Why are there so many different Types of Vinyl for Cricut Machine?
At first, figuring out the different types of vinyl for the Cricut machine started to feel like a quiz. I hate tests!
I noticed when I started reading articles about making projects with the Cricut that there were so many types of vinyl for Cricut. Why? I just figured vinyl is vinyl. I was so wrong!
The types of vinyl you use for Cricut depends on what you want to do. You can’t use the same type of vinyl for every Cricut project and there are certain types of vinyl for each project. So it’s best to get them straight in your head before you begin.
So what’s the difference in all the vinyls?
631, 651, Permanent, Indoor, Outdoor, Matte, Glossy, HTV, Iron On, Window Cling, and the list goes on.
Some vinyl sticks to walls and will come off easily(631), some won’t come off…ever(651). Some vinyl you can use as iron on vinyl(HTV). Some are sparkly and others are matte.
I feel like I need to learn a new language in order to follow directions for all the types of vinyl for Cricut. I knew this was the first thing I had to learn. I created a cheat sheet for myself so I understood what all the abbreviations meant.
Cheat Sheet for Types of Vinyl for Cricut Machine
Ok…..remember this…….
651 – Permanent – Indoor/Outdoor
631 – Not Permanent-Indoor Only
Window Cling – Static Cling Vinyl
These are the 4 main kinds of vinyl you need to remember. All other vinyls fall into one of these 3 categories. Well, I say that like it’s a blanket statement, but I don’t really know that for sure. Learning still.
As far as I can see, all 4 of the different types of vinyl for Cricut come in varying types; like matte, glossy, glitter and things like that.
There is a big difference in all of the types of vinyl for Cricut and you NEED to know this stuff so you can create a beautiful project that will last for generations.
What Is The Difference Between 631 and 651 Vinyl?
Both 631 and 651 vinyl, some times called Oracle 631 or 651, is vinyl you cut with the Cricut Machine to adhere on glass or walls or just about anything that vinyl will adhere to.
The difference is 631 is temporary adhesive vinyl. This means that if you put it on the wall, like a saying, it will be easy to get off the wall when you are ready.
651 is permanent adhesive vinyl. This vinyl will be great for outside projects or glasses you will want to wash.
I made this cutout of my dog Zoey for my back car window. Since it will be in the weather, I should have made it with 651 vinyl because I want it to last longer than the first rain, but I really wanted her to be made out of the 631 Glitter Vinyl because it’s so pretty. In a few months I will be replacing her with 651 outdoor vinyl.
I also made this wall sign for the grand kids bedroom out of 631 vinyl since it’s going on a wall and I may want to take it off someday. I am sure they will not always be into pirates.
What Is HTV Vinyl?
The question “What Is HTV Vinyl” is a good one.
HTV stands for Heat Transfer Vinyl or what I know as, iron on vinyl. Ok…that makes more sense.
Here is a great example of HTV vinyl. I made this shirt called a Knockout pattern for my grandson. There are two different colors of HTV vinyls in this pattern. I cut them out with my Cricut Machine and then ironed them on one at a time. Pretty cool…right?!?
I used Cricut HTV vinyl in black and white. I bought the tee shirt at Walmart for less than $3.
Cricut Iron On Lite, White
Cricut Iron On Lite, Black
HTV works great on cloth, like shirts or backpacks…things like that. I plan on doing some dish towels with funny saying on them.
Most people say that if you use enough pressure and heat with your iron, the HTV will stand up to being washed and dried, which is good because I need to wash those dish towels.
I used my iron on the first HTV project I did and it did really well. I was a bit concerned about maybe ruining my iron that I use for our clothing, but none of the vinyl got on it.
If you are going to use a household iron for any length of time in your Cricut adventure, I would suggest buying an iron from Amazon just for your crafting.
I did end up buying the new Cricut EasyPress and I love it. What a difference! Check it out here.
What is Window Cling Vinyl for Cricut?
Window Cling vinyl for Cricut is exactly what it says, it clings to windows. This type of vinyl is great for temporary stickers for your car windows, your home windows or mirrors. They don’t have adhesive on them, so they are easy on and easy off. I have seen people make holiday things to hang in their windows out of window cling vinyl. This was an easy one for me to figure out.
Window cling is designed for indoor use only and it can be used over and over again. So make some for the holidays and then put them away until next year. Simple and easy decorations.
Where Can You Buy Different Types of Vinyl for Cricut Machine?
If I want 631 or temporary vinyl in a hurry, I go to Amazon. They all carry the “Cricut” brand vinyl in a lot of colors. I know i can get it in 2 days and that is usually faster than me trusting myself to remember to pick it up while I am out.
Amazon also has 651 or permanent vinyl, but I can get more colors at one of these other vinyl stores. I order from SwingDesign.com and am really happy with the quality and the variety of vinyl they have available. They ship it fast too, I really like that.
Let’s not forget about Cricut.com, they have all the supplies for their machines as well. 
All these different types of vinyl for the Cricut machine come in a range of colors and specialty finishes, like holographic and glitter, matte and glossy. I used glitter 651 vinyl on my dog that I put on my car. When the sun shines on it…it sparkles.
Now that you know and understand the Types of Vinyl for Cricut Machine, it’s time to get started on the very first project that Cricut suggested. All the materials are in your Cricut Machine box. For a little more help, check out this Post – First Projects Using Cricut Machine.
Related: What Is The Difference Between Cricut Weld vs Cricut Attach?
Happy Crafting!
