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Shawn Mosch

So, you just got a Cricut . . .

If you are a brand new Cricut owner you might have searched how to use a Cricut at one point.  let me welcome you to the exciting world of crafting with an electronic cutting machine!

If I just described you then let me help you get started.  I am sure you have a lot of questions! 

Cricut Machine How to use a Cricut new Cricut

Are You a NEW Cricut Owner?

That is exactly why I am here!  I can help you learn how to use any Cricut!  From Cricut set up to understanding all of the Cricut lingo, I am here to help you!

I see people asking the same questions over and over again.  I thought wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place they could go to find all of the answers to the frequently asked questions. So get ready to learn to use your Cricut!

Cricut

By the way, this post contains Affiliate Links to companies I have partnered with, such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can think of affiliate links like tipping your waitress, only it does not cost you anything extra! Thank you for shopping with my links!

So You Just Got A Cricut

One thing you should know before you even start to use your Cricut machine is that all of the new Cricut machines sold in stores – Explore, Maker, Joy or Venture – all use the same Cricut Design Space software.  This is why I feel it is so important to really learn the Design Space software, and then you can make anything you want!

Make sure to read my article on how to download and install the Cricut Design Space software.  You can actually download Cricut Design Space before you even take your new Cricut machine out of the box!  

If you want a printable document you can download my Teach Me Cricut Design Space handbook HERE.  Some people would say that a printable document is useless because the Cricut Design Space software changes and updates so often.  I agree that the screenshots of the design canvas will look different but the basic functions of Design Space like Slice, Weld, Attach, Flatten and Contour will work exactly the same way that I describe in my handbook.

One thing I want to point out is that Cricut Design Space looks totally different on the computer than it does on the mobile app, which is used on your phone, tablet or iPad.  This is why I made a special document where I took all of the screenshots and did all of the videos on my iPad!

This might be a good time to mention that when there are major updates I will send out something in my newsletter, so make sure you sign up for that!

Frequently Asked Cricut Questions

Where is the official Cricut website?

 When you are looking for information on Cricut products please be sure to visit the official Cricut website.

How do I set my Cricut up and connect to the computer?

Follow the directions HERE

Where do I find images to cut with my Cricut?

The first and easiest place to find images to use with your Cricut is in Design Space.  This is the software that goes along with your Cricut and it allows you to search for images, view project ideas and inspirations.  You can either purchase a membership to Access, which allows you to use THOUSANDS of images for one low monthly or annual fee depending on the plan you choose or you can do what I do and find images and fonts for free on the internet!

Cricut access

More On Using Cricut Design Space for FREE!

I have NEVER paid for Cricut Access. 

Why?

There are SO MANY places where you can find free designs, images and projects online!  Many of these projects will come in an SVG file format.  I have an entire article on the topic of SVG files so you can better understand them.

You can also purchase SVG files, which are the cutting files used with the Cricut.  To find these, Google will be your best friend.  Search for free SVG files.  For example, I just searched free dog svg and all kinds of images came up for me to choose from.

Dreaming Tree has some great SVG files, and they have a whole section of free ones.

There are also SVG files for sale out there.  Find a seller that you can trust.  There are some that are really good and there are some that are not.  I have started a list of some svg sites recommended by myself or other crafters HERE.

You can also use a high quality PNG or JPG file, but you will need to know the correct process to follow in order to make it into something you can cut with your Cricut.  I have a video about this process, called Upload, on my YouTube channel.

Can I design my OWN Cricut files?

While you cannot create SVG files in Design Space, you can create project files.  For me, when I am designing my own files or projects, I try to break things down to simple shapes.  There might be some elements you can find in Design Space to combine into a whole new design.

One program that a lot of people use to create files is Inkscape.  There are groups on Facebook specifically for crafters who want to learn Inkscape.  Two that I am in are Inkscape for Crafters and Inkscape for Design Space.

Sharing Cricut Files and Designs

When you make something in Design Space, if it was created with all Cricut purchased images or simple shapes, there is a function that allows you to share the file or design.  This is great for when you are in a group and show off the project you made and someone asks “Can I have the file so I can make this too?”

The one draw back is that if you uploaded any images in order to create this design, then Cricut will not allow you to share the file or design.  This is to help cut down on people sharing images that are protected by copywrite or trademark.

How to use a Cricut - Using Design Space

If you are a new Cricut owner, you will be new to using Design Space.  There are some different tools and functions that this software has that you will want to learn.  I find it easier to pick a project you want to make and learn the steps/tools/functions that you will need to complete this project.  It seems to help people to remember how to do all of the different functions if they use them to create something.

I am going to list out the different functions below, and then I will also create videos for each and link to them.
This first group of functions will be found in the upper right corner of your screen when you are working in Design Space.
Group – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqwRQohlCTo
Ungroup – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp8fSZ3qBKk
The following tools will all be found in the lower right corner of the screen when you are working on your computer in Design Space.

