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15 Cricut Hacks You Probably Didn’t Know About

15 Cricut Hacks You Probably Didn’t Know About

I get it.

Starting out as a beginner Cricut user can be super intimidating.

You don’t know what to buy, what you need to learn and where to begin. Since you don’t have an unlimited budget or time, these Cricut hacks are some great tips from experienced crafters that will save you serious cash and frustration. Check them out!

Please note this post contains affiliate links that may provide me a small commission at ZERO added cost to you, which make it possible to bring you more free content!

1. Use Glad Press ‘n Seal instead of transfer paper as a very cheap substitute!

This is an awesome hack in a bind. I also think that a great budget friendly substitute that works a bit better is use contact paper that works great for transferring images for about $5 on Amazon or at Walmart. (via Artsy Fartsy Mama)

2. Remove tiny pieces from Cricut cutouts with a sticky lint roller.

A lint roller can also be used to remove glitter or left over debri from your cutting mat AND helps keep them sticky at the same time! Seriously, this is like a 3-for-1 hack 🙂 (via Pinterest)

3. Use Dollar Store pencil grips to get Sharpies to fit in the Cricut Explore pen holder.

They sell adaptors that do the same thing, but this $1 hack is totally genius! (via Susie B’s Crafty Cabin)

4. Cheap Way to Clean Your Cricut Mat

Cricut Hacks: How to Clean Your Mat the Easy Way

My favorite way to quickly and easily clean my mats is just plain Dawn soap and warm water. Or, if its just a quick clean up I will use a non-alcoholic baby wipe. However, some people swear by Awesome spray (yep, that’s the brand name) that you can get at Dollar Store. I’ve been told to only use it on the older mats (with flowers) though. I try to keep things as natural as possible and steer clear of harsh chemicals, so Dawn and warm water or baby wipes is the way to go for me!

Cricut Hacks: How to Make Your Mat Sticky Again

5. How to “Resticky” Your Cutting Mat

Is “resticky” a word? I don’t think so, but it gets the point across so we’re going with it!

When you first get your mat, it will feel SUPER sticky. However, over time, it will start to loose the stickiness, so this is a great trick to make it last longer so you don’t have to replace them so often (again saving money!)

Simply tape off the edges of your mat with painter’s tape and spray this magical stuff lightly over your mat to get your sticky back. Buy a bottle of Easy-Tack here. For more info on this method, check out this post by The Scrapmaster.

Also, (bonus hack!) I mentioned above that new mats are almost too sticky. Well, you may want to press your hands all over them a few times to help “wear” them in before your first project. Also, make sure to use the right mat. The green mat will be too sticky for cardstock at first so you’ll want to use your blue mat.

6. Use a tennis ball to get vinyl to stick to textured walls.

Super smart! Makes the vinyl stick really well while being gentle on your walls. Win win! (via Craft E Corner)

7. If you lose your burnishing tool, use a credit card or old gift card to rub the design well for an easy transfer after weeding.

Cricut Hacks: Scraper Tool Dupe

8. Cut freezer paper using your Cricut to create a stencil that is practically free.

A great trick if you want to make a wooden sign for instance.

9. Keep the plastic sheet that comes with your mats and put it back on after use to prevent pet hair or dust from sticking to them.

Cricut Hacks: How to Store Your Mats Properly

10. Store your vinyl rolls in an Ikea holder on a lazy susan.

This storage hack is absolutely genius and SUPER cheap! It works so well, you’ll think it was made for vinyl storage. (via It Happens in a Blink)

11. Wrap masking or painters tape around your hand to easily remove scraps when weeding.

You won’t believe how much this simple tip will speed up your weeding process which can get quite tedious for more intricate designs. (via Pinterest)

12. Mark the top side of your cutting mat to make sure you load it correctly.

Cricut Hacks: Mark the Top of Your Mat to Avoid Errors

This is important for beginners to avoid costly mistakes that could mean cutting through your mat if loaded incorrectly!

13. To sharpen your Cricut blade, poke it in and out of a ball of aluminum foil.

Cricut Hacks: How to Keep Your Blades Sharp

This is perhaps one of my favorite and most useful hacks. You won’t believe the difference and how much more life you can get out of a blade when you do this regularly. It’s like maintaining your car or any other piece of equipment.

14. Spice up your designs with new fonts! Find a TON of free ones at dafont.com.

Just be careful if you are using them on products you are selling – you will need a commercial use license.

