Are you ready for some of the best Cricut hacks? These ideas are total game changers and will seriously upgrade your crafting experience! Every one of these tips comes from years of working with my Cricut machines, and they’re tricks I share all the time—usually followed by lots of surprised faces. So I figured it was time to share them with you, too!
Cricut Hacks
Note that the hacks are in no particular order, and all will work on any machine. If you want to watch a video with all of the ideas, just click play below.
Can't watch the video or missed some of the details? No problem! I am also listing all of the ideas below for you.
Hack #1: Removing Material from the Mat
You may or may not have heard of this one before, but I really couldn't leave it off my list. Have you ever pulled your material off the mat just to be left with a curled-up mess? That is because you are doing it incorrectly. For curl-free results, flip your mat over and peel it back from the material. The difference in your finished product is amazing!
Hack #2: Reusing Transfer Tape
Yes, you read that right. You can reuse transfer tape for about 5-7 applications. If I am working on a project with many small transfers, I will use the same piece repeatedly until it no longer adheres. Want to really conserve? Save your backing paper and put it right back on there when you are done, then pull out that piece for your next project.
Hack #3: Using a Brayer
Seriously, buy a brayer and keep it with your Cricut machine. It is life-changing! I recommend rolling over any material you are adding to your mat. It will push down all edges that might not adhere. In fact, it will extend your mat's lifespan, allowing you to use it for much longer. Trust me, this one is a must-have.
Hack #4: Test Cuts
Maybe I should have made this the first hack, as this one thing will save you time and money when crafting with your Cricut. Do a small test cut in the corner, especially if you are cutting material that you have never used before. Test your settings to ensure they work before ruining an entire sheet of material.
Hack #5: Adding a Second Pass
What if those settings don't work? Then what? Did you know you can easily add a second pass? Once your cut is complete and the arrow button is flashing to remove your mat, STOP! Don't remove that mat. Pick up a corner of your design and make sure it is cut all the way through. If it isn't, click the “C” button again on your machine, and the Cricut will cut along the same path. NOTE: Got a Cricut Joy? You can do another pass right in the app since you don't have the buttons.
Hack #6: Weeding on the Mat
Have you ever started to weed a design and your material just won't lie flat or stay still? Leave it on the mat! Leave the design on the mat as you weed. You will not have all the issues with your design moving as the mat will hold it in place.
Since we are talking about weeding, you may want to try these weeding hacks as well!
Hack #7: Putting Notes on the Mat Cover
Speaking of those mats, the clear protective sheets on the front can be a great place to put reminders for yourself. Do you always forget to mirror? Can't remember what each mat is for? Just write them on that sheet with a permanent marker, or add a label to the sheet to write on. Either way, this is a great way to put those last-second reminders right in front of you.
Hack #8: Parchment Paper Layering
This is perhaps one of the best Cricut hacks I have ever discovered. I took the original video and trimmed it into a short video below to explain the process more clearly. This is one tool you need if you are layering adhesive vinyl. Trust me, you will want to remember this trick!
Hack #9: Felt Cutting Hack
When you are cutting things like felt and even leather, you can destroy your mat! Well, I have a solution for that! Add strong grip transfer tape to the back of your felt, then put the felt on the mat. The transfer tape will hold the felt in place and protect your mat from loose fibers.
Hack #10: Cricut One Sheets
Finally, my last Cricut hack is to keep a cheat sheet near your machine at all times. I have seen a variety of these and even created a set of my own. Whichever set you choose, laminate a copy and keep it handy so you don't have to search for answers as often.
Want to buy my version of the Cricut one-sheets? I have a one-sheet for each Cricut machine and for Design Space.
So, now that you have seen my best Cricut hacks, I would love for you to tell me what ideas you have for saving time, money, or your sanity when Cricut crafting! Drop down to the comment section and let me know your best Cricut tricks. I can't wait to try them!
Love this and want more Cricut ideas? Try the links below as well!
Fantastic tips! Thank you.
Those were some great tips. Thank you so much!
Angie, another great hack is to put something (I cut a simple Cutie) on the clear sheet that keeps the dust off our mats. It makes it easy to find, no matter where you leave it!
If people use your idea and write on the clear sheet, that could serve the same purpose, of course.
That is a great hack! Thanks for sharing 🙂