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What do you REALLY need when you get a Cricut? Check out this ultimate list of Cricut crafting essentials!
POV: You just got a Cricut machine, maybe some vinyl to go along with it, and now you’re wondering… what else do you need??
When I first bought my Cricut 3 years ago, I had no idea what items I’d actually use for my Cricut. I wasted a lot of money on things I shouldn’t have bought and I’m here to tell you the essentials from tools, accessories, storage organization… EVERYTHING.
This post is about Cricut crafting essentials for your Cricut.
THE BEST CRICUT CRAFTING ESSENTIALS:
These are the top 5 absolute best Cricut craft essentials that I highly recommend. As a Cricut beginner, these items are a staple for making projects and I still use all of these products to this day!
When looking to start a crafting hobby, the Cricut is CRUCIAL to have. It’s the number #1 product purchased off my Amazon shop and I can see why.
The Cricut Maker above is my current machine. I’ve had it for a little over 1 year now and it’s my favorite Cricut!
I recommend getting the Cricut Maker if you’re a beginner.
Other Cricut Machines I Recommend:
- If you’re on a budget, start out with the Cricut Explore Air 2. This is the Cricut I started out with until I upgraded to the Maker. It does the job and is great for beginners and experts!
- The Cricut Explore 3. Not looking to cut as many materials as the Maker machines? The newest Explore model cuts faster, wider, & uses smart materials.
- Get this if you want the ULTIMATE Cricut machine. Similar to the Cricut Explore 3, but cuts over 300+ materials & more!
Still having a hard time deciding which Cricut is right for you? Watch this Cricut comparison video here.
If you don’t already own this accessory kit, buy it! It’s under $20 and comes with tools you’ll ACTUALLY use.
The spatula is my favorite (I call it the flipper, lol) It helps remove the excess pieces off your mat without ruining it. The other tools like the weeder, tweezer, and scraper tool are essentials when crafting with your Cricut!
3. StandardGrip 12×12 Cricut Mat
The StandardGrip mat is a must-have in your craft list (unless you use smart materials with the Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore 3). This is a crucial step in the process of cutting your materials!
But after some time, your mat gets pretty gross. That’s why I created this video on how to clean your Cricut mat. If you’re lazy or don’t have time like me, the mats I linked come in a 3 pack for under $25 🙂
Don’t forget about these other Cricut mats below:
- This LightGrip Mat is perfect for materials like cardstock. I also use this light blue mat for vinyl, vellum and regular paper!
- The StrongGrip Mat. For my Cricut Maker owners out there, the StrongGrip mat is a must for cutting poster board, leather, chipboard & more!
- You will love this FabricGrip Mat. It’s used with the most fabrics like cotton, felt, etc. The rotary blade pairs very well with the FabricGrip mat!
Why do you need a printer when crafting? Print Then Cut projects!
If you’re unfamiliar with the Print Then Cut process via Cricut, it is a 2-step method to create projects like stickers and cards using an inket printer AND the Cricut! Watch this beginner video to learn more about print then cut.
Also as a craft business owner, a printer is great for printing invoices, thank you cards for marketing, & more! You can find other printer options on my Amazon shop under Craft Business Favorites.
This is one of the BEST items I got as a crafter.
I started working with HTV vinyl about 3 months into getting my Cricut machine. Honestly, I felt intimidated to learn how to heat press and use a different kind of vinyl. Well, I now actually prefer making HTV projects!!
Here’s some of my favorite Heat Press accessories:
- This Cricut EasyPress Mat. You’ll need this to protect the surface you’re heat pressing on! You do not want to burn or crack that beautiful workspace of yours.
- Avoid Melting HTV with a Teflon Sheet. It covers the design and protects the material you’re heat pressing. I use it every time I heat press!
CRICUT TOOL ESSENTIALS:
Now that you know the all-time necessities, it’s time to talk about tools. And once you learn about these products, you’ll understand why they’re so popular!
If you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel, you’ll see this paper cutter in a majority of them! I highly recommend it to cut your vinyl, cardstock, etc. and to help save more of your material for future projects.
The worst is when you can’t see the letters you’re weeding and you’re trying to hold it up to the light. Well, no more of that!
This Cricut Bright Pad Go makes weeding vinyl easier and MUCH more bearable.
Us crafters need a good pair of scissors. I’m constantly using mine, even when I use the paper cutter! These scissors are heavy-duty and are essential for any Cricut project.
Tired of seeing little pieces of vinyl from projects all over your craft space?? Then you’ll LOVE this product.
