Creating knockout designs with your Cricut can be incredibly fun, but it can also get a little overwhelming—and expensive—if you’re not careful. The good news? You can achieve amazing results without draining your wallet or spending hours perfecting every detail. Here are some smart hacks to save time and money while crafting knockout designs.
1. Use Free Font Resources
While premium fonts are great, there are plenty of free options available on platforms like Creative Fabrica and Dafont. Look for fonts specifically labeled for knockout designs—they’re usually bold and clean, making them easy to work with.
2. Maximize Vinyl Scraps
Don’t toss those vinyl leftovers! Even small pieces can be used for parts of your knockout designs, like letters or accents. Use Cricut’s SnapMat feature in the Design Space app to position your design over scraps for maximum efficiency.
3. Invest in Multi-Use Tools
Instead of buying a separate tool for every task, opt for versatile tools like Cricut’s basic tool set. The weeder, scraper, and scissors can handle most tasks with ease, saving you money and drawer space.
4. Pre-Designed Templates Are Your Best Friend
Save time by using pre-designed templates available in Cricut Design Space or websites like Etsy. These templates take the guesswork out of creating a knockout design and allow you to focus on cutting and assembling.
5. Batch Your Projects
If you’re making multiple items with similar designs, batch them! Cutting multiple layers at once and weeding them together can drastically cut down on your crafting time.
6. Use Removable Vinyl for Practice
Mistakes happen, but they don’t have to be costly. Practice your knockout designs on removable vinyl before using your permanent or heat-transfer vinyl. This way, you can perfect your process without wasting materials.
7. Take Advantage of Sales
Stock up on materials during sales or with coupons from stores like Michaels or Joann. Sign up for newsletters to get notified of discounts and exclusive offers on Cricut supplies.
8. Save Your Favorite Settings
Cricut lets you customize and save material settings for specific projects. If you’ve nailed the perfect pressure and cut depth for a knockout design, save those settings to avoid trial and error next time.
With these hacks, you can create stunning knockout designs without breaking the bank or spending all day on a single project. Remember, crafting should be fun and stress-free—so embrace these tips and let your creativity shine!