I use my Cricut A LOT! Here are some of my must-have tools and materials for Cricut crafting that I use all the time!
After using my Cricut on a regular basis for the past few years, I definitely have learned a lot.
Including my favorite products and tools to make crafting a little easier.
A while back, I shared Cricut essentials for every type of Cricut crafter. This is a great place to start when you just barely got your machine and aren’t sure what you need.
However, in this post, I’m going to share what I use most frequently in my crafting! I’m sure this will be slightly different for every person, but I think it’s always helpful reading what works for other people!
I would love to hear anything that you love to use – especially if it’s a little bit “unconventional”. Cricut hacks are the best!
My Favorite Cricut Crafting Products
These are in no particular order – I just wrote them down as they came to mind.
If I need something locally, I will typically go to Joann’s Fabric. They usually have a good variety of supplies, AND when I use Ibotta there, I can usually get around 4% cashback for my entire receipt.
You can get $10 cashback on your first qualifying purchase when you signup through our link.
StandardGrip Mat
I have tons of mats in all the different types, but I usually always go back to my StandardGrip mats. While they can be a little too sticky for paper when you first use them, after a few uses, they work great with most materials.
I typically prefer the longer mats over the short mats.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Premium Fine Point Blade
Definitely my most used blade for sure. I have all the different blades, and I would say that 90% of the time, this is the one I’m using.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Knife Blade
I sometimes have a love-hate relationship with the knife blade, but it makes cutting through basswood and other thicker materials so much easier. I never use my deep cut blade anymore (unless I’m using my Explore Air). When I’m not using my fine point blade, this is usually the one in my machine.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Iron on Vinyl
By and large, at least 75% of my projects are done with iron-on vinyl. What can I say? I just love everything you can do with it.
My favorite brand of iron on/HTV is from Expressions Vinyl – especially their glitter vinyl.
With that said, I do use a lot from Cricut, and I think they offer a great variety. I feel like it’s improved in recent years. I always have the following on stock:
- Variety of solid colors in Everyday Iron On
- Patterned Iron on
- Glitter Iron on
Learn how to use iron-on vinyl!
Weeding Tool
I’ll admit I sometimes get impatient and don’t always use my weeding tool…but at the end of the day, I don’t know what I would do without it. It’s so helpful for more intricate designs – or when my machine didn’t quite cut through as well as I would have hoped.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Scraper Tool
I lost my bag of scraper tools a while ago, and I was so sad! Fortunately, I found all of them again. But you don’t realize how much you like these until you don’t have them around.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
EasyPress 2
I love mine – I have all three sizes, and I think the smallest size (6×7″) is my favorite. Much easier to use than an iron!
Make sure to read this post – Iron vs Cricut EasyPress vs Heat Press: Which One Should YOU Get?
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Basswood
I actually cut quite a bit of wood my Cricut Maker (you can cut wood with the Cricut Explore Air 1/2, too!), and I’ve found that my wood of choice is 1/32 or 1/16″ basswood. I usually get the basswood that is in stock at my local Joann’s store – the manufacturer is Midwest Products.
Here is the link to the kind I get from Joann’s. I just buy one sheet at a time.
Chipboard
I love using Chipboard. I always just use the Cricut brand, since that’s what their cutting setting are optimized for.
They have plain, brown chipboard, as well as their damask chipboard which I LOVE.
Painter Tape
This is essential when cutting wood – even when using a StrongGrip mat. However, I often use it for vinyl, too, if the mat I’m using doesn’t have enough stick, and I’m too lazy to get out another one!
Silhouette Sticker Paper
I know, it’s probably a little unkosher for me to mention a Silhouette product in a Cricut post…but I do think their sticker paper is far better than Cricut’s. I have a lot of issues getting the Cricut sticker paper to cut without jamming my printer. I haven’t had that issue with Silhouettes.
My Desktop Computer
I have used my Cricut with my desktop, laptop, and my iPad – and I much prefer my desktop over anything else.
Cricut Scissors
I love the little Cricut scissors that you can buy or come with some of the tool kits. They are small, but the blades are so sharp. I use them all the time!
It looks like right now on Cricut’s website, you can only buy this combo pack (which comes with the sewing scissors…which I also love), the basic toolset, or the essential tool kit. It looks like it’s available on its own from Joann’s Fabric!
DreamBox
I’ve talked a lot about DreamBox in the past, and it’s really been essential in my craft room. Obviously, this is a pretty big investment, but if you need something to keep your craft room organized, The DreamBox.
Portable Trimmer
I really do love this little gadget. It’s great for cutting material down to size easily, and it works really well. One of my most used tools!
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
HP Instant Ink
If you do very much print and cut with your Cricut, then I highly recommend getting an HP Instant Ink subscription. It does require a qualifying HP Printer, but I have saved so much money with this!
You can get your first month for free through our referral link.
Cardstock
Lots and lots of cardstock – TONS of white and then a variety of other colors and styles – including glitter. I use this a lot! Here ist a list of the best cardstocks for cricut.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Multi Pen Set – Black
I have a ton of Cricut pens, but I primarily use these black ones. Nice variety and they work well! I don’t do a ton of pen projects, though.
Buy on Cricut.com / Buy on Amazon
Hot Glue
This is my most used adhesive with Cricut projects that require it (such as these fun Christmas Villages).
And there you have it – my most used items when using my Cricut. I would love to hear what your favorites are!
SEWING PRODUCTS
I don’t sew as much as I would like, but I do think the Cricut Maker is an awesome companion for many projects. Here are a couple sewing must-haves that I love:
- Pfaff Sewing Machine – I got this at a local store, and I think they are mainly available through retailers. I like it for the most part! I do wish I had purchased one that had the switch on the front that you can use instead of the pedal. I think Sewing Machines Plus is a good place to buy machines.
- Self-Healing Mat – I currently use one of the Cricut ones, and I’ve been impressed with the quality. I replaced an old green one I had (I think it was Fiskars brand) after using that one for many years. There are tons of different kinds available on Amazon.
- Cricut Sewing Kit – I really LOVE this kit. In fact, I have a couple of them so I always have a spare. I love the sewing scissors and the pin cushion the best.
Chelsea Johnson says
Saving this for when I get a new Cricut machine! Thanks!