Silhouette is definitely more designer friendly! Ideal for everything from everyday craft projects to big-time DIY adventures. Buying a craft cutting machine can be a big decision. Thank you for creating this review! cricut fabric cutting projects littlelizardking Also, can I use my own SVG files, for example done by Inkscape? I have the original cricut mini but you cant upload there images and it is expensive buying the cartridges just for one or two images can you recommend a cutting machine that you can upload images without buying cartridges. Plug in your Cricut machine and power it on. We think so too. Also, note that the Cricut Maker 3 does NOT include a mat in the box, but you can purchase it separately, along with additional tools or Smart Materials. And while the Cricut Air Explore 2, which cuts with 400 grams of force, can also cut thicker materials, such as balsa wood, aluminum, and chipboard, the Cricut Maker can cut them faster, better, and with more precision. My husband owns a small business and I was able to trace his logo and create vinyl decals, shirts and more for his business. 
Keep in mind that you will have to buy the Cricut-branded Smart materials to make the cutting without a mat and 2x faster cutting speed to work. The Silhouette also has a trace feature. Be sure to check if your PC or Macs operating system is compatable. The Silhouette Cameo is my favorite, but the Cricut is very user-friendly for beginners. What a great and exhaustive post for choices of electronic cutting machines!
I think the Silhouette is more versatile as far as the software and what you can do with it! The Cricut Explore Air 2 can only do print and cut on white paper, so this is a great upgrade. Using the text tool on the left, add in the text you want. What would you recommend me getting ? I also cant sew nor have ever used a machine so I guess making a fabric one is kinda outside my range unless I do the no-sew which requires some type of heated type. I am hoping to create some of these things in leather and am torn between the preferred deep cutting ability of the Maker and the preferred flexibility of the Silhouettes software. Ive read so much that Im getting confused.
I use Youtube quite a bit for tutorials. Hi I am looking at buying a machine that I would be able to cut things for cards and also for fabric which machine would be best for that? On the other hand they have a scoring feature for the folding. 
The Explore Air 2 is only able to detect objects on white paper to cut around them. You can trace images you find on the internet. cricut machine expression cutting electronic crafts cutter craft arts machines sewing provo personal cut die The Silhoutte does have a special mat that cuts using a photo from your phone. I have Cricut explore air 2, brother scan n cut and need to upgrade would buy both if I could afford it lol. There are inexpensive graphic designers that can do that on Etsy or you can find a friend that may be able to convert your file to SVG. We're working in the desktop version of the Design Space software. 
As for t-shirt vinyl.
But with Infusible Inks, the design is embedded into the fabric rather than attaching to the surface of it. I have never tried wetsuit material in any machine. Thanks so much! Hi, I'm good with my Air (1)* and I'll explain the reason later why I'm sticking with it for the next year or so still. The Silhouette Studio Business Edition Software will give you even more editing and saving features. thank you so much, I have ordered the scanncut . I have watched so many videos with some saying the Silhouette and others saying Circut. These machines are compatible with the the 1212 mat or the 1224 mat (sold separate), scanning mat (sold separate) or purchase the vinyl roll feeder separately to cut up to 6 feet long of vinyl without a mat. The new Cricut Maker can also do print and cut on colored paper vs. just plain white paper. I give some tips on where to buy and how to use heat transfer vinyl here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133067363976295600/. They may be equally spaced on your cut, but applying them individually could make the spacing go a bit wonky. Traditional iron-ons have a tendency to crack over time although Cricut do have a range of Iron-on for sportswear that has a bit more stretch in it. Are you just gonna use card stock or thinner materials like construction paper? Am I correct in saying that would be the Silhouette Cameo 3? cricut paper quilling edge crafting distresser help tool The vinyl that I recommend for boats is either Oracal 751 or 951. Videos are nice, but are limited to seeing what they want to show. As far as speed, the Cameo 4 cuts 3 times faster than the former Cameo 3. I am wanting to make leather jewelry so which machine would be best? The price point is low, but if you want to make larger vinyl cuts, you will need to use the Cricut-branded Smart Materials. It is called Picscan. paper embossing embossed cards cricut diy sheet folder tutorials card making scrapbook tips techniques tutorial setting cheat guide crafts brilliant I am trying to decide which machine is best, if any, for cutting letters out of photo mats. cricut chipboard projects I have been reading things about all of the machines and my head is swimming in information about everything I am new to this if you could help that would be wonderful. Both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Explore 3 share the same tools.