You can wear this ring (it’s actually supposed to be a nail polish holder!) on your finger and place the extra vinyl pieces in it. Man, it was driving me crazy cleaning up the tiny pieces across my desk and floor!! Plus, they come in 15+ different colors and are a bargain if you head to your local dollar store and buy one!
I’ve also shown this tool in a handful of my YouTube videos like this one.
Please, do NOT guesstimate where the middle of a T-Shirt is!! I’ve done this wayyy too many times and I ended up with a crooked t-shirt design and wasted vinyl.
This T-Shirt guide comes with several rulers for different sized t-shirts and it’s easy to store in your craft room. 10/10!!!!
I was unaware that there was a product on the market like this Heat Resistant Tape from Cricut!
I use this tape when I’m making mugs with my Cricut Mug Press and it helps SO much. I also use it on t-shirts and other heat pressing projects! Highly recommend this tape 🙂
If you’re debating about purchasing an iPad to use with your Cricut… this is your sign to DO IT.
I use my iPad not only to create stickers, but also SVG’s, my YouTube thumbnails, & other graphics for my business! My favorite is to draw digital illustrations with my Apple Pencil.
You can watch my tutorial on how to draw a digital illustration here!
8. StandardGrip 12×24 Cricut Mat
You can thank me later for this one 🙂
This mat changed the game for me as a crafter! I started using these for my doormats, and I have never looked back since.
The extra 12” also allowed me to add multiple colors of vinyl on the mat so I didn’t have to do separate cuts for each color! Get the 3 pack here from Amazon for under $25!
If you’re heat pressing, you’ll need these Teflon sheets!
I use these every time I heat press. Simply place the teflon sheet over the design so it protects the HTV vinyl and avoids direct contact. We don’t want our HTV vinyl to overheat and get destroyed!!
Want to heat press small projects with your Cricut? The Mini EasyPress is perfect for those crafts like hats, socks, ring boxes, & more – plus, it’s so cute!!
Transfer tape is an absolute MUST-HAVE essential when working with adhesive vinyl. I’ve gone through my fair share of transfer tape, but the BEST I swear by is this one above!
I’ve been using it ever since I bought my Cricut and I love that I can order it in bulk online!!
You know what they say – the bigger the project, the bigger the…
TOOLS.
This XL scraper is great for using transfer tape for bigger projects like acrylic signs! It’ll save you a lot of time, trust me.
Another essential for heat pressing!
An EasyPress Mat is necessary when using the Cricut EasyPress 2 (so you don’t burn the surface you’re heat pressing on!)
You NEED a ruler in your craft room! I use it for every single project with my Cricut and the ruler above seriously helps with alignment.
I also LOVE that it’s transparent, so it’s easier to see what you’re measuring!!
15. Clamshell Heat Press Machine
Sometimes a handheld iron can be rough on the arms (hello arm workout!) That’s why I suggest the Clamshell Heat Press Machine.
I bought it once I started selling apparel items and it made my life SO much easier!!
Check out these alternative clamshell heat presses:
- My Commercial Heat Press. I’ve owned this heat press for almost 2 years and it is by far a top seller! It’s always sold out on 143 vinyl.com and I LOVE the mint color!!
- Amazon Swing Away Clamshell Heat Press. If you have the room this one, I highly suggest the swing away heat press! The swing away makes it easier to prep your material before pressing so you don’t get burned.
This brayer tool by Cricut is amazing!! Over time, my Cricut Mats become less sticky, so the brayer tool helps with adhering vinyl, cardstock, or any material, to the mat!
It’s also shown in almost every YouTube video of mine 🙂
If you make a lot of signs, the Self-Healing Mat above is great for your desk! I love using it for making acrylic signs because I can see how straight my design is.
It also comes in several colors & sizes on Amazon 🙂
CRICUT ORGANIZATION ESSENTIALS:
As you become more familiar and experienced with the Cricut, your craft collection starts to grow… maybe at a faster pace than you intended! These are some common Cricut organization products:
A sturdy vinyl holder is honestly an essential for any crafter. I primarily work with vinyl (HTV + Adhesive) and I STILL feel like I dont have enough room for the rolls!
This vinyl holder is easy to install on your wall and can hold a good amount of vinyl.
I’ve seen this cart from Michaels on almost every crafter’s Instagram. It’s small enough where it won’t take up too much room in your craft area, but still provides plenty of storage!!
Here are some other alternatives:
- Amazon 3-Tier Rolling Card with Dual Pegboards
- SimpleHouseware Heavy-Duty Metal Cart
- Honey Can Do Craft Storage Cart
For those who know me, I am a neutral gal. So anything rattan or beige is my vibe!!
