Just got your Cricut? Welcome to the crafting family! Whether you’re a newbie or just curious about all the tools available, this guide will help you understand the essential Cricut tools, what they do, and how much they cost. Here’s a quick table to keep things simple:
| Tool | What It Does | Price Range | Included With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Point Blade | Cuts lightweight materials like paper, vinyl, and cardstock. | Included with Machine | Comes with all Cricut machines (e.g., Cricut Explore series, Cricut Maker series, Cricut Joy). |
| Deep Point Blade | Cuts thicker materials like chipboard, magnet sheets, and foam. | $15 – $20 | Sold separately but works with Explore and Maker series. |
| Rotary Blade | Perfect for cutting fabric without backing. | $35 – $40 | Comes with Cricut Maker and Maker 3. |
| Knife Blade | Cuts heavy-duty materials like balsa wood and leather. | $35 – $40 | Sold separately; compatible with Cricut Maker series. |
| Scoring Stylus | Creates fold lines for cards, envelopes, and 3D projects. | $10 – $15 | Sold separately but works with Explore and Maker series. |
| Weeding Tools | Helps remove small, unwanted pieces of vinyl or iron-on material. | $10 – $15 | Sold separately, but some machines may include a starter weeding tool (check your bundle). |
| Scraper Tool | Smooths materials onto mats and removes scraps from mats. | $5 – $10 | Often included in starter kits or bundles. |
| Standard Grip Mat | Holds materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock in place during cutting. | $12 – $15 | Included with most Cricut machines (e.g., Cricut Explore series, Cricut Maker series). |
| Light Grip Mat | Designed for delicate materials like printer paper and vellum. | $12 – $15 | Sometimes included with Cricut Explore Air 2 and Maker. |
| Strong Grip Mat | Best for thick or heavy materials like chipboard and basswood. | $12 – $15 | Often sold separately. |
| Cricut Pens | Lets you write, draw, or create decorative elements on your projects. | $15 – $20 for a set | Sold separately, but some machines may include one pen in the box (e.g., Explore Air 2 or Maker starter bundles). |
| Cricut Markers | Works with your machine to create bold designs or color in larger areas. | $15 – $30 for a set | Sold separately, compatible with Explore and Maker series. |
| Foil Transfer Kit | Adds metallic foil accents to your designs. | $30 – $40 | Sold separately but compatible with Explore and Maker series. |
| Portable Trimmer | Cuts straight edges for paper and vinyl quickly. | $15 – $20 | Sold separately. |
| Cricut Joy Tools | Includes Cricut Joy-specific materials and tools like Smart Vinyl and smaller cutting mats. | $5 – $30 (varies) | Specific to Cricut Joy; some tools and materials are included with the machine, like a starter set of Smart Vinyl. |
Pro Tips for Getting Started
- Start With What You Have: Your machine comes with enough tools to begin most basic projects. Experiment with these before investing in additional tools.
- Bundles Save Money: Many Cricut bundles include essential tools like mats, pens, and weeding tools, often at a lower price.
- Plan Your Projects: If you’re working with fabric, you might need a rotary blade, while wood projects require a knife blade and strong grip mat.
Learn more about Cricut and other popular brand machines with our free guide to smart cutting machines. Download Now.