I am wanting to do heat transfer vinyl mostly which machine do you recommend? You need Joy specific pens even if you have another Cricut machine, Width of cut designs is restrictected to 4.5 inches wide, The mat that comes with the machine only works for materials 4.5 x 6.5 inches.
Is there any reason to imagine that Cricut may come out with software that would be more adaptable to a person wanting to create their own designs and use their own small business logos? I will link them. It makes them last longer. 
Hi Gloria, They look a bit like desktop printers. I currently have a Sizzix Eclipse and looking to upgrade but really need a machine that will cut 3mm neoprene (wetsuit material).
The roll feeders can accommodate rolls of material up to 24 inches or you can adjust the rollers easily to accommodate other widths of material like 12 or 15, depending on the materials that you have on hand and it includes a roll feeder to help materials feed properly. Like the Cameo 4, the Silhouette Cameo Pro machinealso has a built-in roll feeder, a built-in crosscutter for trimming off materials, it accommodates 3mm of material clearance for thicker materials, it has automatic blade and tool detection with the built-in sensors. The clearance is smaller than the Silhouette Cameo, at just 2mm, so it will only cut thinner materials like cardstock or vinyl. I would also like scan capabilities as there are many free dyi images online. We all blunted our craft knives not to mention our brains and our eyes hand-cutting intricate paper shapes. This Cameo is stronger and faster than ever. The Designer Edition upgrade allows you to cut SVG(vector files) files, unlocks the rhinestone features, has better eraser, knife and shear tools and more. This feature is great for producing larger 3D paper projects with a true 12 width mat or larger vinyl decals using the 15 wide rollers, especially for those who wish to open a small home business. I can see myself designing my own graphic (probably in other program likes illustrator), cutting mostly paper and fabric, using pen tool to sketch on paper and fabric, and occasionally cutting vinyl. You should be able to cut stencils with any machine. Also best prices on designs downloads. There are options for embossing and engraving, as well as fabric cutting wow! The range of materials that each Cricut machine can use is based on the power it can exert for cutting. In addition, the machine will cut 2x faster when cutting these Smart Materials. The vinyl comes on a liner. It is best to use vinyl as a stencil to etch glass. Also, when doing the heat transfer, how long does that last on a shirt???? You can also purchase the Designer Edition software upgrade if you wish to unlock more designer editing features. Hi Christina, Just like the Cricut Maker, another upgrade is that that the Cricut Explore 3 can do both print and cut on colored and white paper. Required fields are marked *. Can one draw a seam allowance before cutting a shape? How cool is that? Here is more information on heat transfer vinyl: https://everydaysavvy.com/getting-started-vinyl-electronic-cutting-machines-supplies-tips-tricks/. I think you would be fine with either machine. I use the tracing feature a lot. No cutting mat needed. I suggest go for Air 2* or the Maker*, Time would also be a factor, go for Air 2* or the Maker*.