15. Download Inkscape to create your own SVGs for free!

Cricut Hacks: Create Your Own SVGs Using Inkscape

Need help learning how to master Inkscape? Check out our membership that includes an entire course and 4+ hours of videos on How to Create SVGs Using Inkscape.

What to read next: 9 Genius Cricut Ikea Hacks for Crafters

Which of these Cricut hacks was your favorite?

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Erica

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59 comments

Diane Mullane May 16, 2018 - 6:35 pm

What fantastic tips thank you

Reply
Erica May 21, 2018 - 2:23 am

You’re welcome – glad you found them helpful!

Reply
Cate Rumpf May 23, 2018 - 2:45 am

Fantastic tip about the freezer paper and Speedball paint!

Reply
Erica May 28, 2018 - 3:07 pm

Yes love it!

Reply
Faith July 18, 2018 - 6:00 pm

I even use a paintbrush and fabric paint

Reply
Jessica May 26, 2018 - 5:00 am

The masking tape for little pieces tip will save my life!

Reply
Erica May 28, 2018 - 3:05 pm

That was one of my favorites as well, Jessica!

Reply
Lori May 26, 2018 - 11:59 pm

Loved all of the tips! Thanks!

Reply
Erica May 28, 2018 - 3:04 pm

Glad you enjoyed them, Lori!

Reply
Tenecia June 9, 2018 - 3:39 pm

This was awesome!

Reply
Erica June 11, 2018 - 2:34 pm

So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂

Reply
IRENE June 11, 2018 - 8:32 pm

THANK YOU, EVERYTHING COSTLY THESE DAYS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SAVING METHODS. GENIOUS

Reply
Erica June 12, 2018 - 9:30 pm

You’re very welcome!

Reply
Leslie June 12, 2018 - 4:21 pm

Be careful on #5 per Cricut that adhesive can gunk up the machine( collects on the rollers) and can cause issues and even void your warranty.
The one about loading mat correctly… you can turn it and load the opposit from the cut out to get full use of you Matt. Per cricut that is okay.
Thanks for the hints.

Reply
Erica June 12, 2018 - 9:31 pm

Great points!

Reply
Kathy September 24, 2018 - 3:21 pm

That is why you need to tape off the areas that aren’t in the grid. These are the only areas that go thru the rollers. And I was going to mention that you can use both ends of the mat as well. You’ll know if you put the other sides in because it won’t fit!

Reply
Sue December 27, 2018 - 12:16 am

Not sure about that particular adhesive but I’ve used Aleen’s tacknot over and over, for a couple years now with zero problems. I ageee with you on the second point. Both sides of the mat can and should be used.

Reply
Trish June 17, 2018 - 8:29 pm

I have an empersions 2 haven’t been happy with it it’s out of date now they don’t sell cartridges
Do you know if there is software or computer app can get to get back using it

Reply
Erica June 18, 2018 - 8:44 pm

Hi Trish, Cricut is shutting down Craft Room, so the older Expression machines will be cartridge only. Check your email though because they are offering a very generous discount to upgrade to a newer machine that works with Design Space. You can even link your cartridges to Design Space too once you upgrade. We also have an article on the Explore Air 2 vs. Maker if you are interested in upgrading and deciding which to buy.

Reply
Angela July 22, 2018 - 6:02 am

Is there anywhere I would need to sign up to get the email or do they just send it out to everyone that has a Design Space Account?

Reply
Angela July 22, 2018 - 6:05 am

How will cricut know where to send the email that has the offer for a new machine?

Reply
Cherree November 20, 2018 - 2:30 pm

You can check eBay or Amazon for old cartridges.

Reply
Kristy June 21, 2018 - 9:39 pm

Thank you for the tips. I’m super excited about cricut!

Reply
Erica June 25, 2018 - 3:00 pm

Yay! So excited for you!

Reply
Dian June 24, 2018 - 8:30 pm

I have a question can used cricut cartridges be relinked ? Ty

Reply
Erica May 8, 2019 - 7:36 pm

I believe so. I would reach out to Cricut support if you have questions on this.

Reply
Charlyne kalkowski June 28, 2018 - 12:45 pm

Thanks for the enfo it will come in handy 🙂

Reply
Erica July 2, 2018 - 2:26 pm

You’re welcome!

Reply
Shelley June 29, 2018 - 1:34 am

Great tips! When I cut out a stencil and weed it. Then apply transfer tape
And move it to the item. I apply the stencil but when I try to remove the transfer tape I can’t get it off without
Practically tearing up the stencil. It’s not easy or fun! Any suggestions? I’m about to give up!

