What is it?
The Cricut is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs created on your computer can be cut or drawn into material such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more.
What can I do?
The Cricut can be used to make signs, custom t-shirts, labels, greeting cards, and much more!
- Watch tutorials on the Cricut Offical Youtube page.
- Get inspired on the Cricut Projects page.
Do I need to make a reservation?
No, walk-in’s are accepted. You will need to bring your library card with you.
Is there someone to help me use it?
Unfortunately, the library is unable to fully assist patrons in using the Cricut. Our Technology Coordinator and Tech Trainers may be available for quick questions during your use. We recommend visiting the Cricut Official Youtube page or viewing our Beginner Cricut handout.
What does the library provide?
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- Laptop for accessing Design Space
- You may bring your own laptop
- You can also connect via Bluetooth on your phone or tablet
- Cutting mats sized 12″x12″
- Light Grip
- Standard Grip
- Strong Grip
- Fabric Grip
- Weeding Tools
- Craft Knife
- Weeder
- Scraper
- Spatula
- Tweezers
- Scissors
What do I need?
- A design prepared in Cricut Design Space
- A free program for your Windows, Apple, and Android devices.
- Cricut will upload a variety of file types.
- All materials to create your project. See below for common materials.
- Transfer tape for applicable projects. See below for more information.
- If you are using heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl or infusible ink, you will need to take the cut material home to use an appropriate heat source to transfer.
- The library does not sell or provide materials, including pens and copy paper, to use with the Cricut.
What materials can I use?
Material must fit within the size of the work area:
- Width 11.5 inches maximum
- Length 11.5 inches maximum
Common materials include:
- Copy paper
- Cardstock
- Vinyl (printable, adhesive, matte, glossy, stencil, etc.)
- Heat Transfer (iron-on) vinyl
- Infusible Ink transfer sheets
- Cricut Pens and Markers (must be Cricut brand to fit in the machine)
- Foil transfer sheets
- Fabric
Circut has many materials you can purchase for use. Except for the Cricut pens, markers, and infusible ink products, you can purchase off-brand materials from most craft retailers.
Tips and Additional Info
Tips for Adhesive Vinyl Projects
Adhesive Vinyl Projects
Adhesive vinyl is a fantastic material for decorating and customizing items like wood signs, cups, picture frames, ornaments, and more! This vinyl comes with a layer of adhesive so it is ready to stick on your item, both in permanent or removable options. Avoid tiny or thin lines in your designs. You will need transfer tape to move your design onto the item you are decorating.
Materials needed:
- Vinyl
- Permanent is recommended for outdoor or washable items
- Removable is recommended for decorations for electronics or wall decor.
- Transfer tape
Tips for Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl Projects
Heat Transfer (iron-on) vinyl is perfect for customizing t-shirts, bags, backpacks, or other fabric items! Unlike regular vinyl, it does not have a layer of adhesive and must be adhered to fabric using a Cricut Heat Press or regular iron. The finished product will have a layer of vinyl on top of the fabric.
Most brands of heat transfer vinyl have a built in transfer tape. Before cutting, make sure you have the shiny transfer tape side down on the cutting mat and have your design set to Mirror mode.
The heating process can vary between brands and types of heat transfer vinyl. Make sure you research the proper heating process for your material before starting the transfer.
Materials needed:
- Heat Transfer (iron-on) Vinyl
- Heat Resistant Transfer Sheet (if not already included)
- Iron or Cricut Heat Press for home use only. (Please do not bring these to the library)
Infusible Ink Projects
Infusible Ink is recommended for intermediate or advanced Cricut users. Infusible Ink infuses the color of your design into the fabric when heat is applied. It will be within the fabric, not an added layer on top. Infusible Ink is recommended to only be used with Cricut brand shirts and bags, but you may have similar results with a white or light fabric made of 85% or more of polyester.
It is recommended to use a Cricut Heat Press and Heat Press Mat for best results. Infusible Ink requires evenly distributed heat that an regular iron cannot provide. For temperature guides, please consult the Cricut Heat Guide.
Materials needed:
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink Pens or Markers
- Cricut Infusible Ink Blank Materials
- Or material made of 85% or more of polyester
- Cardstock inside the shirt or bag to protect the bottom layer
- If the ink bleeds onto the cardstock, it cannot be reused for risk of transferring to a future project
- Butcher paper on top of the design to protect the heat press
- If the ink bleeds onto the butcher paper, it is cannot be reused for risk of damaging the heat press or transferring to future projects.