut heat guide.
  4. When the heat press reaches the temperature, then keep the design on the product and apply heat.
  5. After applying the heat, remove the heat press and parchment paper.
  6. Keep the product to cool off and then the product is ready to use.

Note: The images in this guide are for illustration; you can create your own design for your DIY crafts.

You can explore your crafting skills and create ample unique designs and crafts using your Cricut Maker. Also, if you require additional help on how to use Cricut Maker, then you can get in touch with the Cricut support service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some brilliant Cricut Maker project ideas you can try for crafting.

  1. Handmade greeting cards
  2. Address envelopes and invitations.
  3. Monograms for a mug, cup, or tumbler
  4. Leather earrings and bracelets
  5. Stencils for a painted doormat
  6. Vinyl decals for car windows
  7. Quilt blocks and applique shapes
  8. Custom stickers
  9. Iron-on t-shirts and onesies
  10. Custom-painted wooden signs, and others. 

The simple steps to set up a Cricut Maker machine are given below. 

1. First, you have to unbox the machine and keep it near a device to connect. 

2. After that, access the Bluetooth option on that device (computer/smartphone) and connect your Cricut machine to it. 

3. Or, use the USB cable provided with the machine to connect both devices. 

4. From the Cricut website or app download function on mobile, download and install the Cricut Design Space app. 

5. Launch the app when the download is complete, and then log into your account. (Create a Cricut account if you do not have one.)

6. Then, connect your Cricut Maker machine to complete the setup


Here are the steps you can follow to use your Cricut Maker machine.

  1. Open the Cricut Design app on the computer/mobile to which the machine is connected.
  2. On the app, use the ready-to-make projects, images, and text fonts to create a design.
  3. Also, upload your design or image if you want.
  4. When the design is complete, prepare it for cutting.
  5. On your Cricut Maker machine, upload the materials and choose the Make It option on the app. (If you are using the Print Then Cut feature, then use a printer.)
  6. After cutting, the material sublimates to a desired product. 
Tech Expert

David Madock

5+ Year of experience