Weld – Weld allows you to join images together.  HERE is a project where I used weld to connect the shadow layer of some letters. Welding is a great way to connect the letters of a script font. I show how to do that HERE.

Slice – I like to think of slice as using a cookie cutter.  If you want to cut the number 3 out of the center of a heart, use slice.  HERE is a link to a project I did that uses slice.  One note about slice, is you can only slice two items at a time.  So if you had a square, with a circle on top and then a heart on top of that, you cannot select all three of them and use slice.  You have to do it in layers, two pieces at a time.
Attach – I use attach a lot for my card making, specifically for the inside of a card.  Make a square, and then use the text function to write up the sentiment for the inside of the card, position that on the square and select the text and the square and hit attach.  Now when the image goes to the Cricut it will ask you to insert your pen first so it can write the words, and then it will cut the square around it.
Contour – Contour allows you to turn on or off some of the different parts of an image.  HERE is a project with a video to show you how contour works.
The next group of tools will all be found in top of the screen, above the space where you are designing your project.
Align – Align allows you to make sure that your items are in a straight line. I used that in a project HERE.
This group of tools are found on the left hand side of the screen.
Images – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrHjIbMx5QI
Shapes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ6n_yDA5KE
Text – This allows you to add text to your projects.  HERE is a video about adding text to a project.
Also read the next section of this post about Fonts.  This will let you do so much more with the text function.  I also have a tutorial HERE that talks about the difference between a Writing Font and a Cutting Font.
The Cricut can also do Print then Cut projects.  For these you would first print the image on your printer and then use the Cricut to cut it.  Think of this like making a sticker.  Here is a tutorial on Print then Cut. If you want to learn the difference between a print then cut and a cut only project, you can read this tutorial HERE.

Questions about Fonts and Cricut Design Space

When working with fonts, first think about what you want the Cricut to do.  Do you want it to cut out letters that you are going to attach to something or do you want a pen placed into the Cricut to write the letters out for you?
For an example of cut letters, check out this post . . . click HERE
For an example of a font with a shadow layer, check out this post . . . click HERE
Learn to add a shadow, offset or outline to text, images and shapes by clicking HERE.
For an example of how to use Inkscape to add a shadow to any font, click HERE
For an example of the pen writing the letters, check out the inside of this card . . . click HERE
You can search Cricut for fonts, and there is a filter to tell you if it is a writing font or a cutting font. If you choose a cutting font and the change the icon in Design Space from cutting to writing it will only draw/write the outline of the letters.  To my knowledge, there is no font that will color in the full letter for you.
You can also download additional fonts to use.  My favorite site to download fonts from is https://www.dafont.com/  Just download and install that font onto your computer, and then whenever you are using that same computer those fonts will show up in Design Space for you to use.  Instead of explaining how to install a font, I am just going to link you to the directions for installation on the DaFont site . . . click HERE.
There are also fonts that are called Dingbat fonts.  These are fonts that use images instead of letters.  I did a whole blog post just about using Dingbat fonts to find images you can use in your projects.  Click HERE for that post.

Questions about Working with Vinyl

* Where is the best place to buy vinyl?

If you are making a small, one time vinyl project it will probably be easiest to run to your local craft store and pick up some vinyl,  but if you are going to be making larger projects or looking to use your Cricut to make things to sell then you are probably looking for the best deal on large quantities of vinyl.  The most recommended place I see time and time again is 143Vinyl.

My favorite brand of HTV, or iron on vinyl is Siser.

* What type of vinyl do I need for my project?

That depends . . . what do you want to make?
  • Are you going to put the vinyl directly on the wall of your house?  Then I would use something that can be easily removed.  This is also called 651 vinyl.  When you remove this it will not tear up your drywall.
  • Are you going to put this on a car, glass or other item where you want it to stay there for good?  Then you want permanent vinyl.  This is also called 651 vinyl.
  • Are you going to put this on a shirt or something else made of fabric?  Then you want the iron on vinyl.   This is also called HTV or Heat Transfer Vinyl,

What is weeding?

After you cut an image or words in vinyl, you have to remove the negative space.  This process is called weeding.
One big tip for weeding is to add a weeding box around your image/text to help to make it easier to remove the negative space.  Click HERE to see more details on weeding boxes.

Personal Help on How to use a Cricut

Cricut Classes

If you would like some one on one help you can also book a video conference class with Shawn. If you just need help with one project or if you want to learn all of the functions of Design Space, there is a class for you.
The Teach Me Cricut Design Space Online Course will show you how to use each and every button in Design Space with easy to follow tutorials so you really learn the power of Design Space. This is my most complete and comprehensive resource! If you want personalized one on one time with me over video conference you can choose either the Project Specific Help or the Teach Me Cricut Design Space One on One session.
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5 Responses

  3. I have worked in a factory all of my working years. I am not good with comupers. My friend talked me into a Cricut when I retired 5 years ago. I have an ipad. I have no clue how to save & download files on my ipad. I’ve had my girls try to help me. They couldn’t figure it out either. I am lost. Just wondering if any of your classes would help me out. Thank you!

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