Are you new to the craft world? Or did you just get a new Cricut cutting machine? I’d say congratulations! The next step would be finding all of the compatible designs for Cricut that you can try out.
There are so many types of cutting machines from multiple manufacturers. So for a beginner, it might be a little tricky to know the compatible design for Cricut machine that you own. So stay tuned to know more.
First and foremost, when starting to use a new cutting machine, you need to know the difference between SVG and other types of images. Alongside that, you also need to understand the reason behind why the most compatible design for Cricut is SVG format.
A Cricut cutting machine is able to cut out multiple types of design, and not just SVG. However, Cricut SVG files are the best type to use for a cutting machine like Cricut for multiple reasons.
What makes an SVG different from other types of files like JPG or PNG is the form of the file itself.
The thing that makes SVG files the best compatible design for Cricut is the fact that SVG is made up of a bunch of numbers and codes. These codes are what determine the design and how an SVG looks.
This is why SVGs can be scaled up or down no matter the size without messing up the quality. Because SVGs are not limited to pixel sizes like raster images (that’s the technical term for JPG and PNG files, by the way).
Now, why is this important to know as a beginner crafter?
Because well, Cricut cutting machine is not like an ink-jet printer! They don’t have any ink to print colors as a regular printer machine does. This is why SVGs—even though they can’t retain color in their design—are the perfect compatible design for Cricut and other cutting machines.
I know that might be obvious, but to be completely honest with you, I did not know this when I first started haha! I hope you already know this before buying your cutting machine but if not, well now you do!
If you try to print out a JPG or PNG design with a cutting machine, your end result will not be able to retain the details in the design.
You can utilize raster images so it can be a compatible design for Cricut by printing them out first with a regular inkjet printer. Then you’ll be able to use the Print Then Cut setting on your machine.
Aside from the graphic design, you might also want to use fonts for your cutting machine. As for fonts, Cricut is not able to detect editable text formats such as OTF or TTF formats.
If you find your fonts won’t print properly, you will need to change them into uneditable text formats. Check out how to do that here:
There is a whole world to be explored when it comes to the best format of the file for your cutting machine. Be sure to make the time to learn to find the best possible compatible design for Cricut that you can use.
The next thing you need to start crafting with a Cricut machine is the materials of course! The materials you use will also affect the compatible design for Cricut and your final product.
For projects like scrapbooks that do not have much volume or dimension, you can simply use printer papers. However, for cards or shadow boxes that need more sturdiness, try using cardstocks and experiment with the various cardstock weights you can find.
Cricut cutting machines can also be used to make projects with vinyl. For vinyl projects, you will need adhesive vinyl or iron-on vinyl depending on your product needs. You will also need some transfer tape and a burnishing tool, can be a Brayer roller or squeegee. You can use the burnisher that Cricut provides too!
As I mentioned, Cricut, like other cutting machine manufacturers, has a lot of different types of machines. Each of these machines is equipped differently with different features and size compatibility.
The types of Cricut cutting machines are:
All of these different types of machines have different sizes and uses. Take the time to learn about your particular machine type and read the appropriate User Guide or Quick Start Guide.
Thankfully, Cricut has its own design software called Cricut Design Space. In this application, you can resize your desired designs so that they will fit and cut out perfectly.
The application also provides over 100 templates to make a preview of a compatible design for Cricut.
To access this menu, simply start a New Project. In the left bar of the display, you will see the Templates menu with an icon shaped like a T-Shirt.
After choosing the template you want to use, go on and upload the SVG file you want to cut out. You can adjust the design’s size so it will fit properly with the final item.
With these available templates, you can get the proper sizing for your respectable Cricut cutting machines faster and easier.
As a beginner in the craft biz, time and patience are perhaps the most important thing you will need. With these two things, you will be able to persist through the hardest and most frustrating things!
But don’t worry, you don’t have to go through it alone! Come and join our Facebook community filled with many other craft hobbyists and business owners.
Aside from mingling and sharing tips, you can also get exclusive freebies like Cricut SVGs from Drizy Studio to help you practice your craft every day!
Follow our social media for How-To videos and other great offers!