Reply
Erica July 2, 2018 - 2:24 pm

It sounds like your transfer tape is too sticky – there are varying levels for different project’s needs. I would try transfer tape or a low tact transfer tape product instead.

Reply
Jenn April 24, 2019 - 1:20 am

If your transfer tape is too sticky, but you bought it and want to use it, just place it on a
Microfiber towel, and pull it back off. Do this several times until the tackiness of the tape is where you want it for your project.

Reply
Erica May 8, 2019 - 7:30 pm

Good idea!

Reply
Vickey Marcum July 5, 2018 - 12:01 am

Thank you for sharing your tips.

Reply
Erica July 9, 2018 - 4:13 pm

Of course!

Reply
Frances Salazar July 8, 2018 - 8:00 pm

All great tips, thank you so much.

Reply
Erica July 9, 2018 - 4:12 pm

You’re very welcome!

Reply
jeannebeanie July 12, 2018 - 9:58 pm

Thanks for the tips, Erica. I’ve tried using an aluminum foil ball to sharpen my blades, but not much success.
I am about to make my first stencil for painting on wood. Does the freezer paper allow bleeding around the edges (paint to seep under the paper and make for fuzzy lines)? Is there a way to secure the paper temporarily so that won’t happen?

Reply
Brenda October 17, 2018 - 3:52 am

i always put a thin coat of mod podge over my stencil so i dont get any bleed

Reply
Colleen July 14, 2018 - 12:39 pm

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful.

Reply
Erica July 24, 2018 - 5:39 pm

You’re welcome!

Reply
Linda Brown July 21, 2018 - 3:11 am

Loved all your hacks, i have used a few of them and they work.

Reply
Erica July 24, 2018 - 5:38 pm

Awesome, thanks!

Reply
Amber July 21, 2018 - 9:11 pm

How do you get the fonts to the cricut design from dafont.com?

Reply
Erica July 24, 2018 - 5:37 pm

Hi Amber, they will automatically import into Design Space when you install them on your computer. If you don’t see them, make sure to close and reopen Design Space and you may need to restart your computer.

Reply
Angela OQuinn July 22, 2018 - 5:58 am

I didn’t know Cricut was shutting down Design Space and I read in the comments above that they will send out an email with a generous offer to upgrade. Do I need to sign up anywhere to get the email from them?

Reply
Marisela Almeida July 22, 2018 - 7:54 pm

I always like to hear anything that can save me money. Awesome tips, keep them coming!

Reply
Erica July 24, 2018 - 5:36 pm

Yay! Glad you enjoyed them!

Reply
Jae September 18, 2018 - 2:17 pm

Thank you for sharing your tips & tricks. I especially like the Glad Press & Seal as I am working on a project without transfer paper, I do have Press & Seal in my pantry.

Reply
Kathy September 24, 2018 - 3:19 pm

They shut down Cricut Craft Room. Design Space is alive and well!

Reply
Terry January 7, 2019 - 2:57 am

Thanks for all the tips. I’m new to cricut and look forward to trying some of these!

Reply
Erica January 15, 2019 - 3:33 pm

Great! You’re welcome!

Reply
Karen January 20, 2019 - 11:14 pm

Great tips, thanks

Reply
Amy March 2, 2019 - 5:51 am

Thank you so much for the tips. I especially liked the balled up aluminum foil to sharpen the blades. I use the same method for sharpening my scissors. Instead of balling it up, just cut through a sheet of aluminum foil several times. Thanks again for the tips!

Reply
Taffy March 20, 2019 - 2:23 am

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial!

Reply
Adelaide Jane BARLOW April 2, 2019 - 11:54 am

Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks.
I bought a Brother ScanNCut CM900 about a week ago unfortunately I cannot get started as both mats (standard and low tack) have air bubbles under the protective cover. I have tried to remove them but they will not go. I cannot get beyond this point. Is there a way of removing them?

Reply
Karen April 4, 2019 - 4:36 pm

Thanks for tips very helpful

Reply
Sandra Coble April 28, 2019 - 7:15 pm

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! I just got my new explore air 2 and I want to know how to use it without the stylus. When I open a project and it calls for the stylus, how can I by-pass the stylus?

Reply
Erica May 8, 2019 - 7:29 pm

Hi there,

You can just delete the score lines in the project and fold manually. This way it won’t call for the scoring stylus.

Reply
Irene December 19, 2019 - 1:13 am

Thank you so much for the share of great ideas. Good to save money if you can, everything cost so much.

Reply

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