I would love to make some signs with cute sayings to hang in my house. You'd pay for them to do it, hoping against hope you'd ordered far enough in advance for them to turn it around in time. If you are cutting small fabric pieces, you will need to use interfacing attached to the fabric. The most versatile machine is the Cricut Maker. What are your ideas Im new to this but Im a fast learner an love decorating an making things. The mats and blades last a decent amount of time. Also what machine would you recommend for heat transfer? You can also cut any font that is installed on your computer. Check if your computers operating system will work with your machine as there have been a few issues with machines not working with some operating systems. You will have to test it out, but you may have to put it on multi-cut, which means your machine will have to go over the same cuts a few times. There was still a slight learning curve for me when learning the Silhouette software, but I was able to learn quickly by watching YouTube. Seriously, Cricut, you dont sell replacement parts? Yes, the Brother is the only one that scans. The Cricut Maker has a rotary blade attachment that is sold separately. For fabric projects, the brand new Cricut Maker is a good choice. All of these machines should be able to cut stencils. This will make your machine take hold of the mat and get it in position for making. If you have just one logo to cut, you can have it made into an SVG by a graphic designer. I dont think its very special in terms of cutting, its just UV stable and has a high quality low tack adhesive that sticks to the vinyl but even after years will not stick to the product. There have only been a few changes from the Cricut Explore Air 2 to the Explore 3 model. The ScanNCut SDX 85 is already wireless, which is a great feature that makes downloading designs and software updates easy. Like previous models, the Cricut Explore 3 works with 6 different tools for cutting and embellishing 100+ materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric (sold separately). I really want to be sure before investing that what I get is going to accomplish what I need. cinderella If you are looking to do heavy cardboard, you may need some other professional cutter. It works with heavy-duty materials like wood, leather and thin metal as well as more papercraft-friendly ones like vinyl, cardstock and vellum. I would try and find someone local to you to help you run a few test runs. It is called Offset. Does the silhouette cut leather, or only the cricut? Great review! You tell the machine what material you are using. It also uses the Silhouette Studio software that is included with your machine or upgrade to Designer Edition software to unlock additional features. The Explore will cut fabric. So many accessories, so little time! And while the Cricut Explore machines, which cut with 400 grams of force, can also cut thicker materials, such as balsa wood, aluminum, and chipboard, the Cricut Maker can cut them faster, better, and with more precision. So, What will you use it for and how, my dear? Would you prefer a Cricut alternative? You can manipulate files with the free Canvasworkspace or send files wirelessly to the machine. Which machine would work best for designs to etch on glass & designs on thin metal? Hi Jamie, Ive been considering investing in a cutting machine and this post helps compare my options. The Silhouette Cameo offers a tracing feature and you can trace your logo that way. The Explore 3 can work with rolls of smart materials too. Cricut Joy can cut over 50 materials including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, peel-and-stick label paper, adhesive foil, deluxe paper, chalkboard vinyl, sticker paper, paper, iron-on, flat cardboard, foil paper, glitter cardstock, medium cardstock, sparkle vinyl, Infusible Ink transfer sheets, cardstock, vinyl, Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, window cling. Deaney is a 30 year old paper flower specialist. This machine also has 5000 grams of cutting force, which is 1000 grams more than the comparable Cricut Maker (4000 grams), which helps cut through thicker materials. This means the design will move as the fabric below does. Both machines have a learning curve though. cricut cutter create scrapbooking electronic tools For shirts, you use heat transfer vinyl and the articles I wrote below explains more on how to use it. Thanks Heidi!! You can open a JPG file in the software and trace something like a logo to make your own cut file. But with the Cricut design software, would I be able to type my own sayings, or make modifications to their stock designs. So this is best if you are or will be doing things on a larger scale, like you're cutting templates for example, or are doing tons and tons of large paper flower for a back drop wall or small flowers for hundreds of bouquets, and saving time is a factor, go for this one. I love sharing cute and easy outfit ideas for real-life, fun & unique gift ideas, and easy party planning tips. Annie. Users can enjoy cutting and drawing up to 2 times faster with the Explore Air 2 wireless Cricut machine. I would chose either the Silhouette Cameo 3. I believe you can also upgrade Sure Cuts A Lot software as well, if you are a current owner, to use with another machine. Thank you in advance. For a best cutting paper we can go to Cricut and for creative cutting jobs we can go with Silhouette Cameo 3. I really want to be able to do CUSTOM work for people, with names, dates, logos, etc. Thank you very much for the reply with all the information. Yes, the Silhouette Cameo would be the best machine, with the most design flexibility. I am new to cutting machines and would like to cut stencils to use for decorate your own cookie projects. Ive never had a cutter and all I really want to do is cut my own words in my own fonts out of scrapbook paper; titles, descriptions, etc. My desire is making my own stencils (some of them with intricate pattern and phrases or quotes). Try our or long vinyl borders to go around a big plant pot or to run across the length of a wall up to 20 foot long! Im new to this, Ive been looking at the circut makers an silhouette .
