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Learning to use the Cricut Maker 3
Learning to use the Cricut Maker 3
In the Creative Labs, we have a Cricut Maker 3. The Cricut Maker3 is a vinyl cutter, which is a type of computer-controlled machine tool. The computer controls the movement of a sharp blade over the surface of the material as it would the nozzles of an ink-jet printer. This blade is used to cut out shapes and letters from sheets of thin self-adhesive plastic (vinyl). The vinyl can then be stuck to a variety of surfaces depending on the adhesive and type of material. This vinyl cutter can produce permanent vinyl stickers, t-shirt iron-on transfers, heat transfer mug designs, engravings, and much more. On this learning page, we introduce the tool and complete our first project together. Watch the videos on the right to familiarise yourself with the machine.
Some Considerations
A major limitation with vinyl cutters is that they can only cut shapes from solid colours of vinyl, paper, card or thin plastic sheets such as Mylar. The type and thickness of material will vary for each cutter and how much downforce the cutter is capable of. If the material has no backing, a backing sheet, material or cutting mat, and a temporary adhesive are needed to allow the cutter to cut through the material.
Creating Multi-Colour Vinyls
A design with multiple colours must have each colour cut separately and then layered on top of each other as it is applied to the substrate. This is a process that is often applied in stencil art. Also, since the shapes are cut out of solid colours, photographs and gradients cannot be reproduced with a stand-alone cutter.
Cricut Design Space
Cricut Design, the free software, gives you an all-in-one design experience! Dive into editing texts, vector files, and bitmap images with ease. Align objects, tweak designs, and let your creativity flow for a seamless design journey. From your computer to Vinyl and other materials.
Your First Learning Task
Download and install the Cricut Design Space Software. Once this is installed login and explore the software. The login details are: Username: creativelabs@regentschool.ch Password: CreativeLabs@2024
Watch the videos below to help you learn more about the machine and how to make Vinyl stickers.
Your Second Learning Task - Your First Project
Now that you have the software downloaded and watched the videos on creating a Smart Vinyl sticker, you can use it to create a sticker for your MacBook. Take your time exploring the software's capabilities to create your design. Once you have it, go through the steps below to make and transfer your sticker to its final location.
Project Steps
Follow the steps below to complete your second project. Here is a video of someone walking you through step by step if you need it
1) Open the Cricut Design Space Software and login.
2) Create your design using the tools inside the software. Consider the size and shape so that it will fit in its final location. Use a ruler to take some measurements.
3) Connect to the Cricut Maker 3 Machine via the cable and USB adaptor and switch on the device.
3) Prepare the Cricut Maker 3 with the correct material (colour and use). You should be using Smart Vinyl Permanent for this project.
4) Send your design to the printer and make sure the settings are correct.
5) Once printed, remove the material from print and cut off from the reel (Be mindful of your wastage at this point). Using scissors cut around your design and place any usable offcuts in the drawer.
6) Using the picker tool, remove the waste material around the sticker art. Place in the bin.
7) Using transfer sheets, cut a piece big enough to transfer your sticker onto a clear transfer sheet.
8) Position the sticker on the final destination, press down, and rub using the Cricut squeezer. Rub continuously for around 20 seconds to generate heat and transfer the vinyl to the surface.
9) Peel back the transfer sheet leaving the Vinyl sticker in place. You've done it!
10) Vinyl sticker making can be a bit messy so have a clean up now, any waste material is thrown away in the bin, place tools back in the Cricut machine, and place materials back into drawers.
Your Third Learning Task - Your Second Project
You are going to create an iron-on design and attach it to a T-Shirt, Bag, or something else you have that you want to put your design onto. Cricut Maker 3 also works with Smart Iron-On Materials and the Cricut Press will help you transfer it to material.
Project Steps
Follow the steps below to complete your second project. Use the videos above to help you walk through these steps.
1) Open the Cricut Design Space Software
2) Create your design using the tools inside the software. Consider the size and shape so that it will fit in its final location. Use a ruler to take some measurements.
3) Connect to the Cricut Maker 3 Machine via the cable and USB adaptor and switch on the device.
3) Prepare the Cricut Maker 3 with the correct material (colour and use). You should be using Smart Iron-On for this project.
4) Send your design to the printer and make sure the settings are correct. (For Iron On print you turn on the 'Mirror' settings to flip the design. This prepares it properly
for ironing onto the material.
5) Once printed, remove the material from print and cut off from the reel (Be mindful of your wastage at this point). Using scissors cut around your design and place any usable offcuts in the drawer.
6) Using the picker tool, remove the waste material around the art. Place in the bin.
7) Heat the Press, ready to use.
8) Layout your material and iron the surface to ensure it is smooth and ready to take the artwork.
9) Position the artwork and check the x and y axis to ensure it is level.
9) Press the Heat Press down onto the artwork, ensuring you cover all parts of it. The type of material you are applying it to will, determine how long you leave the press on. Check this online here.
10) Remove the press and safely store it on the heat mat. Turn off the Heat Press.
11) Leave the artwork to cool and peel the clear plastic coating to reveal the print in the correct press. Leave to cool.
12) Tidy Up! It's messy so make sure any scrap pieces are placed in the bin and spare material goes back into the drawer.
13) You are done! You now have your t-shirt designed by you to wear with pride!
Your Fourth Learning Task - Reflection and Evaluation
Complete this questionnaire to reflect on your learning and your performance in your first project for laser cutting. Now you are qualified to use the laser cutter for your projects and consider how you can use it to help build and bring your ideas to life.
Further Materials
Cricut is a huge network of Creative Individuals and Businesses. So many people offer advice and interesting, creative projects to do with this machine. The possibilities are endless. Here are a few resources but feel free to explore their YouTube channel, Etsy, and other sources on the web to take your learning further.
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