These boho baskets can hold your vinyl rolls, craft blanks, & other Cricut accessories! And the size is great too for minimal room.
This is one of the BEST items I got as a crafter. Nowhere to store your office accessories or some cute decor? Install these easy shelving units!
They come in several different colors and work for any craft room aesthetic.
If you like to store your vinyl in hidden drawers for a minimalistic look, then these IKEA drawers are for you!
I bought 2 because the drawers also hold my commercial easy press!
Definitely a craft room essential. You will need to store your other office accessories somewhere on a desk!
This acrylic organizer is super inexpensive and has a very clean look.
Check out these other alternatives:
- This 3-Slot Acrylic Organizer. It’s perfect to store pens, scissors & other office accessories.
- Purchase a 360 Rotating Desk Organizer. Great for small objects!
- A Large Drawer Organizer. Store cardstock, extra Cricut mats & more.
This narrow shelf from Amazon is the PERFECT size for my office. I don’t have the biggest craft room, so this one fit nice and snug!
I also love that it comes in several colors and sizes for more variety!!
Shout-out to Target for these drawers! I use them underneath my desk & they fit so all of my vinyl, which is A LOT.
CRICUT CRAFT ROOM ESSENTIALS:
Creating personalized space for Cricut crafting makes all the difference! (And it’s OK if you don’t have a special crafting room, I would know, I started out in the corner of my storage closet!) Here are my top-recommended Cricut craft room essentials:
If you have an open corner in your living space, this L-Shaped desk is perfect!
I’ve had this desk for almost 2 years now and it’s still in great shape. It fits my Cricut Maker, laptop, and Cricut EasyPress 2, with PLENTY of room to make Cricut projects!!
It also comes in several other colors like black, white, & oak!
Long nights of crafting would be VERY difficult without a comfy chair. I used to sit on a folding chair and trust me, you need a good quality chair.
The one I have is from Target.I love the look of this and it feels like I’m sitting on a cloud!! But here are some other recommended chairs:
- A Modern Swivel Chair. If your floor isn’t carpet, a sturdy rolling chair is a must!
- You Will LOVE This Fluffy Arm Chair. It is SOOO soft and is perfect for long nights in the craft room!
For the crafters who have a tiny space, this white desk is for you!
A little bit of variety is essential when filming content. A white desk is not only great to work on, but also acts as a backdrop when taking photos & videos of Cricut projects! (Plus, it’s great for extra storage!)
I am OBSESSED with these indoor string lights.
They are currently hanging in my office & I love the look! These lights create an aesthetic backdrop for my YouTube videos and were easy to install.
I also bought these heavy-duty adhesive hooks to hang the lights 🙂
One of the best things about having your own craft room is being able to personalize it! This letter board is customizable and easy to hang on any wall.
I made a quote with mine and loved seeing this reminder every day!! It was very motivational 🙂
I also have this mini light-up sign that’s on the shelf in my office.
6. Lamp With Built-In Phone Charger
A lamp that lights a room up AND charges your phone? Say. Less.
This aesthetic, gold charging lamp fits perfectly in my craft space! It’s more on the expensive side, but that’s because of it’s sleek, modern look.
I wanted a lamp that matched the vibe of my boho office and this one did the job!
If you’re on a budget, take a look at these budget-friendly charging lamps:
I spotted this vase in Target and IMMEDIATELY put it in my cart!! It is the perfect size to fit my XL pampas grass in my office!
You can pair it with this plant stand I got from Amazon for a lil boost 🙂
I’ve dreamt about having one of these for SO LONG!!
If you watch my YouTube videos, you’ll see this neon sign in the background! Most neon signs are $500 or more, but this one from Amazon was just under $250!
I was able to fully customize it by the size, light color, and design. I chose my business name, but it’s very common to select an inspirational word or quote!
This might not be considered an “essential”, but if you have the money to splurge, DO IT.
This is one of the BEST items I got as a crafter.
Lastly, these black modern frames are great for decorating. I filled mine with pictures I’ve drawn, quotes, and other inspirational words!
I also bought another pack for my home. They go with any home aesthetic!
WOW! This was a lengthy post, but I really hope it helps all of the crafters out there! It thoroughly lists all of the essentials you’ll truly need as a Cricut crafter.
This post was all about Cricut crafting essentials for your Cricut.
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This was super helpful! Thank you! 🙂
Thanks so much Katie! Glad I can help 🙂
Have you ever made a license plate with htv vinyl?
Hi Jessica! I have a blog post on here making a license plate with adhesive vinyl – the material of the plate is usually metal or plastic and I do not suggest adding heat to that kind of surface or else it will melt lol!