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Hello! This guide walks you through performing your first cut on the Cricut. This guide will primarily focus on materials such as cardstock and vinyl.
What is the Cricut?
It is a computer-controlled cutting device. Individuals can upload and create designs on the associated Cricut Design Space workshop in order to instruct the machine. Once instructions have been given (via Circut Design Space), the machine can utilize various tools (blades, markers, or engraving tips) to produce custom designs. Depending on the tool in the machine, the Cricut can draw, cut, and engrave multiple materials such as paper, vinyl, and very thin wood.
Uploading Your Design
This can be done with a flashdrive. Once your file is on the flashdrive, upload it to the Cricut application located on one of our computers found in the makerspace.
STEP 1: Connect the Cricut to the Computer
To start, plug in the wire connected to the Cricut into the computer. Once plugged in, open the Cricut and click the power button to turn it on.
STEP 2: Find your image/design
To start, find an image that you would like to draw, cut, or engrave. Save it to your computer as a PNG, PHG, JPG, SVG, DXF, GIF, or BMP file.
‼️IMPORTANT: Your image MUST have a transparent background‼️
💡 Pro Tip: Selecting a high quality image will give you the best results.
STEP 3: Open/launch the Cricut Design Space software
Double click the 'Cricut' application icon on the DCI Lab computer located between the two embroidery machines. The icon is "cricut" in green and has a white background.
STEP 4: Insert your image into the Cricut Design Space software
b. Click on "Blank Canvas."
c. Click on "Start Designing."
d. Click on "Upload" and then "Upload Image"
STEP 5: Size your design
Resize your image to fit your desired dimensions in order for it to be sized correctly on your material (cardstock, vinyl, etc). Click on your image and modify the "Width" and "Height" inputs via arrow. The software has a "size mat" with dimensons that can be hlepful towards executing your own print!
STEP 6: Execute your design!
STEP 7: Set Base Materials
If the material you are using is not already bookmarked, double click on "Browse All Materials" in order to find your selected material. This will ensure that the Cricut is cutting at appropriate speed, depth, and tension.
STEP 8: Load Tools & Material
Orient and place your material onto the mat. Once you material is properly mounted, insert the mat into the cricut as shown below!
Once material has been loaded (as shown above), click the flashing button (shown below). This <> button helps the machine "read" the length of the material.
STEP 7: Press Go!
Once material has been loaded (as shown above), the <> button as been clicked, then you can finally click the play button!
Remember, you must be next to the Cricut while it cuts!
STEP 9: Remove Mat/Material
Once the machine is done cutting, click the <> button to "unload" the mat.
Once the mat has been unloaded, grab the mat and peel off the material.
STEP 10:
If applicable, remove the excess material that has stuck on the mat. Feel free to utilize the tools *pictured below* to help remove the excess material.
Congratulations, you're all done! To see what's possible with your new skills, here's an example of one of the many projects you can make with the Cricut: custom bookmarks!
EXTRA GUIDANCE
Feel free to utilize this video for additional guidance on the Circut.
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