There are many different tools you can use with your Cricut machine from hand tools to different blades to heat presses.
It can be confusing to work out exactly what you need and what to use for what projects.
There is no limit to what you can create and design with the Cricut machines so it is only fair that there is a wide range of accessories to help you create the wildest of creations.
With so many different tools and accessories available it is hard to know what you need for what project and what are the best ones.
Below is a list of the different accessories and machines that you can buy to advance your projects and crafts.
Some are worth having and some can be replaced with other brands or tools you already have.
Heat Press
We have a heat press along with our Cricut Explore and I love it! You can find the EasyPress machines in a number of sizes and colours to suit your craft space.
The heat press is designed to be used with iron on tranfer to add text, designs or patterns to your fabric projects. With this you can create your own tote bags, t-shirts and more.
Each one comes with a rubber style base to protect your work surface.
There are a number of different sizes which are highlight below.
- Cricut EasyPress Mini
- Cricut EasyPress 2, 6″ x 7″
- Cricut EasyPress 2, 9″ x 9″
- Cricut EasyPress 2, 12″ x 10″
These range is size depending on what you wish to apply iron on vinyl to. The smallest is the Cricut EasyPress Mini which is perfect for using on shoes, hats and mugs along with other small surface items.
The next is the Cricut EasyPress 2, 6″ x 7” this is perfect for using on smaller clothing items from scarves to babygrows and childrens t-shirts.
The Cricut EasyPress 2, 9″ x 9″ is made for use with larger items such as t-shirts, aprons, placemats and more.
Finally the Cricut EasyPress 2, 12″ x 10″ is made to pair up with larger t-shirts, bags, tote bags and blankets and even tablecloths.
Heat Mats
If you are planning on getting one of the EasyPress machines don’t forget you need one of the heat press mats to go with it.
These mats go under or between the layers of your fabric to ensure you don’t hit your surface underneath with the extreme heat.
These are essential and you can often find craft stores and Cricut themseves sell the Cricut EasyPress with matching mat.
Cutting Mats
Along with the variety of blades, you have a variety of mats. There are 4 styles in total with different colour-coded system and strengths.
The cutting mats are made to hold your chosen material in place while it is cut on the machine. The different strengths of grip work on a number of different materials giving you best results.
They are available in 3 different sizes to fit different machines. The mats are a must have for the Cricut machines as they are great quality and you can’t do any cutting without them.
They are worth the money and time to get them to ensure your projects are the best quality they can be.
Blades And Tips
There are a variety of blades and tips for a number of the Cricut machines. There is a wider variety for the newer models but you can still find blades for the older models.
The blades are designed to be housed within your machine to create new and exciting designs. The different styles of blades mean you can have different textures, cuts and designs on your card and paper crafts.
Depending on what you plan to create whether you plan to cut fabric, paper or even do some engraving there is a blade for it.
This is one area that you will spend your biggest budget, especially if you plan to do an array of crafts. I love the options for this and the endless oportunities of crafts you can create.
Rotary Cutter
I use a rotary cutter regularly in my sewing space for all my sewing and quilting projects.
The rotary cutter is designed to be used to cut fluid movements through fabric or paper. The rotary cutter can be used to create fluid curves or straight cuts with the ruler for optimum precision.
Cricut sell their own brand that work great for a number of materials such as card, paper and fabric.
I would’t say it is essential as you have a cutting machine, alternatively you can use a guillotine to cut your card or vinyl to smaller shapes for cutting on the mat.
Ruler
There are a number of different style rulers available by Cricut themselves to do a number of tasks.
Personally feel like you can use any craft ruler for your paper crafts and vinyl crafts. I don’t thnk a Cricut ruler will be necessary
Fabric Applicator & Remover
This is a soft surface roller and flat head tweezers which are perfect for using in conjuction with the FabricGrip mat and Fabric Bonded blade.
This enables you to roll your fabric on as smooth as possible and peel it away with ease and no damage to your mat.
Pens
Cricut have a whole host of different pen sets, these are great for card designs and making your projects more colourful and personalized.
I have a pack myself and love them.
If you plan to do quite a bit of drawing using the Cricut and want to create individual designs instead of printing these are worth trying out.
As the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker have specific dimensions and requirements for housing in which the pen sits, this is not something you can buy elsewhere and use and personally I wouldn’t want to.
Scrapers
Scrapers are used to help transfer the vinyl from the original backing to the transfer tape. If you plan to do plenty of vinyl crafts and cutting out this tool is essential.
The scrapers are great for smoothing down designs of card and vinyl along with preparing the vinyl to leave the backing.
When we bought our Cricut it came with the tools so check out your bundle before buying.
You can buy them in 2 -3 different sizes for smaller and larger surfaces.
Weeding Tools
Weeding tools such as the tweezers, the picker and weeder are essential tools to making intricate designs in card, paper, fabric or vinyl.
These are tools I suggest you buy from the Cricut brands as they are easy to use, great quality and are made to work with all materials and on the most intricate designs.
Craft Knives
Cricut have a couple different sets ans styles of craft knives. Personally I don’t use them as I haven’t had the need for one.
If you want to create extra cuts after the machine cut has finished this is something you can look at getting. They aren’t designed to do anything special or precise so you can use an ordinary craft knife if you already have one.
I hope you have found this guide helpful in deciding what tools you need and want for your projects and have found plenty of information to guide you into your future puchases.